31/12/2025
Meet Craig, December's Graduate of the Month!
What is your background?
"My background prior to sports massage was recruitment & employability as well as a qualified PT. I have always been active since i was 14 years old, through athletics, martial arts, rugby and finally into bodybuilding. I sustained an injury in 2018 where I ruptured my bicep needing surgical reattachment, which really knocked me physically & mentally. This is what initially lead me wanting to pursue sports massage, extending my knowledge into anatomy, movement patterns & learning more about understanding injuries and how to fix them."
How have you used your new qualification?
"Since qualifying in 2019 I have built my client base steadily on a part-time basis. Only the last year have I really been pushing my business to a point where I am now busy enough to go full time self-employed. My business has 2 strands with sports massage & online fitness coaching. Staying patient & working long hours have certainly paid off. I am based in a martial arts gym in South Wales which has enabled me to work with all walks of life including UFC fighter Mason Jones, a mixture of professional, semi professional & amateur athletes as well as every day people struggling with general aches and pains. The knowledge gained through qualifying as a massage therapist has really helped further my knowledge with anatomy which I apply to all my clients - identifying imbalances on form review/training videos, in person as well as check-in photos. This knowledge helps me to support my clients further by getting on top of tension/dysfunctions early before they lead to injury."
What did you think of the course you attended?
"10/10 service from the Sports Massage Academy - Luke Ursell was my tutor, very intelligent & insightful throughout the training. He helped me to understand the bigger picture with making a difference through sports massage. Not just to perform deep tissue treatments, but the potential knock on affect one tight area can have to another."
What would you say to anyone looking to train in Sports Massage Therapy?
"Always set time aside to learn more, train & develop - every day's a school day."