Midwest States Massage Championship
(SD, IA & NE)
Next Championship:
March 28, 2026
Location to be determined
Director- Danielle Schwantes
looking for co-directors
REGISTRATION:
Opening soon
About
Danielle Schwantes is currently Directing Siouxland Massage Championship- SD, IA, NE
We are in need of a co-director esp to market and promote
REGISTRATION
We are excited to announce that the Midwest Massage Therapy Championship will be hosting our third annual championship in 2026!
The Siouxland Massage Therapy Championship is an opportunity for massage therapists from South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska to come together to compete and show off their skills.
Each state has their own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner but competitors also have the chance to take 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in our competing categories.
First place winners get their 2026 American Massage Championship (AMC) + World Massage Festival (WMF) registration paid for (Value of $750), plus amazing, uplifting, learning experience to take back home!
Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on ALL event details!
SDMTC Facebook
Facebook for Nebraska Therapists
Facebook for Iowa Therapists
Check out our FAQ and CE classes below!
We are in need of a co-director esp to market and promote
REGISTRATION
We are excited to announce that the Midwest Massage Therapy Championship will be hosting our third annual championship in 2026!
The Siouxland Massage Therapy Championship is an opportunity for massage therapists from South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska to come together to compete and show off their skills.
Each state has their own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner but competitors also have the chance to take 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in our competing categories.
First place winners get their 2026 American Massage Championship (AMC) + World Massage Festival (WMF) registration paid for (Value of $750), plus amazing, uplifting, learning experience to take back home!
Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on ALL event details!
SDMTC Facebook
Facebook for Nebraska Therapists
Facebook for Iowa Therapists
Check out our FAQ and CE classes below!
F.A.Q
What are Massage Championships?
Massage championships are primarily competitions, BUT it is also an opportunity to expand your knowledge, meet new people, and become inspired within your practice.
Championships take place ALL over the world. Including the American Massage Championship (in North Carolina) and the International Massage Championship (in Copenhagen, Denmark).
Learn more at… World Massage Festival
Championships take place ALL over the world. Including the American Massage Championship (in North Carolina) and the International Massage Championship (in Copenhagen, Denmark).
Learn more at… World Massage Festival
How do you get judged?
Judges will evaluate participants in the following areas:
FINALS:
Duration of finals : 65 mins
Massage recipients are able to hand out up to 6 points (depending on their experience of the massage).
Head judges are able to hand out 3 points each to only ONE finalist.
The Winner will be the Massage Therapist who has the most points, and he/she is appointed as Overall State Champion in Massage 2025.
ALL decisions regarding the competition are made collectively within the group of judges to ensure competition results are fair as possible
Participants should NOT expect feedback + score results for the judges. Neither during or after competition
The SDMTC follows IMA rules
- Techniques
- Ergonomics
- Flow
- Innovation and Development of new methods
- Client contact
- Recipient feedback
FINALS:
Duration of finals : 65 mins
Massage recipients are able to hand out up to 6 points (depending on their experience of the massage).
Head judges are able to hand out 3 points each to only ONE finalist.
The Winner will be the Massage Therapist who has the most points, and he/she is appointed as Overall State Champion in Massage 2025.
ALL decisions regarding the competition are made collectively within the group of judges to ensure competition results are fair as possible
Participants should NOT expect feedback + score results for the judges. Neither during or after competition
The SDMTC follows IMA rules
What massage styles are you judged on?
Participants can choose to compete in 1-2 of the categories offered.
Disclaimer: Categories may be dropped or added to event based on the number of participants
Official 2025 Categories:
Disclaimer: Categories may be dropped or added to event based on the number of participants
Official 2025 Categories:
- Freestyle Western
- Techniques that are derived from Western massage styles such as Swedish massage, Myofacial release, Muscle energy techniques, Sports massage, California massage and other Western techniques.
- Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 50%)
- Stretching is allowed
- Mobilization of joint is allowed
- The use of oil is allowed
- It is performed on a mattress or on a massage table
- Techniques that are derived from Western massage styles such as Swedish massage, Myofacial release, Muscle energy techniques, Sports massage, California massage and other Western techniques.
- Freestyle Eastern
- Techniques that are derived from Eastern massage styles such as Shiatsu, Thai massage, Tui na, Acupressure and Reflexology as well other Asian techniques.
- Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 50%)
- Stretching is allowed
- Mobilization of joint is allowed
- The use of oil is allowed
- It is performed on a mattress or on a massage table
- Techniques that are derived from Eastern massage styles such as Shiatsu, Thai massage, Tui na, Acupressure and Reflexology as well other Asian techniques.
Participication Rules
Participation:
The SDMTC follows IMA rules.
- Each Massage Therapist can participate in 1 or 2 categories
- Non-English speaking participants can bring their own translator for briefing speeches and general communication.
- Dress Code: Participants are allowed to wear personal sponsorship clothing or any other National suit that fits the category. Participants must wear sports shoes, sports pants or yoga pants, T-shirts etc.. Shoes are not allowed in Thai Yoga Massage.
- Participants are to bring their own sheets, towels, tools, etc.. massage creams and oils also sponsored to the South Dakota Massage Therapy Championships 2024. The participants are not obliged to use these products, but South Dakota Massage Therapy Championships can highly recommend the use of these during the Championship
- The recipient of the massage must wear underwear at all times and have covered their chest (if she is a woman). Any area which is not being worked on must be covered/draped.
- No cameras are allowed during the rounds and the final. Unauthorized use of cameras and recordings can result in expulsion.
- Insurance – It is your own insurance that covers both you and the participant you treat during the competition.
- There is an absolute zero tolerance policy concerning inappropriate behavior. Any massage of sensual/sexual nature would result in immediate disqualification and expulsion from the Championship.
