Our Mission
• To raise professional standards of Nuad Thai in Europe
• To connect therapists, schools, and international judges
• To promote ethical practice and proper education
• To select qualified representatives for international championships
đź“– RULES
General Competition Rules
1. Professional attire required
2. Respect Thai cultural traditions
4. Techniques must follow Nuad Thai principles
5. No unsafe or prohibited techniques allowed
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Competition Time
1. Each competitor must perform according to submitted category.
2. Late arrival = disqualification.
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Each competitor must perform according to submitted category. Total Time: 60 Minutes includes preparation and clean up
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Judging Criteria (100 Points)
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Knowledge of Thai wisdom – 20 points
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Technique – 30 points
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Professional ethics & positioning – 10 points
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Continuity & flow – 10 points
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Innovation – 10 points
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Client communication & care – 10 points
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Professional appearance & hygiene – 10 points
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CATEGORY and DESCRIPTION​
1. Knowledge
Anatomy / Energy lines / Trigger points / Theories
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2. Techniques
How many techniques / Variation of these / Composition / combination of techniques relevant
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3. Ergonomics
Table adjustments /Bodywork / power transmission / Body alignment/Client positioning
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4. Flow
Flow and rhythm / Transitioning : grip to grip, hand to tools / Work / treatment within timeframe
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5. Innovation
Development of new moves and grip / Innovation through own unique style / Style combination
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6. Client contacts and care
Insight and empathy / Techniques vs. client / Presser and depth vs. Client /Tools, accessories, client draping
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7. Personality, preparation, therapist workwear, instruments, timing, cleanness, self introduction
• Personality, Dress Code, and Interpersonal Skills
• Preparation Before Performing Duties
• Client Reception and Pre-Massage Preparation
• Self-Introduction
• Cleanliness, Hygiene, and Safety Practices
• Post-Massage Service and Client Care
• Punctuality and Time Management
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All decisions by the judging committee are final.
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WANTS - Competition Category
Rules & Recommendations
Add a general description of the items listed below. You can introduce the list and include any relevant information you want to share. Double click to edit the text.
CATEGORY 1
HEALTH MASSAGE
Nuad Thai for Health
Traditional Nuad Thai focused on relaxation, flexibility, mobility, muscular comfort and overall well-being.
Category Rules
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Performed on a floor mattress.
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Minimum 80% traditional Nuad Thai techniques.
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Receiver remains appropriately clothed.
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No oil is permitted.
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Pressure, compression, stretching and joint mobilisation are allowed.
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Massage tools may be used as a complementary element, maximum 20%.
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All techniques must be safe and appropriate for the receiver.
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Shoes are not permitted on the mattress.
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Table or chair-based performance should enter the appropriate other category.
The performance must remain clearly recognisable as Nuad Thai throughout.
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Recommendations
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Demonstrate clear and authentic Nuad Thai identity.
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Maintain good rhythm, flow and continuity.
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Use appropriate pressure and safe stretching.
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Demonstrate professional body mechanics and positioning.
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Respect the receiver’s comfort, safety and individual limitations.
• • The overall performance should reflect the heritage, quality and professional standards of Nuad Thai.
CATEGORY 4
SPORT MASSAGE
Nuad Thai Athletic – Sport
Designed for athletes and active lifestyles, focusing on muscle recovery, flexibility, performance and injury prevention.
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Category Rules
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Sports massage techniques from different professional backgrounds may be used.
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Performed on a massage table or floor mattress.
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Stretching and joint mobilisation are permitted, recommended for a maximum of 30% of the performance.
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Massage tools are permitted, recommended for a maximum of 30%.
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Oil or massage products may be used when appropriate.
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All techniques must be performed safely and professionally.
Recommendations
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Demonstrate techniques appropriate for athletic recovery, mobility and performance.
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Apply stretching and mobilisation safely and with clear purpose.
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Maintain good body mechanics, pressure control and receiver comfort.
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Judges will evaluate technique, effectiveness, flow, safety and overall sports massage approach.
CATEGORY 2
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Nuad Thai Relief
Therapeutic massage combining Nuad Thai with modern techniques to help relieve pain, improve mobility and support recovery.
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Category Rules
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Before the competition, 10 common musculoskeletal symptoms/conditions will be announced.
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On competition day, 2 symptoms will be selected for all participants.
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All participants will work on the same two symptoms at the same time.
