Shiatsu Society

What is the Ratification of Theory Assessment ?

Each participating Shiatsu School compiles a file evidencing their teaching of the theory taught for Shiatsu practice (anatomy, physiology and pathology; Shiatsu theories such as Five Element Theory, Zen Shiatsu, Traditional Chinese Medicine), and giving samples of their assessment so verifiers can ascertain that the content and pass/fail level is appropriate. Awareness of the Code of Ethics and ethical practice is also verified. Frequency of theory ratification for a Shiatsu School is every three years.

What is the Ratification and Verification of Practical Assessments?

Each participating Shiatsu School compiles a file evidencing their teaching of practical skills for shiatsu practice, as detailed in the Core Curriculum.  Examples of assessment are included for verifiers to examine the method used for practical assessment.  Verifiers examine the practical file, and give Initial Ratification when they feel it is adequate.  Full practical ratification is contingent on verification visits at the frequency specified in the Rules and Regulations (presently, in years 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, subject to Verifiers’ approval).

The verification visit occurs in the final three months of the third year of shiatsu training at a Shiatsu School.  One of the two verifiers visits the Shiatsu School and spends time observing students being taught and practising shiatsu techniques.  This verifier will also spend some time discussing the practical assessment with the School Principal or Senior Teacher present.  Discussion will include discussion of the practice of students present at the session, and comparing observation of them.

The verifier will then discuss their visit with the second verifier, and on their approval, and submission of a report of the visit, full practical ratification may then be given to the Shiatsu School.

By means of this process, the Shiatsu Society (UK) verifies that the Shiatsu Schools’ practical assessment procedures are appropriate for the level of a student at the end of their third year, and who after a further year gaining experience on the Post Graduate Year, may join the professional register (MRSS), as an alternative to attending an Assessment Day (for MRSS).

Which Schools have been verified for both Practical and Theory?

Northern School of Shiatsu
Glasgow School of Shiatsu
European School of Shiatsu (only students graduating 1997 to May 2007)
Aberdeen College of Shiatsu
The Shiatsu School Edinburgh
London College of Shiatsu
University of Derby
Devon School of Shiatsu
British School of Shiatsu-Do - London & Nottingham branches
Bristol School of Shiatsu
The Shiatsu College - Newcastle, Hastings, Brighton, Norwich and Manchester branches
The Genki School of Shiatsu

This means that Graduates from these schools may proceed to joining the Professional Register (MRSS) by means of the PGY (Post-Graduate Year).

Which Schools have been verified for Theory only?

Kikai (Morley College)
The Ealing School of Shiatsu

If you are a Graduate from one of these schools, then you will need to attend a MRSS Assessment Day in order to proceed to become a member of the professional register (MRSS). Alternatively, you may approach a Shiatsu School ratified for practical, and see whether they are willing to assess you, and take you on as part of their Post Graduate Year supervisees.

How do Schools become verified for theory or practical?

It is possible to be ratified for just the theory.  In order to be ratified for the practical, the School needs to be already ratified for the theory. The practical verification process is described in detail in the document 'New Route to joining the Professional Practitioner Register 2008' that is available from the Education section of the Document Downloads page.

Submission date for new applications from Shiatsu schools wishing to be verified - 17th December 2009.

See the Document Downloads for application forms and further guidelines.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss the above.