Our vision and teachers
Iokai Shiatsu – I Shin – Den Shin
Iokai Shiatsu is transmitted according to the principle of I Shin – The Shin, which literally means ‘from heart to heart’. This refers to a direct, experiential way of learning, in which knowledge, insight, and the passion for the profession of teacher are passed on to the student. You learn more than just techniques; you learn an art that is deeply rooted in traditional Eastern medicine.
Whether you want to learn shiatsu as a relaxing massage or as therapy at the university level, our training offers personalized guidance and a learning environment where attention is at the center. During your studies, you not only develop the skills of an Iokai Shiatsu therapist, but you also grow as a person. Shiatsu is not only a way to help others, but also a valuable journey of personal development.
Vision for learning – practical and inspiring
Our training offers a learning environment where you can work with pleasure and dedication. Iokai Shiatsu is an art that you learn not only with your hands, but also with heart and attention. You can feel that passion in the lessons and in your contact with your fellow students. The training requires commitment, but the inspiring lessons and the intensive collaboration make the learning process a enriching experience – not only professionally, but also personally.
You learn Shiatsu mainly by doing. In the classes, the teacher explains a technique, shows it, and guides you in practicing with fellow students. From the very beginning, you apply what you learn outside of class as well – for example, by practicing on friends or family, or by arranging to meet with fellow students. Regular practice is actively encouraged and helps you develop a greater sense of the principles of Shiatsu.
What makes our training special is that the theory is always linked to the practical application. In the online learning environment, you get a clear and accessible explanation of the basic theory. During the lessons, this knowledge is further explained through practical examples. This way, you immediately apply the theory in treatments, which not only makes you understand it, but also truly live and integrate it.
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Online Support
During your studies, you will receive support through an online learning environment. Here you will find comprehensive information about the program, assignment descriptions, your study results, readers, supporting videos, and recorded webinars. The Iokai Shiatsu program is strongly practice-oriented, with many practical lessons and practice sessions. The online learning environment provides additional teaching materials, so you can continue studying and practicing effectively even outside of class.
Shiatsu learning in stages – modular structure
The Iokai Shiatsu training has a modular structure, allowing you to organize your studies flexibly and grow step by step. Whether you want to learn shiatsu as a relaxing massage, as a recognized treatment method, or as a complement to your current profession, the modular structure makes it possible to study at your own pace.
Starting with the first modules, you develop the basic skills and build practical experience. After completing two modules, you will already be able to give relaxing shiatsu massages to friends, family, or in your own practice. If you want to deepen your knowledge and apply shiatsu as a symptom-oriented therapy, you can expand your studies with the follow-up modules.
Our teachers
Kazunori Sasaki
Kazunori Sasaki was the student and closest assistant of Shizuto Masunaga. He dedicated his life to spreading and further developing Iokai Shiatsu in Europe. The study of Eastern medicine and the refinement of Iokai Shiatsu are his life’s work.
Sasaki Sensei is also President of the European Iokai Shiatsu Association (EISA) and plays an important role in the management of the Iokai Shiatsu training programs in Europe. He lives in Italy, but travels regularly to the Netherlands and other countries to teach and share his knowledge.
Norbert great Beverborg
Norbert has been the director of the Iokai Shiatsu Professional Training since 2013 and teaches the clinical level modules.
“More than 30 years ago, my journey began with Shiatsu. One of my most important teachers was Sasaki Sensei. Through the countless times I had the opportunity to assist him, I gained a deeper understanding of the deeper meaning of Eastern medicine and Iokai Shiatsu. With great pleasure, I have now been teaching the clinical level modules for many years.
Tanja van der Schaaf
Tanja She has been associated with the training program since 2014. As an education director, she develops the curriculum. She teaches the modules of the Meridiaanniveau, the final module leading to a do-in as a teacher, and trains teachers for the basic level.
“Connecting through touch” has been my driving force since my first encounter with shiatsu – 25 years ago. A simple touch can bring people back to their core. It is extraordinary to see students experience that for the first time: their wonder, emotion, and pride. Their development as therapists and their growing understanding of health from an Eastern perspective continue to inspire me.
Ans Harmsen
Ans has been a teacher at the training since 1999. With her years of experience as a therapist and teacher, she brings a deep understanding of Iokai Shiatsu to her students.
“In my classes, I give many examples from my own practice so that the theory really comes to life. I want to stimulate the curiosity of my students and encourage them to explore on their own. That is what Ilo Kai Shiatsu is all about for me: passing on knowledge from teacher to student, from heart to heart. A vivid, direct transmission.”
Mirjam de Jong-Ekkel
Mirjam teaches the basic level modules. After completing her training as a massage therapist in 2009, she came into contact with Eastern medicine, which inspired her to further specialize in Shiatsu. In recent years, she has been teaching the course with great pleasure.
“Learning Shiatsu is a beautiful journey where personal development is at the core. I find it inspiring to be able to walk a little part of the journey with the students, and to see how they develop and grow.”
Diana Brouwer
Diana is part of the teacher team for the primary level. She began her career as a professional dancer and dance teacher, and later brought her experience and skills into the (special) primary education sector. There, she worked as a teacher, manager, supervisor of appropriate education, and teacher coach. Her specialization lies in trauma-sensitive education, with a focus on resilience and self-reliance.
“Teaching is, for me, above all, about having fun together. No matter how seriously we take the discovery and experience of what shiatsu is, sometimes having a good laugh and having fun is also part of it.”
Rini de Smit
Rini graduated as a Iokai Shiatsu therapist in 2003 and has been associated with the training program ever since. Since 2010 she has been teaching the basic level modules. In addition to her work as a teacher, Rini has a background as a Qigong teacher and mindfulness trainer.
“My teaching style is honest, direct, and attentive to the other person. In my classes, I like to use humor, because teaching is also about having fun for me. I find contact with students important. I try to impart what my teachers and life have taught me. I look forward to meeting you.”
Birute (Mala) Kubiliute
Mala teaches the modules at the Meridiaanniveau and the Diagnoseniveau. She graduated as a Iokai Shiatsu therapist in 2012 and has been closely involved in the training ever since. In addition to Iokai Shiatsu, Mala is trained in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Japanese acupuncture.
“What touches me time and again is seeing students learn to understand how their own lives and the world around them are interconnected – and develop an understanding of illness and health. Learning Shiatsu requires a certain commitment. But once you have mastered the basic principles, it is very rewarding to see how simple, conscious touch can actually make a difference in people’s lives.”
Tjerk Copier
Tjerk teaches the basic level modules in Delft with great enthusiasm. Since graduating in 2017, he has assisted Sasaki Sensei and Ans Harmsen with the lessons in the third and fourth grades, after which he followed the training path to become a teacher. Tjerk is also trained as a massage therapist.
“What touches me most about teaching is the personal growth that students go through – how they learn to listen to their bodies and discover what food, movement, and attention can do.
The beginning of the Meridiaan lessons is always special for me: the wonder when I feel the Ki flowing within myself and in others always touches me again and again. It’s as if a new world opens up where everything is connected.”
Register for the open day
Come to the open evening and discover for free whether the profession of a Shiatsu therapist is right for you. Meet teachers, students, and graduated therapists who enthusiastically share what it’s like to study Shiatsu and to start working as a therapist. Experience Shiatsu yourself during joint exercises and treatments.
