Fijian (Barefoot Matwork) Archives - Center for Barefoot Massage training and continuing education: Learn FasciAshi myofascial ashiatsu

Fijian (Barefoot Matwork)

This Barefoot Matwork class (formerly known as “Fijian Barefoot Massage”) can be a starting point as your 1st barefoot massage class, as a supplement to any existing matwork you already provide, or it can be used to grow your existing barefoot vocabulary and master more skills applied by your feet. Originally taught within the massage industry starting in the 1990’s, adapted and brought to the United States from the Fijian Islands by Lolita Knight, this lineage of matwork based barefoot massage is traditionally performed on a floor mat using body cushions, with the client clothed – but can easily be done directly on the clients skin with zero to minimal lubrication.

Great as a stand-alone service, works wonderfully within any Thai, Shiatsu, Breema or Matwork session, and can even be implemented within a table-top barefoot massage like the Myofascial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage techniques we teach in our FasciAshi classes.

This massage is super portable, as it is easy to use at events, house-calls, impromptu at family gatherings, or even out in nature with minimal equipment. Often times the therapist will find themselves seated in a chair or the floor while providing strokes. For standing strokes, the use of overhead bars is not required – although the FasciAshi Strap really helps! We may stabilize our balance with the FasciAshi-Strap, a chair, or any other balancing tools such as a bamboo staff, rather than overhead bars.

The work incorporates specific, deep pressure followed by a vigorous jostle movement to the larger muscle groups. Fijian Massage works with intensity by using our strong toes and bony aspects of our feet to create simple, rhythmic stroke repetitions. The versatility of the 8 moves that make up this technique allows for a wide range of possible ways to use it in your practice however “kneaded”!

Fijian (Barefoot Matwork)

Barefoot Matwork: Colorado Springs, CO Jan2026

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Instructor: Erin Poovey

Date: 01/30/2026 - 01/31/2026

Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Continuing Education Credits: 16 CE's

Prerequisites: Must currently be a Licensed Massage Therapist legally eligible to provide paid, professional therapeutic massage therapy services to the public in accordance with the laws in their state, and have massage liability insurance. If from an unregulated state, proof of graduation from a 500-hour massage school program.

Read full course description here