Barefoot Classes
In-person Ashiatsu and barefoot massage CE classes for licensed massage therapists, taught in Durham, NC at Bull City Soles. Small-group, hands-on training with direct feedback and a clear progression from Fundamentals through Advanced levels.
Choose Your Training Path
All instructors teach Fundamentals. In Durham, you can continue through:
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Intermediate
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Advanced
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Clinical (co-authored)
Each course builds on the previous level and follows the Center for Barefoot Massage certification pathway. Want the overview first? Visit the Training Page to learn about Julie’s teaching approach and what to expect in Durham.
Fundamentals
^ START HERE ^
Learn one-foot, barefoot massage using overhead bars and gravity to deliver broad, consistent pressure without exhausting your hands.
Emphasis is on prone work, but you’ll also learn a supine sequence for a balanced session. Expect plenty of feet-on practice, time receiving work, and a take-home sequence you can use immediately.
You'll also learn safe body mechanics, bar construction basics (layout, mounting/safety considerations), pressure control, client positioning, and session flow.
Plus: a mini marketing module on how to introduce barefoot massage to clients, simple launch plan, and messaging you can use right away.
Schedule: 9:00 am–6:00 pm daily, 1-hour lunch
Prerequisite: Licensed/Registered/Certified Massage Therapist
3 DAYS, 24 CE'S, $750
Intermediate
^ NEXT STEP / ALT NEXT STEP ^
This Intermediate class empowers the experienced barefoot massage therapist to maintain long trigger point holds and deliver deep, gliding strokes to the anterior and lateral aspects of your client's body.
A detailed focus on how to address the posterior and lateral cervical muscles, the psoas and other hip flexors, as well as Quadratus Lumborum and adductors.
Join us to learn more detailed clinical footwork!
Schedule: 9:00 am–6:00 pm daily, 1-hour lunch.
2 days, 16 CEs, $500
All classes are taught in person in Durham, NC at Bull City Soles. Therapists travel from across the Southeast and throughout the U.S. to study here.
Advanced
^ INTERMEDIATE REQUIRED ^
Take your barefoot massage skills to the next level in this advanced training course.
Master myofascial release techniques with both single and double-footed strokes, applying your full body weight for effective and safe results.
Strokes are performed with the client in prone, supine and side body positions, while the therapist massages from varying angles of pressure to achieve a safe, deep, myofascial barefoot massage.
Schedule: 9:00 am–6:00 pm daily, 1-hour lunch
2 days, 16 CEs, $500
Clinical: Neck
^ ADVANCED REQUIRED ^
Utilizing established myofascial release methodologies, this course centers on a sequence tailored for the neck, with the objective of targeting structural imbalances often associated with prevalent complex cervical pain stemming from conditions like whiplash, forward head posture, degenerative disc disease, and various neck injuries.
Participants will be equipped with techniques incorporating both feet and hands to deliver a specialized myofascial massage session tailored specifically for chronic cervical pain ailments.
Schedule: 9:00 am–6:00 pm, 1-hour lunch
1 day, 8 CEs, $250
Visiting Durham
All classes are held in person at Bull City Soles in North Durham, NC, about 20 minutes from RDU Airport. Durham is easy to navigate, with hotels and restaurants within a short drive of the studio.
If you're traveling in for training, consider building in time to rest between class days. Many therapists appreciate a little recovery time after hands-on work.
You’re welcome to book time in our Recovery Room (infrared sauna and cold plunge) during your stay.
