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Your Expertise Matters
Judge at the 10th Ukrainian
Massage Championship
The team of Massage Art Fest and the Ukrainian Massage Championship (UMC) is pleased and honored to invite you to serve as a judge at the 10th Anniversary Ukrainian Massage Championship. This milestone event brings together the finest massage professionals and celebrates a progress in the development of massage art in Ukraine.
Your expertise and experience are extremely important to us. Together, we can make this anniversary championship an inspiring, professional, and truly international event.
UMC is founded by Alexander Nikolaichuk (known as Akiro) — a recognized expert, founder of UMC and Massage Art Fest, a specialist in women’s health rehabilitation, a master of IASTM therapy, the creator of the educational platform Course Plus, and the developer of his own massage tools brand AkiroBlade. Under his leadership, UMC has grown into Ukraine’s #1 championship, setting the standard for quality and becoming a model for similar competitions worldwide.
The Ukrainian Massage Championship (UMC) is Ukraine’s leading professional massage tournament
Massage Art Fest is a large-scale festival of massage art, where the UMC is held annually. It brings together hundreds of professionals and is now considered the biggest massage event in Ukraine. We are actively working to bring it to the international level and make it one of the leading events in Europe.
An international festival of massage arts, bringing together hundreds of therapists, educators, and innovators. It features over 80 workshops, open classes, and wellness activities, creating a vibrant platform for learning and networking.
Massage Art Fest:
One of the Largest Massage Event in Europe
Massage Art Fest:
One of the Largest Massage Event in Europe
Massage Art Fest is a large-scale festival of massage art, where the UMC is held annually. It brings together hundreds of professionals and is now considered the biggest massage event in Ukraine. We are actively working to bring it to the international level and make it one of the leading events in Europe.
An international festival of massage arts, bringing together hundreds of therapists, educators, and innovators. It features over 80 workshops, open classes, and wellness activities, creating a vibrant platform for learning and networking.
Our Team
Our Team
Why Join Us as a Judge?
By joining us as a judge, you’ll gain valuable opportunities for professional growth and visibility
International recognition of your name
Your role will be promoted in the championship’s and festival’s official materials, increasing your visibility in the professional massage community. UMC is an international stage — your work will be seen by colleagues not only from Ukraine but from abroad.
Conduct a masterclass
As part of Massage Art Fest, you will have the chance to lead an author’s workshop or seminar. With over 80 practical sessions on offer, you can contribute your unique technique, earn recognition — and additional income.
Attract students
Present your training programs and enroll students who wish to study with you. Many massage professionals come to the festival seeking high-quality education — it’s a perfect chance to expand your student base.
New professional connections
Meet fellow therapists, organizers, sponsors, and participants from various countries.
Informal networking at gala evenings and afterparties often leads to valuable collaborations or lasting friendships.
Enter the Ukrainian market (despite the war). The massage industry in Ukraine is growing steadily, even during these challenging times.
Attending UMC sends a signal that you are open to working with Ukrainian professionals.
You’ll better understand the level of local therapists, the needs of Ukrainian students and clients, and can offer your services or products. Despite the war, demand for new techniques and quality education remains high, and your presence can help expand your reach.
Grow your international profile
Serving as a judge at the anniversary championship boosts your global reputation. You will be part of UMC’s history and gain experience judging a major Ukrainian event — an asset to your professional CV.
Judging also gives you a fresh perspective on massage as an art form, and a chance to learn best practices from fellow judges from other countries.
Why Join Us as a Judge?
By joining us as a judge, you’ll gain valuable opportunities for professional growth and visibility
International recognition of your name
Your role will be promoted in the championship’s and festival’s official materials, increasing your visibility in the professional massage community. UMC is an international stage — your work will be seen by colleagues not only from Ukraine but from abroad.
Conduct a masterclass
As part of Massage Art Fest, you will have the chance to lead an author’s workshop or seminar. With over 80 practical sessions on offer, you can contribute your unique technique, earn recognition — and additional income.
Attract students
Present your training programs and enroll students who wish to study with you. Many massage professionals come to the festival seeking high-quality education — it’s a perfect chance to expand your student base.
New professional connections
Meet fellow therapists, organizers, sponsors, and participants from various countries.
Informal networking at gala evenings and afterparties often leads to valuable collaborations or lasting friendships.
Enter the Ukrainian market (despite the war). The massage industry in Ukraine is growing steadily, even during these challenging times.
Attending UMC sends a signal that you are open to working with Ukrainian professionals.
You’ll better understand the level of local therapists, the needs of Ukrainian students and clients, and can offer your services or products. Despite the war, demand for new techniques and quality education remains high, and your presence can help expand your reach.
Grow your international profile
Serving as a judge at the anniversary championship boosts your global reputation. You will be part of UMC’s history and gain experience judging a major Ukrainian event — an asset to your professional CV.
Judging also gives you a fresh perspective on massage as an art form, and a chance to learn best practices from fellow judges from other countries.
Championship Format
The 10th Ukrainian Massage Championship (UMC) will be held as a full-day event during Massage Art Fest, on September 22, 2025 (the first day of the festival).
