Participating in a massage championship isn’t just about trophies or titles—it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing growth, and discovering a deeper sense of empowerment. Standing in front of judges, peers, and an audience can be nerve-wracking, yet the experience invites you to confront fears, stretch your limits, and find confidence you didn’t know you had.
When you put yourself in this space of vulnerability, you open the door to creativity, resilience, and transformation. Competing allows you to test new techniques, receive valuable feedback, and approach your practice with fresh eyes. Just like massage therapy itself, the experience of competition can be healing—it challenges you, shapes you, and helps you rise into your fullest potential.
That’s why at the Annual Arizona Massage Championship, hosted by Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), it’s not just about who “wins.” It’s about what you gain by showing up, participating, and saying yes to the opportunity.
Why Enter the Arizona Massage Championship?
Here are just some of the reasons massage therapists and students alike choose to step onto the competition floor:
- Skill Development – Refine your techniques and learn new approaches from both peers and judges.
- Passion for the Craft – Showcase your love for massage and the creativity you bring to your practice.
- Inspiration & Motivation – Surround yourself with like-minded professionals who encourage you to grow.
- Exposure & Recognition – Build your reputation, attract new clients, and gain community visibility.
- Feedback & Learning – Receive valuable input to help you improve and continue evolving as a therapist.
- Fun & Enjoyment – Experience the excitement of competition in a supportive and uplifting environment.
- Networking Opportunities – Connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators in the industry.
- Community Engagement – Feel the camaraderie of being part of Arizona’s massage therapy community.
- Professional Development – All participants receive continuing education scholarships from SWIHA, with 100 CE hours awarded to the first-place winner.
- Path to the World Massage Championship – The Arizona champion earns a scholarship to represent our state at the World Massage Championship (WMC).
The 5th Annual Arizona Massage Championship
📅 Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
📍 Location: Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Tempe, Arizona
🎉 In conjunction with SWIHA’s Annual Fall Festival
This year, therapists can participate in four categories:
- - LMT – Clothed Modalities: Thai Massage, Polarity, Reflexology, Shiatsu, etc.
- LMT – Unclothed Freestyle: Swedish, Myotherapy, Lomi Lomi, and other therapeutic massage styles.
- Massage Therapy Student – Clothed Modalities
- Massage Therapy Student – Unclothed Freestyle 
Special Sneak Peek – October’s Gifts & Graces
As a lead-in to the Championship, SWIHA is hosting a special Gifts & Graces event on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 6 pm.
🌟 Keynote Speaker: John Sanders, World Massage Hall of Fame inductee, will share insights on what it takes to be “Extraordinary” and why stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for success.
💆♂️ Mad Skills Demonstrations: Featuring industry professionals, including KC Miller (Founder of SWIHA), Joel Hamilton (Dean of Massage Education at SWIHA), and Robin Wotton (past 1st Place Champion of the Arizona Massage Championship).
👉 RSVP here: Choose to Be Extraordinary – Gifts & Graces
The Arizona Massage Championship is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of passion, creativity, and the healing art of massage therapy. By participating, you’re not just showcasing your skills—you’re stepping into growth, confidence, and a stronger connection with the massage community.
✨ Whether you’re a licensed massage therapist or a student stepping into your very first competition, this is your chance to shine, learn, and be inspired. And remember—it’s not about winning; it’s about the courage to step forward and the growth you’ll carry with you long after the event.
🌿 Ready to challenge yourself and be part of this empowering experience? Join us at SWIHA for the 5th Annual Arizona Massage Championship and take your practice—and your confidence—to the next level.
