Jubal's Oddyssey into Thai Massage
The backstory:
Now I understand why it was so hard for me to come to Thailand in the first place.
Love was waiting for me here!
No, unfortunately, I’m still very much a single man but…
Honestly, ever since I received my massage therapy certification in 2006, I have been struggling to find my path in this career. After graduating, I struggled to start my own practice and finally gave up and joined with a corporate massage company which catered to a high turnover of clients. Feeling unsatisfied and burned-out, I went on a hiatus and haven't really done much work in about 5 years. The little work that I've done has been complemented highly but, my skills are rusty and I have been very much out of practice. As a result, my confidence has been low and I have held a lot of frustration with myself for not using what I've paid so much money to learn and obviously have a natural connection with. I keep my credentials up-to-date and take continuing education courses every year but, until now I haven't had much inspiration in the field in which I trained.
I came to Thailand a month ago and didn't have much of a plan. At one point, I thought, "Sure, why not sign up for a Thai Massage class while I'm here?" And, I did...
Then I signed up for another, and another. I've even found a private teacher to supplement these studies and have been practicing and studying the whole time! I haven't even left the city I'm in (Chiang Mai) and my knowledge of Thailand is limited to basically a 10-mile radius...
This trip has truly become an odyssey into the world of Thai Massage! But, it's also more than that...
I am rediscovering myself at a point in my life when I really (almost desperately) needed it. My confidence is returning. My thoughts are stronger and more positive. I am conquering some of my fears and doubts. Furthermore, because of the work, I m also receiving, I am also conquering some old issues in my own body that will only fortify this new attitude and outlook. This is FUN Work!!! :)
Financially, I hadn’t really planned on investing this much into educational purposes. I have had a great experience so far but, now I am facing the limit of my bank account. Therefore, I have created this crowdfunding campaign on the off-chance I might raise enough money to stay longer and study more.
Originally, I had planned to ask for the funds to complete a Teacher-Training course at my current school but, was advised by some dear massage therapist friends to take Thai Massage slowly and step-by-step. This led me to the creation of the “Epic Beginners Thai-Massage Odyssey!”
The journey began and will continue at my current school with the basic courses and plenty of time to practice. I have already taken 80 hours here on Thai Massage and Oil Massage & I’m currently enrolled in a Thai Therapy (basically the root of everything I am learning… possibly the hardest class at the school but, also the most important.)
In addition, I am volunteering help and receiving tutorial help at a shop called Nice Massage. They are helping me refine some of my movements and techniques, as well as, helping me format a good massage for the time frames of 60 minutes/90 minutes and 120 minutes. This will be extremely valuable when returning to the US.
This will also help generate more income for the shop through personal referrals.
I have included a basic/beginner class at another school: Sunshine Massage: which was not on my radar in the beginning yet has captivated my interests. It is almost considered “The future of Thai Massage” but, I like to think of it as Thai-Fusion.
See for yourself! It’s almost like dancing! I really want to learn this style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=772kAJjCFa8&t=310s
In the budget, I added a couple field-trips to research different regional styles in Thai-Massage.
One specifically to the southern peninsula. Which is known for its distinctly different style...
In addition, I have included a workshop back in North Carolina with Thai-Massage Guru Bob Haddad. This almost seems like divine placement! What good fortune to have things align like this!
Although I have decided to ask for a larger amount than I had previously considered, this is actually quite a bit more “bang for your buck” than simply sticking with the teacher-training program. While it might seem like I’m taking the same classes over and over, I assure you they will all be different and this will assure a very strong foundation for me that will carry me for a long time in the future.
I tried to be both liberal and frugal in the preparation of my budget. The proposed amount is quite a bit for Thailand, I won’t lie about that. If I am cautious, I can make this money last longer than the expected time-frame. But, this money is also for educational purposes and I don’t have any inclination to stay in a 5-star resort or party every night so, you can be assured the money will go directly to schools and trainers. Educational costs are the bulk and while they add-up these classes are only a slight fraction of what they’d be in the states… Just look at the comparison of prices and compact time-frame between a 60-hour course in Thailand versus the 60-hour Bob Haddad workshop in North Carolina as an example.