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Total competition time: 60 minutes.
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Participants must demonstrate an appropriate therapeutic approach to relieve the selected symptoms.
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Nuad Thai and modern therapeutic massage techniques may be combined.
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Floor mattress or massage table may be used according to the technique.
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Techniques must be safe, controlled and appropriate to the selected symptoms.
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Unsafe or contraindicated techniques are not permitted.
Recommendations
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Conduct a brief consultation and assessment before treatment, including symptoms, pain level, mobility and contraindications.
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Prioritise receiver safety and comfort at all times; avoid excessive pressure or unsafe techniques.
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Communicate with the receiver and adjust techniques when necessary.
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Conduct a brief post-treatment reassessment to evaluate pain relief and mobility.
• • Judges will evaluate safety, technique, clinical reasoning and therapeutic approach.
CATEGORY 5
WELLNESS MASSAGE
Nuad Thai Wellness
Holistic massage focused on deep relaxation, stress reduction and overall well-being, combining traditional inspiration with contemporary spa and wellness techniques.
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Category Rules
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Spa and wellness techniques such as Hot Stone, Bamboo, Cupping and other recognised wellness methods are permitted.
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Performed on a massage table or floor mattress.
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Oil and appropriate wellness products may be used.
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Stretching and joint mobilisation are permitted.
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Special equipment and massage tools are permitted when used safely and appropriately.
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Participants may combine techniques from different massage traditions.
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All techniques and equipment must be used safely and professionally.
Recommendations
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Create a harmonious treatment focused on relaxation, comfort and well-being.
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Demonstrate smooth flow, rhythm and professional use of wellness techniques.
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Use tools and equipment with clear purpose and appropriate safety precautions.
• • Judges will evaluate technique, flow, creativity, safety, receiver comfort and overall wellness experience.
CATEGORY 3
FREESTYLE MASSAGE
Nuad Thai Inspiration
A creative and open massage category where participants may combine techniques from any massage tradition, Eastern or Western. Nuad Thai may be used as an inspiration, but prior Nuad Thai experience is not required.
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Category Rules
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Any recognised Eastern or Western massage techniques may be used and combined.
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Performed on a floor mattress or massage table.
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Oil is permitted.
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Stretching and joint mobilisation are permitted.
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Massage tools are permitted for a maximum of 50% of the performance.
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Participants are free to demonstrate their own style, creativity and professional skills.
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All techniques must be performed safely and professionally.
Recommendations
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Demonstrate creativity, originality and smooth flow.
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Combine techniques with clear purpose and harmony.
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Maintain good body mechanics, professional presentation and receiver comfort.
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Judges will evaluate creativity, technique, flow, safety and overall performance.
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General Information
​General Criteria (Applicable to All Categories)
All participants must have prior training in Nuad Thai, health massage, therapeutic bodywork, or related disciplines. This training may be acquired through schools, institutes, workshops, online courses, Thai temples, or traditional learning methods within Thai or other cultural contexts.
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Hygiene Requirements
Participants must dress appropriately. Acceptable attire includes polo shirts, t-shirts, long pants, uniforms, traditional or cultural attire. Nail polish is permitted, but nails, hands, and feet must be clean. Long fingernails are strictly prohibited.
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Safety Requirements
To ensure the safety of both practitioners and receivers during the competition, the World Association of Nuad Thai and Spa (WANTS) sets forth the following safety standards:
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1. Participants must assess the recipient’s physical condition before beginning the massage. This includes inquiring about medical history, pregnancy, surgeries, or any physical limitations to prevent any potential harm.
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2.Techniques must be applied safely and not involve excessive force, particularly in high-risk areas such as the neck, lower back, joints, or along the spine. Movements that could cause injury must be avoided.
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3. Massage tables, mats, or any equipment used must be stable, clean, and in safe working condition.
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4. The use of items that may pose a risk, such as open flames, heated candles, sharp objects, or chemical substances, is strictly prohibited during the competition.
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5. Participants must maintain personal cleanliness and wear proper attire. Hands, nails, and overall grooming must meet hygiene standards to prevent infection or discomfort to the recipient.
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6. Participants must communicate clearly and respectfully. Recipients must be informed of the procedures and allowed to express any discomfort, pain, or concerns at any time.
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7. In the event of an accident or medical emergency, participants must immediately cease the session and notify the responsible officials, following the safety protocol established by the event.