John E. Fish, USA
Latest Massage Therapist signing up for the 7th World Championship in Massage is John E. Fish from USA. The International Massage Association has asked him to tell about himself:
I have been a licensed massage therapist in Illinois since 2007, having begun the study of massage in 2001. I practice yoga several times each week.
At the end of my very first introductory massage class over 20 years ago, I knew that it would be my mission to bring emotional and physical relief to people with my hands. Not long after taking the introductory course, I took an introductory massage class at The Esalen Institute, and have taken additional classes over the years. My massage is heavily influenced by the characteristics of Esalen massage which include long strokes connecting the parts of the body, a slow and deliberate pace with one technique flowing smoothly into the next, breaking contact as infrequently as possible, and with a mental focus of supportive reiki energy for the person I have the privilege to massage. I sometimes use gentle rocking as a technique, however, I have never used tapotement as I feel it is inconsistent with the peaceful session I strive to provide.
I have also taken many continuing education courses offered through the American Massage Therapy Association over the years, as well as courses offered by other teachers including John Barnes Myofascial Release I, Carol Osborne Sheets’ prenatal massage workshop, Thai massage on the table with Paul Fowler, and many others.
The primary objective of my massage is stress relief, although I will gladly concentrate on giving attention to certain areas of the body as may be requested.
Many of the massages I give are provided as a volunteer to the nurses and doctors in the cancer centers at two nearby hospitals. This began in 2022 as a way to thank them for taking such good care of me when I was receiving chemo. I found it so rewarding that, although my chemo ended some time ago, I am still in one of the cancer centers doing eight 30 minute massages almost every week. I am paid in good karma and hugs!
I graduated from the Wellness and Massage Training Institute in Woodridge, Illinois in 2007. Sadly, after 23 years in operation, the school closed in 2010 and so, there is no website currently available.
The International Massage association look forward watching John E. Fish skills at the World Championship in Massage at the end of June in wonderful Copenhagen in Denmark.