I have also tried to allow some time for fun and relaxation. Thai-massage requires a lot of good practice but, good practice also requires a time of rest.
So, in essence, if I haven’t exactly gone for the gold here, I’ve definitely gone for the gusto!
I have picked the best things I would like to accomplish here on this trip. It is a sampler journey and not even the tip of the iceberg I see myself floating on right now.
My mom always told me to never do everything on your first visit somewhere because you won’t have a reason to return… & I will have plenty to return to Thailand for after this!
I will surely need to supplement my own additional money to your donations/pre-paid massages to make this work. Especially, if you consider the “other selfish desires” section in the proposed budget. Please know that I am willing to make this happen somehow and any support would be incredible! If there is something specific you would like to contribute to (Even in the selfish desire section), please let me know and I will honor your wishes and put your money directly toward what you have requested!
Please help me continue for a little longer as I know I have only scratched the surface on this journey. I plan to make Thailand a destination to return to again in my life (possibly many times over…) but, I also feel that taking a little longer to let things sink-in and to strive for a deeper understanding will ultimately benefit everyone the most.
Thank you So Much for your considerations!
Much Love to All of You!
Sincerely,
Jubal Creech
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** Funds are needed ASAP to make proper plans and arrangements. As you can see from the budget/itinerary I am already inside of the proposed itinerary! LOL! :)
[Below is the Beneficiary List, The proposed Itinerary, and proposed Budget.[
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The money will be benefit:
Jubal Creech:
- By giving me the opportunity to have a life-enhancing adventure that will greatly benefit my own personal healing, spiritual growth and further development of character.
- By allowing me to learn new skills with which will supplement and rejuvenate my career in Massage Therapy which I can use to gain an independent income while helping those in need of a good massage!
- By subsidizing educational costs while I study the techniques in-depth without a strict time-restraint - aspiring to fully internalize the information with a lot of repetition.
- To further subsidize educational costs in order to “cross-train” similar material with different teachers in order to gain a wider scope of understanding.
- To provide resources to take a class at another school of my liking, in order to broaden my horizons with future training options and to compare the differences between them. I also would like to plan a training excursion to the southern part of Thailand to study the regional differences in Massage styles.
- By covering my expenses for at least two weeks while I practice with my mentors in order to fine-tune my technique and let it all sink in.
- By sponsoring a few short excursions to other parts of Thailand to see the country and observe the regional differences in massage styles.
- By giving me the challenge to return to the US with a list of patrons who have contributed to this campaign and repay their contributions with a series of massage sessions. This will assure some immediate work after the trip which will stimulate motivation to continue practicing.
- By helping me to secure a spot in the upcoming workshop with American Thai-Massage Guru: Bob Haddad in North Carolina, further solidifying my foundations in technique and connecting me into my local Thai-Massage community.
My teachers in Thailand:
- By supporting them during a slower tourist season.
- By establishing relationships that will last for many years which will further support their schools and businesses through future patronage, referrals and potential options for other collaborations.
- All classes and excursions will be researched and customized in order to create a total learning environment, therefore often generating income to those “off the beaten path” and not in the typical tourist venues. All money will be given directly to the therapists and teachers, not to travel agencies or all-inclusive packages.
Ocracoke Island, USA:
- By contributing to the community with a new and exciting business opportunity which will contribute to our local economy while helping patrons feel healthier and happier.
- To complement and strengthen the already amazing healing-arts and fitness community of Ocracoke.
You! The Sponsor:
- By knowing how grateful I am for your considerations!
- From enjoying all my social media posts and blogs about the journey!
(And, most importantly…)
- By giving you the opportunity to pre-pay for a massage package of your choice at a discounted price!
Donors contributing:
- $30 will be given a credit for a free 30 Minute Foot Massage.
- $60 will be given a credit for a free 60 Minute Thai or Oil Massage.
- $90 will be given a credit for a free 90 Minute Thai or Oil Massage.
- $120 will be given a credit for a free 120 Minute Thai or Oil Massage <or> 90 minute Thai or Oil Massage with a 30 Minute Foot Massage.
