zenthai shiatsu workshops with james hancox (shiatsudon)
september 5/6 2026
A Weekend of Connection Through zenthai Shiatsu
Workshop 1: Introduction to Zenthai
Saturday September 5th 2026 - 1.00pm-3.30pm at Kula
Discover the art of mindful touch in this immersive introductory workshop with James Hancox from Shiatsu Do. Through a blend of solo Qi Gong, mindful movement, partner yoga, and guided bodywork, you'll explore the foundations of Zenthai Shiatsu in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
Zenthai Shiatsu is a holistic bodywork practice that weaves together the energetic principles of Zen Shiatsu, the flowing movement of Thai Yoga Massage, and contemporary musculoskeletal techniques to support physical, emotional, mental, and energetic wellbeing.
Throughout the workshop you'll learn to move your own body with greater awareness while working with a partner, exploring a simple sequence of entry-level bodywork techniques, gestures, and transitions.
In this workshop you'll explore:
Solo Qi Gong and movement practices to prepare your body
Partner yoga to develop connection and body awareness
An introductory Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork sequence
The foundational principles of mindful touch and Zenthai Shiatsu
Perfect for beginners, yoga practitioners, therapists, or anyone curious about the healing power of touch, this workshop offers a beautiful introduction to an accessible and deeply nourishing practice.
Discover the art of mindful touch in this immersive introductory workshop with James Hancox from Shiatsu Don. Through a blend of solo Qi Gong, mindful movement, partner yoga, and guided bodywork, you'll explore the foundations of Zenthai Shiatsu in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
When: Saturday September 5th 1pm-3.30pm
Zenthai Shiatsu is a holistic bodywork practice that weaves together the energetic principles of Zen Shiatsu, the flowing movement of Thai Yoga Massage, and contemporary musculoskeletal techniques to support physical, emotional, mental, and energetic wellbeing.
Throughout the workshop you'll learn to move your own body with greater awareness while working with a partner, exploring a simple sequence of entry-level bodywork techniques, gestures, and transitions.
In this workshop you'll explore:
Solo Qi Gong and movement practices to prepare your body
Partner yoga to develop connection and body awareness
An introductory Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork sequence
The foundational principles of mindful touch and Zenthai Shiatsu
Perfect for beginners, yoga practitioners, therapists, or anyone curious about the healing power of touch, this workshop offers a beautiful introduction to an accessible and deeply nourishing practice.
workshop 2: Wood Element exploration
sunday September 6th 2026 - 11.00am-1.30pm at Kula
Explore the art of mindful touch through the lens of the Wood Element in Chinese Medicine—a symbol of growth, resilience, adaptability, and purposeful movement. In this immersive workshop with James Hancox from Shiatsu Do, you'll experience how Zenthai Bodywork can support greater freedom, balance, and connection within the body.Zenthai Bodywork is a holistic modality that blends the energetic principles of Zen Shiatsu, the flowing movement of Thai Yoga Massage, and contemporary musculoskeletal techniques to support physical, emotional, mental, and energetic wellbeing.Together we'll begin by awakening the Wood Element through dynamic Qi Gong and mindful movement before exploring the Liver and Gallbladder meridians and their associated acupressure points. Through guided partner work, you'll learn Wood-inspired Zenthai techniques that create space, encourage mobility, and support the body's natural ability to release tension and move with ease.In this workshop you'll explore:Dynamic Qi Gong and movement to embody the Wood ElementThe Liver and Gallbladder meridians and key acupressure pointsWood-inspired Zenthai bodywork techniquesPrinciples of touch, structure, intention, and connectionPractical bodywork gestures to integrate into your own practice
This introductory workshop is open to everyone—no prior experience is required. Perfect for beginners, yoga teachers, massage therapists, bodyworkers, or anyone curious about the healing power of touch, this workshop offers a welcoming and inspiring introduction to Zenthai Shiatsu and the wisdom of the Wood Element.
Explore the art of mindful touch through the lens of the Wood Element in Chinese Medicine—a symbol of growth, resilience, adaptability, and purposeful movement. In this immersive workshop with James Hancox from Shiatsu Do, you'll experience how Zenthai Bodywork can support greater freedom, balance, and connection within the body.
Zenthai Bodywork is a holistic modality that blends the energetic principles of Zen Shiatsu, the flowing movement of Thai Yoga Massage, and contemporary musculoskeletal techniques to support physical, emotional, mental, and energetic wellbeing.
Together we'll begin by awakening the Wood Element through dynamic Qi Gong and mindful movement before exploring the Liver and Gallbladder meridians and their associated acupressure points. Through guided partner work, you'll learn Wood-inspired Zenthai techniques that create space, encourage mobility, and support the body's natural ability to release tension and move with ease.
WHEN: Sunday September 6th 2026 - 11am-1.30pm
In this workshop you'll explore:
Dynamic Qi Gong and movement to embody the Wood Element
The Liver and Gallbladder meridians and key acupressure points
Wood-inspired Zenthai bodywork techniques
Principles of touch, structure, intention, and connection
Practical bodywork gestures to integrate into your own practice
Perfect for beginners, yoga teachers, massage therapists, bodyworkers, or anyone curious about the healing power of touch, this workshop offers a welcoming and inspiring introduction to Zenthai Shiatsu and the wisdom of the Wood Element.
meet james
James Hancox discovered Zenthai Shiatsu through his journey as a yoga teacher over eight years ago and was immediately drawn to its ability to restore balance and support the body's natural capacity to heal. Originally from Whangārei, Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), James has been a full-time Zenthai Shiatsu practitioner for the past five years, running a home-based clinic in Auckland while sharing his passion for the practice through workshops and trainings across Aotearoa.
James believes that intentional, mindful touch is a powerful foundation for wellbeing, with each treatment and teaching offering an opportunity for connection, presence, and care. His approachable and grounded teaching style creates a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to explore the art of touch and the principles of Zenthai Shiatsu.
When he's not in the clinic or teaching, you'll find James practising and teaching yoga, dancing, surfing, exploring human movement, and continuing his journey of learning and speaking Te Reo Māori.