The day will include participant registration, competition rounds, an awards ceremony, and a celebratory afterparty in the evening.
Competition categories cover various areas of massage art, allowing participants to showcase their strengths. This year’s nominations include:
Body Massage
Classical and Western full-body techniques – from Swedish and sports massage to author methods
Facial Massage
Face and neck massage techniques, including cosmetic elements, lymphatic drainage, lifting methods, and more
Oriental Massage
Traditional Eastern practices such as Thai yoga massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic methods, Gua Sha, and other.
Junior Freestyle
For specialists with less than 1 year of experience with freestyle techniques
Regulament
Each participant prepares a 30-minute program. The competition is held in session format — several tables work at once (up to 10 participants per session), starting and ending simultaneously. A timer is displayed on a large screen to help participants stay on track. Breaks (~15 minutes) are scheduled between sessions for venue preparation. Spectators (festival visitors and supporters) are welcome to observe and vote for their favorite performances.
Criterion:
Judge’s Evaluation
1. Appearance and Hygiene Standards
Professional appearance of the participant and their compliance with essential hygiene and sanitation standards during the massage performance. Clean and neat professional uniform appropriate for massage work, tidy personal appearance (hair, nails, overall cleanliness), use of disposable or sanitized materials (e.g., sheets, towels, gloves if applicable), clean and prepared workspace or massage table, safe and hygienic handling of massage tools and products.
2. Ergonomics of the Practitioner and Model
The practitioner’s body mechanics and posture during the massage, as well as the correct and safe positioning of the model/client on the table throughout the session. Proper and safe positioning of the model, master’s posture, efficient body movement and weight transfer, appropriate table height for optimal working position, general safety and comfort for both practitioner and model during the entire performance.
3. Technique and Execution According to the Declared Program
How accurately and professionally the participant performs massage techniques in accordance with the stated massage style or concept presented in their application. Clear demonstration of techniques specific to the chosen massage method, correct execution of movements (pressure, rhythm, direction, depth, duration), logical and smooth flow between techniques, absence of random, unstructured, or inappropriate movements.
4. Commercial Attractiveness of the Program
This criterion assesses how appealing and marketable the presented massage program would be for potential clients in a real-world commercial setting (spa, clinic, private practice). Clear concept and purpose of the massage session, visual appeal and harmony of the technique from a client’s perspective, balance between effectiveness and comfort for the client, originality and uniqueness, professionalism and presentation that inspire trust and interest in the service.
Each criterion is scored on a 10-point scale. Total scores are calculated from all judges’ ratings. Final results are based on the collective evaluation — no single judge can determine the outcome, ensuring a fair and balanced process.
Location
The UMC will take place at Sofia Aqua Spa Hotel — a modern hotel and wellness complex located in Velyka Omelyana, Rivne region, just 5 km from the city of Rivne.
Located in Western Ukraine, the area is calm and distant from any conflict zones, ensuring a safe environment for our guests. The hotel has security and shelters in case of alerts. Your safety and comfort are a top priority.
The venue includes large halls for competitions and workshops, conference rooms, restaurants, and leisure areas. It’s designed in a contemporary style with Ukrainian cultural elements. Cozy hotel rooms and cottages are available — perfect for relaxing after a busy day.
Guests also enjoy a spa and aqua complex: five outdoor pools, one indoor pool (including a large heated pool), Finnish saunas, Roman steam rooms (hammams), jacuzzis, a salt room, and more. A gym and sports areas are also available. Between sessions, you can enjoy coffee in the lobby bar or try local and European cuisine at the hotel’s well-reviewed restaurant.
All festival and championship events are held on-site, so there’s no need to travel elsewhere. Massage tables and all necessary equipment will be provided. Extra items (towels, sheets, gloves, etc.) will also be supplied to participants. Equipped rooms are available for masterclasses the day after the championship.
Rooms have been reserved for judges and speakers — please notify in advance us of your travel dates early.
Location
The UMC will take place at Sofia Aqua Spa Hotel — a modern hotel and wellness complex located in Velyka Omelyana, Rivne region, just 5 km from the city of Rivne
Located in Western Ukraine, the area is calm and distant from any conflict zones, ensuring a safe environment for our guests. The hotel has security and shelters in case of alerts. Your safety and comfort are a top priority.
The venue includes large halls for competitions and workshops, conference rooms, restaurants, and leisure areas. It’s designed in a contemporary style with Ukrainian cultural elements. Cozy hotel rooms and cottages are available — perfect for relaxing after a busy day.
Guests also enjoy a spa and aqua complex: five outdoor pools, one indoor pool (including a large heated pool), Finnish saunas, Roman steam rooms (hammams), jacuzzis, a salt room, and more. A gym and sports areas are also available. Between sessions, you can enjoy coffee in the lobby bar or try local and European cuisine at the hotel’s well-reviewed restaurant.
All festival and championship events are held on-site, so there’s no need to travel elsewhere. Massage tables and all necessary equipment will be provided. Extra items (towels, sheets, gloves, etc.) will also be supplied to participants. Equipped rooms are available for masterclasses the day after the championship.
Rooms have been reserved for judges and speakers — please notify in advance us of your travel dates early.