New to massage but not practicing in the USA

[asiank]

Hi everyone,

I am new to massage, I am doing a CIBTAC accredited diploma, which takes three months. It does not allow me to practice in the US but everywhere else in the world pretty much. I am astonished at the amount of hours you guys and girls are putting in.

Maybe this is because I dont feel my instructor has given us the best instruction, in terms of anatomy and physiology she has just given us a book, and she flies through an entire chapter, saying " you must know this, this, this and this" making us highlight every single subheading. A complete waste of our time.

As there are absolutely no laws prohibiting massage where I am, I can practice as much as I want. However, the problem is that I am a male, the guys seem to think it's weird and the girls seem a little concerned I am a perv.

I really do want to get more practical experience as I think it is more key than learning how many bones are located in a human ear! Also I decided to do this course more as a business project rather than a long term career. Basically, I believe in masage and all it's benefits and love getting a great massage myself. But I am more of a business mind and want to open up my own massage/beauty therapy place.

So in time I will also be doing other courses, on waxing, skin treatments etc so I have an understanding of what type of business/services I will be providing, whilst employing much more capable people to provide the services.

As an aside, what would you women think of a male therapist doing your grooming, eg: facials waxing etc?

Thanks for any advice!