FAQ

Q: What is the origin of Kizuna Bodywork?
A: Kizuna Bodywork founder Les May developed a unique form of massage by drawing on his lifelong experience with dance and martial arts and his connection with nature for inspiration. He created many original techniques and used a number of concepts in his massage work that set it apart from other styles.

Q: What are some of the key technical differences between Kizuna Bodywork and other massage styles?
A: In contrast to most massage therapists, Kizuna Bodywork therapists save their hands, wrists, fingers, and thumbs from pain and injury by using the hands only for relatively light work. They practice a more diverse set of techniques that includes extensively using forearms and elbows to gracefully give any level of pressure from light to deep. Those who have completed an advanced level of study also practice Kizuna Bodywork's deep tissue massage system that does not rely on the hands. Many of the techniques of Kizuna Bodywork are unique to this style and are original creations of its founder.

Q: I already studied another style of oil massage and have a professional certificate in that style. Am I required to earn a Kizuna Bodywork Basic Certificate before taking Advanced Classes?
A: You are welcome to enroll in Kizuna Bodywork Advanced Classes if you're already an experienced practitioner in another massage style. Our classes will meet your continuing education needs and can complement many other massage styles well. But because many of Kizuna Bodywork's techniques and concepts, even at a basic level of study, are very different from those of other oil massage styles, earning a Kizuna Bodywork Basic Certificate is a prerequisite for earning an Advanced Certificate.

Q: What does "kizuna" mean?
A: Kizuna is the Japanese word for "connection" or "bond." This word captures beautifully the strength and depth of our work in that it signifies our connections with the love in our own hearts, with our creativity and intuition, with nature, and with other people that form the basis of our work.

Q: If Kizuna Bodywork is really oil massage, why do you call it "bodywork?"
A: Kizuna Bodywork goes far beyond the usual concepts and methods of massage, and so we use the term bodywork to differentiate our work from conventional massage. See the section above, Benefits of Kizuna Bodywork, for more about the range of our work and how it is different from other massage styles.

Q: What materials does the practitioner use?
A: The practitioner may use massage oil or lotion. The massage is usually performed on a massage table covered by a sheet, and the client is usually covered with a towel. These and all other materials required during classes will be provided to students by Kizuna Bodywork.

Q: Is the client clothed or unclothed?
A: The client chooses whether or not they will wear any clothing, and the practitioner respects their decision. Some clients are more comfortable wearing underwear and a bra, a swimsuit, or other clothes, and this is always fine. Some clients are comfortable being unclothed, and when this is the case the practitioner always covers their groin with a sheet or towel. For women, the breasts are also always covered unless the client prefers her chest to be uncovered.

Q: I want to take a Kizuna Bodywork class, but I can't afford it. What should I do?
A: Please review the discounts we offer and use as many of them as possible to reduce your class fees. You may also contact us to find out about payment plans so you can enroll and gradually pay your fee over time after completing a class.

If you have any other questions please contact us.