Being a Massage Judge: Responsibility, Respect and a Passion for Our Profession
By Kim Le Robertson
Remedial Massage Practitioner, Beauty Therapist, Educator and Owner of Le Spa Massage Academy
A Journey of Almost 30 Years in Massage, Beauty and Wellness
For almost 30 years, my professional journey and continuing education have taken me across Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and beyond.
From my early days as a Beauty and Massage Spa Therapist to becoming a Spa Director, Remedial Massage Practitioner, Educator and Trainer, every chapter has brought valuable experiences, challenges and opportunities for growth.
Working across different countries and cultures has broadened my knowledge, shaped my treatment philosophy and deepened my respect for the many dedicated professionals who make our industry so special.
One thing I have learned throughout this journey is that no matter how experienced we become, there is always something new to discover, someone to learn from and something meaningful to share.
The Honour and Responsibility of Being a Massage Judge
Returning for my second year as a judge at the Australian Massage Championships 2026 was both an honour and a privilege. This year was particularly meaningful as I had the opportunity to serve as Head Judge in the Face Massage category, alongside judging other competition categories.
Being surrounded by hundreds of passionate massage therapists from around the world was truly inspiring. Each competitor brought their own techniques, cultural influences, professional experiences and individual approach to the art and science of massage.
Although we may come from different countries, educational backgrounds and treatment traditions, we share a common purpose: to improve the wellbeing of others through skilled, thoughtful and purposeful touch.
Five Key Judging Criteria
As a judge, I assess each performance across five important areas that reflect both technical ability and the overall quality of the treatment experience.
1. Techniques
2. Ergonomics
3. Flow
4. Innovation / Environment
5. Client Contact
Behind Every Performance Is Courage and Dedication
What I admire most about massage competitions is not simply the technical performance, but the courage it takes to participate.
Behind every competitor are countless hours of practice, ongoing education, personal sacrifices and determination. Standing before a panel of judges, demonstrating your skills and accepting professional assessment requires confidence, humility and courage.
As judges, we have a responsibility to honour that dedication through fairness, impartiality and respectful evaluation.
Good judging is not about personal preferences or deciding whose massage style we like best. It requires careful observation, consistent application of assessment criteria, an understanding of technique and treatment purpose, and the ability to provide meaningful, constructive feedback.
It also requires an open mind.
There is no single style of massage that represents our entire profession. Different techniques and traditions offer valuable perspectives, and we can appreciate these differences while maintaining professional standards, safety and quality of care.
From the Competition Floor to the Classroom
This experience also reminded me why I remain so passionate about education.
At Le Spa Massage Academy, I believe that teaching goes far beyond demonstrating techniques. It is about developing confidence, encouraging critical thinking, building practical skills and helping each student discover their own potential.
Whether I am assessing a competitor, mentoring a new therapist or supporting an experienced practitioner, my approach remains the same: offer encouragement, share knowledge generously and provide feedback that supports professional growth.
A thoughtful comment can build confidence. A constructive suggestion can inspire improvement. And a positive learning experience can influence someone’s entire career.
As educators and industry professionals, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to support the next generation of therapists while continuing to learn from one another.
A Profession That Continues to Inspire Me
After almost 30 years in massage, beauty and wellness, my passion for this profession has never faded.
I remain grateful for the opportunities to travel, study, practise, teach and contribute to the massage community, both in Australia and internationally.
Serving as a judge at the Australian Massage Championships is more than a professional achievement. It is an opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped so much of my life.
My sincere congratulations go to every competitor who had the courage to step forward, regardless of the final results. Your dedication, passion and willingness to challenge yourselves deserve recognition.
Thank you to the organisers, fellow judges, competitors and everyone involved in creating an environment where our profession can come together, celebrate excellence and learn from one another.
Massage is more than a technique. It is a lifelong journey of knowledge, human connection, respect and continuous learning.
And after almost 30 years, I am still excited about what there is left to learn, share and discover.
With gratitude and passion for our profession,
Kim Le Robertson
Remedial Massage Practitioner | Beauty Therapist | Educator
Owner, Le Spa Massage Academy
Brisbane, Australia
“Where Career Begins and Comfort Never Ends.”