- $150 will be given a credit for a free 90 Minute Thai Massage and a 60 Minute Oil Massage (or vice-versa).
- $175 will be given credit for a free 90 Minute Thai or Oil Massage, a 60 Minute Thai or Oil Massage and a 30 Minute Foot Massage <or> Two (2) 90 Minute Massages of your preference.
- $200 will be given a credit for Two (2) 90 Minute Thai or Oil Massages and A 30-Minute Foot Massage <or> a 120 Minute Thai or Oil
Massage and a 90-Minute Thai or Oil Massage.
*BEST DEAL!* *Sampler Pack*
- $275 will be given: A 30-minute Foot Massage, A 60-minute Thai or Oil Massage, A 90 Minute Thai or Oil Massage and a 120 Thai or Oil Massage.
(Sample offerings - Other packages can be arranged. Let me know what you’d like!)
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GoFundMe Tentative Itinerary:
- Renew Passport Visa in April! - 2,000 THB
- Ong’s Thai Massage School:
http://www.ongs-thaimassageschool.com/en/
April 3-7: Thai Therapy (30 hours) - 5,500 TBH ($160.00 USD)
April 10-11: Chair Massage (12 hours) - 3,500 THB ($110.00 USD)
April 18-20: Foot Reflexology (18 Hours) - 3,900 THB ($102.00 USD)
April 19-30: Practice!
- Nice Massage: April 1-30
https://www.facebook.com/chanikarn26/
Tutorship in Thai Massage, Oil Massage, Foot Massage and Table Massage with a focus on Body Mechanics, Timed-Sessions and Additional Spa Techniques - (15+ Hours per-week) 6,000b ($174.00 USD)
- Songkran Water Festival: April 13-15
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran_(Thailand)
I’ve been told to hold a few thousand bhat aside for this because, anything could happen!! :)
- Pai: Sometime between April 12-17
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/mae-hong-son-province/pai
Celebrating Songkran, sightseeing, meeting traditional therapists for 3 Days 2,500b / $76.00 USD
- Sunshine Thai Massage School: May 1-13 http://www.sunshine-massage-school.com/
Traditional Thai Massage Beginners Class (60 hours) 9,500b ($276.00 USD)
- Nice Massage: May 1-14
https://www.facebook.com/chanikarn26/
Work/Study Tutor Program covering Thai Massage, Oil Massage, Foot Massage and Table Massage with a focus on Body Mechanics, Timed-Sessions and Additional Spa Techniques - (15+ Hours per-week) 6,000b ($174.00 USD)
- 10-day Meditation /Reiki & Thai Massage Retreat at Wat Nam Cham: May 14-24
- Trang :
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297938-Activities-Trang_Province.html
Private instruction on Southern Techniques/Sightseeing: 3-4 Days 18,000b / $524.00 USD (12,000b / $349.00 USD travel expenses + 6,000b / $175.00 USD training)
- Koh Kradan :
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/andaman-coast/trang-province/travel-tips-and-articles/sultry-southern-thailand-a-guide-to-the-trang-islands
Practicing and Relaxing for 3-4 Days:
8,000b ($233.00 USD)
Bob Haddad at the Body Therapy Institute:
http://bti.edu/continuing-ed/thai-massage/
$1150.00 USD
August 18-20: Bob Haddad Workshop - BTI
September 22-24: Bob Haddad Workshop - BTI
October 20-22: Bob Haddad Workshop - BTI
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Proposed Budget:
Training:
- Ong’s School of Thai Massage:
10,000 THB / $291. USD - One-time payment
- Sunshine Massage:
9,500 THB $277. USD - One-time payment
- Trang - 3-Days Private Instruction:
4,000 THB / $116. USD One-time payment
- Massage Materials: (books, charts, oils,
balms and creams, tools and clothing):
4,000 THB / $116. USD One-time payment
- Massage Treatments: (a high quote as I am receiving some more expensive abdominal treatments that are highly effective in my personal healing.)
