The three week intensive course at Byron Thai Massage School went far beyond my expectations! The course covers a truly astounding amount of material in a well-paced, clear manner that allows plenty of time to both practice and receive massage each day. Valentina has a true skill in clearly demonstrating and explaining the techniques, movements and sequences; she is always available for questions and her pointers and clarifications during practice time were greatly valued. I also really appreciated her dedication to finding safe ways for each, individual practitioner to deliver the movements so as to reduce strain on their own bodies. Valentina's care as a teacher really shines through in her ever-present attention to detail on every level!
Class sizes are small enough for each student to get one-on-one attention; the studio space is also a beautiful learning environment; and Byron Bay and surroundings are also stunning. The daily schedule felt spot-on - enough time to digest things, and enough time for practice and breaks. The third week of intensive practice time was also a vital chance to consolidate the enormous amount of material covered in the first two weeks. And the chance to offer a full two-hour massage to an 'external' client at the end of the course was a confidence-building way to finish! (I feel well-equipped to go out and immediately start offering massages.)
I was also amazed and delighted to feel the difference in my own body as a result of three weeks of regular 'giving and receiving' of Thai yoga massage. Although the course is physically intense, I found it very rewarding in this regard.
All-in-all, I feel like I have received world-class training in Thai yoga massage, from a teacher with great passion and care for the practice. Thank you Valentina!

From the get go I have appreciated your detailed and direct approach... From the initial emails to the course content everyday throughout the course. I feel empowered to continue practicing my massage techniques with confidence and I think the various learning modes each day were excellent ... the combinations of your demonstrations, the videos, detailed book, opportunities to take notes and heaps of practice was very much appreciated and very well rounded. Your feedback was great and I really loved working on the various types of bodies: getting everyone else's feedback was important too!
I really enjoyed learning with Karena and Peter and I found their classes so inspiring that I intend on exploring various aspects of their teachings further. Their teachings lent more insight into the Thai Massage coursework and were a beautiful way to get moving in the morning... a type of "easing into it" really. So many lightbulbs moments! Definitely an important part of the course.
Peter's quality of touch and core work teachings were excellent- I found so much value and practicality in them.
And I particularly admire Karena's quiet kindness, steady patience, amazing adaptability and fast response in adjustments. An excellent teacher.
Though the thought of going back to Chiang Mai to study Thai Massage was very enticing, I am glad I chose to study with you as I don't think for a second I would have received the same value, attention, and level of training that I received from you. I sincerely hope to study with you again in the future.

I really enjoyed the course and found the content fascinating and well presented. There is a lot to learn on this course and at first I was wondering how I would learn it all. But the method of teaching Valentina has developed is highly effective. The days are split into watching and learning new sequences, and putting into practice what we learn. There is so much variety and "doing' to keep engaged and enthusiastic every day. The manual Valentina has developed is very thorough was invaluable to me, as someone who is terrible at making (readable) notes.
Valentina's teaching style was ideal for me. She is passionate and direct, yet patient and understanding. She clearly has a lot of experience teaching complete beginners and had helpful advice for every potential stumbling block and situation. I found her communication style to be completely clear and logical and I loved how open to feedback and new ideas she is. Our group felt like a little family and we had a lot of laughter and fun. I sometimes had work issues I had to attend to and Valentina was very flexible and understanding when I had to slip out of a class.
Peter's quality of touch and core work teachings were excellent- I found so much value and practicality in them.
The setting of the school was very comfortable, and we had full use of a kitchen and very nice facilities. All of us felt very welcome and at home. the area is great- beaches nearby, all the conveniences you need and a great cafe at the end of the road. I highly recommend Valentina and the Byron Bay Thai massage school- you are assured of high quality tuition from a very experienced practitioner, and most probably a lot of laughter and new friends.

I have been asked by many of my clients how my trip to Byron was and did I learn anything new from this course......well....I actually have said to all my clients, I think I learnt more with you in just the first week than what I did in Thailand in 5 weeks, pretty much everyone was astounded. I commented to all that your attention to detail and the way you taught the class was incredible, you tweaked us on all that we did not quite grasp straight away, and I felt like you were with us and wanted us to get it right with each technique and movement.
At times yes I was frustrated, because I didn't CLICK with something straight away, but your ongoing support was fantastic.
I have been performing Thai massage with clients since I got back to Tassie, (at least on a fortnightly basis) which is great, and I feel so much more confident since doing the course with you. I also include some Thai movements when I am doing remedial massage, clients make comments like "Did you just climb up on the table? or Are you up on the table with me? Are you doing your Thai style on me? and I'm like yes yes yes its different isn't it? my clients really like it as I mix it up on the table.
But I must admit, I get very excited when I know I am going to massage the traditional Thai way, not only are they getting a good stretch and massage, but I'm also bringing my clients to a beautiful, relaxed state of mind and body, and I am getting a workout of my own, it's like dancing, you need strength, balance, rhythm, and focus.