Which Category is Best For You..

NCSMC allows up to THREE categories per participant.

Choose Your Categories:

Swedish Massage

Sports Massage

Wellness Massage

Thai Massage

Eastern Freestyle

Western Freestyle

Chair Massage

Facial Massage

Student Category

Clinical Challenge

Barefoot Bodywork

Sports Massage:

Please declare that you are doing either pre-event, post-event or maintenance.

• Stretching and mobilization of joints in combination with massage techniques is allowed (recommended for maximum 30%)

• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 30%)

• It is mostly performed on a massage table or mattress

* If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category

Wellness Massage:

It includes all services that are provided in spa and wellness centers such as Hot stones massage, Bamboo, wraps and other wellness techniques.

• Stretching is allowed

• Mobilization of joint is allowed

• The use of special equipment like stones, bamboo, cups is allowed

• It can be performed on a massage table as well as on mattress

(NC licensed estheticians may enter this category. Proof of licensing and insurance is needed)

* If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category.

Thai Massage:

Techniques used in this style aim to relaxation and to the treatment of musculoskeletal as well as psychological issues.

• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)

• Stretching is allowed

• The receiver is mostly fully clothed

• The use of oil is allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)

• It is mostly performed on a mattress but can be done on a massage table

•Mobilization of joint is allowed

• Shoes are not allowed in Thai massage

* If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category

Facial Massage:

It is performed on a chair or massage table.  It includes all Facial techniques such as Kobido, Japanese Facelifting, Swedish, Wellness as well as many other techniques and services that are provided in spa and wellness centers.

• Use of tools is allowed

• Stretching is allowed

• Mobilization of joint is allowed

• The use of oil is allowed

• Massage of neck, chest and arms is allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)

(NC Licensed Estheticians are allowed to compete in this category. Proof of licensing and insurance needed)

Eastern Freestyle:

It includes all services that are provided in spa and wellness centers such as Hot stones massage, Bamboo, wraps and other wellness techniques.

• Stretching is allowed

• Mobilization of joint is allowed

• The use of special equipment like stones, bamboo, cups is allowed

• It can be performed on a massage table as well as on mattress

(NC licensed estheticians may enter this category. Proof of licensing and insurance is needed)

* If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category.

Western Freestyle:

Techniques that are derived from Western massage styles such as Swedish massage, Myofacial release, Muscle energy techniques, Sports massage, California massage and other Western techniques.

• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 50%)

• Stretching is allowed

•Mobilization of joint is allowed

• The use of oil is allowed. It is performed on a mattress or on a massage table

* If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category.

Chair Massage:

The style is mostly performed with the receiver on a special chair. Techniques that are derived from both Western and Eastern inspired massage techniques such as Sweidsh massage, Thai massage, Shiatsu, Hot stones, as well as many other techniques.

• Use of tools is allowed

• Stretching is allowed

• Mobilization of joint is allowed

• The use of oil is allowed

Swedish Massage:

This modern version (late 1800s-now) of Swedish massage should contain the basic techniques Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction and Vibration.

•Declare “relaxation” or “therapeutic.” Tools are allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)

• Stretching and forearms are allowed (recommended for maximum 20%). If you are using more than 20% tools, forearms or stretching, then you need to be in the Wellness Category.

• Is mostly performed on a massage table, but can be done on a floor mattress

* If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category.

Student Category:

This is not an IMA or AMC category. It is an ACMA approved category. The student will preform their best Swedish massage or combination of techniques. Make sure to have a flyer explaining your style of massage.

Students are not eligible to win the overall prize, however can earn a place in the category however they are welcome to compete in the final round for experience if they so choose to.

Barefoot Bodywork Category:

This is not an IMA category. It is a new approved ACMA category for the states. This category will be at AMC. This category has its own scorecard. 

  • This category will include ashiatsu,  deep feet, and sarga. 

  • Hands or tools are not allowed. 

  • Use a variation or combination of techniques used in Barefoot modalities. 

  • Should use bars and silks safely and correctly. 

  • Innovation is encouraged.  Showcase your development of new sequences, your unique style, and the execution of these innovations. 

  • Keep bars, feet, and floor clean. 

Clinical Challenge Category:

This is not an IMA category. It is AMC approved category. You may use any IMA-modality or combination of techniques while competing under this category heading.

You must show that you can …

● Assess and treat a problem area

● Demonstrate/explain how and why the treatment type was a good choice

● Exhibit efficacy

● Assess the receiver's health/condition and develop an appropriate on-the-fly treatment protocol. This can be done through a written intake, verbal intake, physical assessment, and other metrics needed. Tools, computers, and resource manuals may be used.

● Execute an appropriate protocol for the client’s pathologies and/or deficiencies reported or discovered.

● Reassess the receiver after the treatment (efficacy) and communicate a further treatment plan if needed.

** Debriefing .. The judges will then interview each therapist for approximately 5 minutes or less.

• The therapists may show any assessment tools or post-treatment evaluations and/or follow-up documentation at this time.

• The judges will ask relevant questions to the therapist such as:

1. What was the client’s complaint or Area of Focus (AOF)?

2. What specific techniques did you use?

3. What did you find? Were there any surprises? How did that alter your original treatment plan?

4. Did you fix the problem (pain scale)?

5. What SPECIFIC instructions or recommendations did you ACTUALLY give your client?