6,000 THB / $175. USD per-month
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Training Total: 39,500 THB / $1,150. USD
2nd Month: 12,000 THB / $349. USD
2 Month Total: 51,500 THB / $1499. USD
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Living Expenses:
- Passport Visa Renewal:
2,000 THB / $58. USD One-time payment
- Lodging:
6,000 THB / $175. USD per-month
- Average food cost:
10,000 THB / $291. USD per-month
- Average grocery cost:
6,000 THB / $175. USD per-month
- Phone service and miscellaneous:
3,000 THB / $87. USD per-month
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Living Total: 27,000 THB /$786. USD
2nd Month: 25,000 THB / $728. USD
Two-Month Total: 52,000 THB / $1514. USD
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Transportation:
- Scooter Rental:
4,000 THB / $116. USD per-month
- Deposit:
1,000 THB / $29. USD one-time w/return
- Helmet:
2,800 THB / $82. USD one-time payment
- Lock:
700 THB / $20. USD one-time payment
- Taxi:
2,500 THB / $73. USD per-month
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Transportation Total:11,000 THB / $320. USD
Second Month: 6,500 THB / $189. USD
2-Month Total:17,500 THB / $509. USD
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Excursions:
- Pai:
Travel expenses: Round-trip bus: 500 THB / $15. USD
Lodging: 2,000 THB / $58. USD
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- Trang:
Travel expenses:
Round-trip Flight: 8,000 THB / $232. USD
Lodging: 4,000 THB / $116. US
[Training: 6,000 THB / $174. USD]
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- Koh Kradan Island:
Travel expenses: Round-Trip from Trang: 2,000 THB / $58. USD
Lodging: 6,000 THB / $174. USD
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- Additional Travel: 2,400 THB / $70. USD
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- Songkran Festival: 3,000 THB / $87 USD
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Month 1: 7,900 THB / $231. USD
Month 2: 20,000 THB / $583. USD
Excursions Total: 33,900 THB / $987.00 USD
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Deposit for Bob Haddad Workshop @ BTI:
First Month Deposit: 8,244 THB / $240 USD
Second Month Deposit: 8,244 THB / $240 USD
2-month Total: 16,488 THB / $480.00 USD
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Totals:
Training:
1-month: 39,500 TBH / $1,150. USD
2-month total: 51,500 TBH / $1,499. USD
Living & Transportation:
1-month: 38,000 THB / $1106. USD
2-month total: 67,500 THB / $1965.00 USD
Excursions:
1-month: 7,900 THB / $231. USD
2-month total: 33,900 THB / $987.00 USD
Bob Hadaad Workshop:
1-Month: 8,244 TBH / $240 USD
2-month total: 16,488 TBH / $480. USD
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(Everything Including deposit for the Bob Haddad workshop in NC):
1-Month: 93,644 THB / $2729. USD
2-Months: 169,388 THB / $4931. USD
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Total Requested Amount:
1-Month: 102,885. THB / $3000. USD
2-Months: 171,750. THB / $5000. USD
*Any overage will help defer the 7% charge from GoFundMe and any unused funds (if any) will be kept for emergencies, re-entry into the US, further payments toward the Bob Haddad Workshop and to help establish a work area in Ocracoke.*
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Other Selfish Desires:
(Time and Money Permitting)
Teacher Training: (I'm still interested in pursuing this and if by some means I am able to pay the remaining difference I will...) Total before previous class costs deferred; 45,000 THB / $1,310. USD
Chiang Mai Rock Festival Tickets: x4 = 1,200 THB / $35. USD
A Drum or Cajon:
(If I stay any longer without one, I may just go crazy!)
2,600 THB / $76. USD
Assistance with souvenirs for friends and family:
5,150 THB / $150. USD
Clothing/Jewelry:
4,500 THB / $131. USD
Tattoo:
Sak Yant Temple Tattoo: 2,000 THB / $58. USD <or> Assistance with Shop Tattoo purchase: 12,015 THB / $350. USD
Cooking Class:
4,500 THB / $131. USD for 3-Days or approx: 8-Dishes.
Weekly Yoga Class:
5,500 THB / $160. USD for 6-weeks
Beginner Muay Thai Training Class: 4,500 THB / $131. USD
Upgrades or Suggestions of any kind! (You tell me! :) )