- All participants are required to receive a massage, as well as giving massages. If necessary the SDMTC will arrange for suitable candidates/massage recipients in particular cases.
- No chiropractic and osteopathic manipulations are allowed during the competition.
- The South Dakota Massage Therapy Championships decide which music will be played during the SD Championship in Massage but you may have 1 ear bud in to listen to own music to feel like your spa.
The SDMTC follows IMA rules.
How do I become a judge?
Interested in being a judge?
2025 judging is still opened.
- Send us a Facebook message that you are interested
- Review the IMA points system at https://worldchampionship-massage.com/.../Criteria-WCM...
- Watch the 1st online judge lesson from IMA at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5_ZpBLPZw4
- Be present for the 2025 championship
2025 judging is still opened.
How do I sign up to compete?
CLICK THIS REGISTRATION LINK
Fill out Google doc in link above then mail check to
Siouxland Massage Championship
4309 S Louise Ave Ste201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Can compete in Freestyle Western and/or Freestyle Eastern (1 or both)
Only able to attend 1 of the CEU classes as they are at the same time
Fill out Google doc in link above then mail check to
Siouxland Massage Championship
4309 S Louise Ave Ste201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Can compete in Freestyle Western and/or Freestyle Eastern (1 or both)
Only able to attend 1 of the CEU classes as they are at the same time
How do I pay for my registration?
Preferred method- send check to Siouxland Massage Championship
4309 S Louise Ave Ste 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Online method- Venmo @sdmtc for an extra $5 cc fee
Migraine OR Sports CEU class- $250 for 8 CEU hours
Massage Championship (learn and grow with other therapists)
Early bird special- pay Sept-Dec 2024 pay $150
January and February 2025- $200
Late registration- March 2025- $250
Sign up to compete and take CEU class and receive $50 off
4309 S Louise Ave Ste 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Online method- Venmo @sdmtc for an extra $5 cc fee
Migraine OR Sports CEU class- $250 for 8 CEU hours
Massage Championship (learn and grow with other therapists)
Early bird special- pay Sept-Dec 2024 pay $150
January and February 2025- $200
Late registration- March 2025- $250
Sign up to compete and take CEU class and receive $50 off
2025 CEU Classes
Sponsors
There are five different sponsorship packages set at different prices. As a sponsor you'll receive a variety of amenities that can help you and your business grow further. You can also sponsor a massage category, or CE Class to help massage therapists continue learning
Check out the benefits that each package has to offer and their value. If you're interested, contact us today!
IN need of 2026 Sponsors!!
Check out our 2025 sponsors:
Titanium-
Tru Massage Therapy Danielle Schwantes in Sioux Falls, SD
Omaha School of Massage Directed by Steve Carper
Platinum-
Diamond-
Grounded Touch Bridget in Rapid City, SD
Gold-
Silver-
Bronze-
2024 & 2025
The first annual Siouxland Massage Championship took place March 15th-17th, 2024 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Our 2nd annual Siouxland Massage Championship was held March 29-30, 2025. We were lucky enough to host massage therapists from South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska in our Championship and CE classes.
2024- March 16th we had Chris Ormseth teach one of his final cupping classes. That same day, Mark Carangelo from New Jersey started day-one of his two-day Functional Integrated Therapy class (FIT).
2025- March 30th we had Shelle Hagen teach Core Stones and Micheal Kirchgesner teach Sports CEU classes for 8 hours each.
2026- James Waslaski is teaching 16 hour CEU class.
The SDMTC appreciates everyone involved in make the 2024 & 2025 events happen. We can't wait for 2026!!
2024- March 16th we had Chris Ormseth teach one of his final cupping classes. That same day, Mark Carangelo from New Jersey started day-one of his two-day Functional Integrated Therapy class (FIT).
2025- March 30th we had Shelle Hagen teach Core Stones and Micheal Kirchgesner teach Sports CEU classes for 8 hours each.
2026- James Waslaski is teaching 16 hour CEU class.
The SDMTC appreciates everyone involved in make the 2024 & 2025 events happen. We can't wait for 2026!!
2025 Winners
South Dakota Winners
From left to right: Alexia Van Wyhe (second place), Tristen Farsworth (first place), Allison Neukirchen (third place)
Nebraska Winners
left- Terra Soma (3rd), center- Kelby Kipling (1st), right- Kelsey Paulsen (2nd)
Iowa Winners
left- Rebecca Lockwood (third), Center- Zachary Flick (first), right- Austin Schlueter (second)
Student Category
left- Suzy Kasselman (first)- Omaha School of Massage, Tatyana Woodall (second) Ally Allen (third) Tayla Nagel (fourth) Tatyana, Ally and Tayla all attended SD School of Massage
Freestyle Western Winners
Freestyle Eastern Winners
Judges
Michael Kirchgesner, Susan Barg, Alsinia Hutzler, Marie Neugent, Shelle Hagan
2024 Winners
South Dakota Winners
From left to right: Tonia McGeorge (second place), Molly Goin (first place), JoEllen Dykstra (third place)
Iowa Winners
From left to right: Christiana Herrmann (third place), Felicia Williams (second place), Susan Barg (first place)
North Dakota Winners
From left to right: Josi-Rae Ebsen (second place), Michelle Kinzler (first place), Scott McNeal (third place)
Nebraska Winner
Cassie Sprague (first place)
Freestyle Winners
From left to right: Susan Barg (first place), Michelle Kinzler (second place), Molly Goin (third place)
Clinical Winners
From left to right: Tonia McGeorge (third place), Michelle Kinzler (first place), Amberley Hardwick (second place)
Thai Winner
Christiana Herrmann (first place)
