World Massage Festival &
Massage Therapy Hall of Fame


July 12-14, 2024 - AMC
July 14-18 2024 - WMF
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Cherokee, NC


Our Mission Statement: To honor those who built the bridges for our profession,
to educate the general public about massage, to educate therapists
about different types of massage and to have fun.








John Davis
2016 Massage Therapy Hall of Fame Member


John Davis LMT/Soke (Founder)/Shihan (Senior Master) of Trinidad and Tobago West Indies in 1982 began his training in the martial arts at Purple Dragon International under Master Don Jacob. He excelled to become a Soke (Founder) Senior Master Practitioner. Chief Instructor of VCS Martial Arts Youth Training Institute in 1989. John is now a student of the legendary Soke Lil John Davis and the international representative of World Kumite Ryu Federation. A 6th Degree Black Belt in the VSK Jiu Jitsu system and a 9th Degree Black Belt in Victory Jiu Jitsu system. He has earned recognition in the martial arts throughout the world having been inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame three (3) times and the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2016. Additionally, he earned many other prestigious title awards including nomination for Goodwill Ambassador of the Action Martial Arts magazine.

Former Founder/Coach/Teacher of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service Martial Arts Touring Team which he led to winning nine (9) Grand Championships and hundreds of medals and trophies under his stewardship. During his early years in the martial arts, he was introduced to shiatsu, reflexology, and acupressure massage and in 1999 he received training to become a certified/licensed massage therapist in Trinidad and Tobago. Presently, John serves as the President/CEO of Rapha Holistic Treatment Limited, Founder President/CEO of Caribbean Association of Massage & Bodywork Practitioners. President of Touchpro Caribee Institute, Affiliate of Touchpro International and Caribbean representative of Holistic Healing Treatment and Training Organisation (HHO) Delhi.

His ultimate vision and mission is to partner with the relevant stakeholders in continuing the mandate of empowering and developing massage and bodywork professionals while also being a bridge builder in leaving an influence that would impact the lives of persons seeking betterment of health and total well-being.



Self Defense for Massage Therapists
4 Hours - THIS IS A NON-CREDIT CLASS

This program is developed by Shihan John Davis Master Instructor, for the purpose of educating and empowering massage and bodywork therapists.

Description: Personal Empowerment by learning the Rudiments of Self Defense

This class is for you if you would like to enhance your self -awareness and safety skills by gaining knowledge and self-confidence and be able to learn how to avoid or deal with various potentially dangerous situations. Self defense for massage therapists offers a holistic comprehensive approach that you will find very suitable and applicable for many challenging circumstances. It is specifically put together to empower you with the necessary skills and techniques for self-protection. The program caters for novice beginners, as well as persons with some prior knowledge. Participantss will be guided through practical basic techniques drills exercises, self-awareness, self-preparedness and situational analysis training, and hands on demonstrations.

What am I to Expect?
  • 1. Self-awareness: Gain an understanding of and insight into one's strengths, qualities, weaknesses, defects, ideas, thoughts, beliefs, responses, reactions, attitude, emotions and motivation.
  • 2. Situational awareness: learn to develop a heightened sense of self-awareness by paying attention to what is going on in your surroundings, being able to assess your environment to naturally recognise or discern any danger and potential risk before they escalate, while continuing to do normal activities.
  • 3. Basic Self-Défense Techniques: learn the rudiments of self defense techniques to be able to defend yourself against common threats, physical confrontations, unexpected encounters, verbal confrontations, etc. you will be taught effective striking techniques, escapes, pressure points, self-preservation techniques and restraint techniques, that will empower you to respond effectively and confidently in different situations.
  • 4. Personal Empowerment: geared towards not just physical techniques for massage and bodywork therapists, but rather about empowering you to take control of your personal safety. This way you will at the end of the class session have gained a new sense of empowerment and knowledge enabling you with the tools necessary to confidently protect yourself and loved ones.
Who Can Attend? - Massage and bodywork professionals of all ages that are medically fit. No prior self defense knowledge or experience necessary.

Class Details and Requirements:
  • Equipment: comfortable workout attire, shoes optional
  • No jewellery worn during physical sessions
  • Self defense techniques handout will be provided
Please note: Self Defense for Massage Therapists is intended to educate and empower massage and bodywork professionals globally. Join us on this empowering self defense mandate by taking a proactive step towards your personal safety and the safety of your colleagues. Together, we will make a difference, Each One Teach One, Each One Reach One.

PLEASE DO NOT WEAR PERFUME, COLOGNE OR ESSENTIAL OILS TO CLASS.