My experience as a judge at the World Massage Championship in Copenhagen: The new category “Body Shaping”

At the 2024 World Massage Championship the Body Shaping Massage Category had its debut. The International Massage Association asked Italian judge Daniela Caracciuolo how her experience was judging this new category.

This year I had the honor and responsibility of participating as a judge at the World Massage Championship, held in Copenhagen, one of the most prestigious and anticipated competitions in the sector. This year’s edition marked an important novelty with the introduction of the new category “Body Shaping”, in which I had the privilege of contributing as a judge together with Olja Police from Serbia, Rita murauskiene from Denmark and Isabelle Trombert from France.

A new frontier in massage: Body Shaping

The introduction of the Body Shaping category represents a great step forward in the evolution of massage techniques at a professional level. This discipline combines advanced body manipulation skills with a deep knowledge of anatomy and body shaping techniques. Its aim is not only to relax or relieve tension, but also to contribute to the harmonious reshaping of the body, improving the aesthetics and posture of the client.

Evaluating the participants in this new category was particularly stimulating. We had to consider not only the technique performed, but also the results obtained, taking into account the body shape before and after the massage session. Every detail, from the fluidity of the movements to the depth of the pressure and the ability to customize the treatment based on the specific needs of each client, was essential for the judgment.

The role of judge: responsibility and professionalism

Being chosen as a judge was an honor, but also a great responsibility. My professional experience allowed me to observe and evaluate the various techniques with a critical and conscious eye, always trying to be impartial and respectful of the hard work of the participants.

During the various stages of the competition, I was impressed by the level of expertise demonstrated by the masseurs from all over the world. In particular, in the Body Shaping category, I had the opportunity to appreciate the creativity and innovation that each professional brought. Each competitor showed an in-depth knowledge of the most advanced techniques and an incredible ability to adapt to different body shapes, always trying to obtain the best possible result in terms of shaping and relaxation.

The challenges of judging

One of the most difficult aspects of judging a category like Body Shaping was trying to balance aesthetics with therapeutic effectiveness. It is not enough that a massage visibly shapes the body: it is essential that the process is healthy and beneficial for the client, without causing damage or excessive stress to the tissues. Evaluating these factors required meticulous attention and a deep understanding of the physiological principles and techniques of massage.

Each treatment submitted had to demonstrate consistency with the principles of safety, professional ethics and long-term effectiveness. For me, it was also crucial to consider immediate feedback from the models used by the competitors, to better understand the impact of the treatment on their well-being.

A promising future for Body Shaping

The introduction of the Body Shaping category at the World Massage Championships opens up new opportunities for both professionals and clients. I believe this discipline will continue to grow in popularity, not only for its aesthetic benefits, but also for its therapeutic potential. I am proud to have participated in this innovative event and to have contributed, in my own small way, to promote greater awareness of how massage can be a powerful tool for physical and mental well-being.

Conclusion

Participating as a judge in a competition of this level was an experience that enriched me both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to compare myself with the best massage therapists in the world, learning new techniques and approaches from them. But above all, I was able to witness how passion, dedication and the continuous pursuit of excellence are at the heart of this wonderful profession.

I can’t wait to see how Body Shaping will continue to evolve and positively influence the practice of massage in the coming years.

• By IMA Ambassador Daniela Caracciuolo, Italy who is hosting an IMA Masterclass on February 15-16, 2025

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