Taught by Elisa Muñoz Blanco, Senior Watsu® Instructor.
Co-teaching:
Ofelia Bolivar Sánchez-Cañete, Watsu® Basic Instructor-in-training.
Lucinda Kaul, Watsu® 1 Instructor-in-training.
04th-08th December 2025 in Hospital Fundación Instituto San José, Madrid, Spain
December 4-5 Basic Watsu®, December 6-8 Watsu® Transition Flow
(50 hours accredited with Watsupath™ Training Institute https://watsupath.com and Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association W.A.B.A. http://waba.pro for the professional training in Watsu®)
Watsu® is a specific method of aquatic therapy characterized by one-on-one sessions in which a Practitioner gently cradles, moves, stretches, and massages Receiver in warm water, with nose and mouth above water surface; for relaxation, recreation, personal growth, and therapy; originally developed by Harold Dull at Harbin Hot Springs.
Harold Dull began developing Watsu® in California in 1980 after studying Zen Shiatsu in Japan under Shizuto Masunaga, one of the most renowned masters of this traditional Eastern art and author of “Zen Shiatsu.” Zen Shiatsu utilizes pressure from the practitioner’s HARA (energy center) to stretch meridians (energy channels) described in Traditional Chinese Medicine, promoting psychophysical wellbeing.
After returning from Japan, Dull adapted Zen Shiatsu stretches to warm water. Through collaboration with professionals from various fields, he gradually developed Watsu® into the transformative aquatic therapy known worldwide today.
In the 1980s, Harold established the official Registry (watsu.com), which maintains a public directory of certified Watsu® instructors and their classes, while tracking student credentials. During this period, the nonprofit Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA) oversaw his school at Harbin Hot Springs. Following the school’s sale, registry instructors and training institutes formed the new International Aquatic Bodywork Association (waba.pro) to continue this educational legacy.
Now practiced globally in therapeutic centers, hospitals, and spas, Watsu® has evolved through countless contributors into what many consider the most profound development in bodywork of our era.
Original price
770,00€
Early bird price
654,00€
Auditors price
539,00€
Students are required to pay a facility fee of 30 Euro/day (VAT NOT INCLUDED) to access the pool and use the group room for land classes. The total fee for the five days is included in the final price and will be detailed in the invoice delivered at the end of the course.
Find your DISCOUNT COUPON below, in “REDUCTIONS”
770.00€Add to basket
COURSE CONTENTS (5 days, 50 hours)
Course Objective: To provide the foundational skills for students to practice and explore aquatic therapy using the Watsu® technique.
Competencies to be acquired:
- Understand the therapeutic properties of water and its applications in bodywork.
- Master body mechanics to move safely and harmoniously with the receiver.
- Adapt head support techniques to each individual’s needs.
- Develop sensitivity to perceive and facilitate the receiver’s breathing patterns.
- Execute a basic sequence of aquatic movements and mobilizations with precision.
- Achieve fluid transitions in preparation for Watsu® 2 training.
- Assess session progress to make real-time therapeutic adjustments.
PREREQUISITES
The class will be taught in English and Spanish. Pre-class work, including the WABA Code of Ethics and Conduct for Watsu® Form, must be completed and submitted to us before the class begins.
QUALIFICATIONS
At the end of the course a Certificate of Participation will be awarded by Watsupath™ Training Institute, the only Training Institute in Spain accredited by Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association W.A.B.A. valid for the Watsu® Professional Training program.
INSTRUCTORS
Elisa Muñoz Blanco is a passionate physiotherapist and pioneer in aquatic therapies, dedicated to integrating body and mind to enhance quality of life. With over 20 years of experience, she combines an enactive approach to pain with advanced techniques such as Craniosacral Therapy in Water™, a concept she developed and refined for clinical and educational applications worldwide.
As the founder of the Watsupath™ Training Institute, she has trained professionals across the globe, contributing to the evolution of aquatic physiotherapy. Elisa is the author of high-impact books and articles, and her clinical practice is distinguished by its human warmth and scientific rigor.
She balances clinical work with teaching at prestigious universities and hospitals, establishing herself as an international leader in pediatric physiotherapy and aquatic therapy. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in Psychosomatic Medicine, reaffirming her commitment to a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Ofelia Bolivar Sánchez-Cañete has been in the world of communication, education and social intervention through play for more than 20 years. Her path as a ludic facilitator of groups has led her to know multiple forms of physical and emotional expression.
She has worked in the creation, management and development of team projects related to socio-environmental, artistic and cultural awareness in Europe and Latin America with different international organizations and associations such as the Botanical Garden of Brasilia, the Ministry of Education of Brazil, UNESCO and other United Nations agencies.
In 2012 she began her trajectory in aquatic bodywork in Costa Rica, by the hand of Natalia Chaverri and Harold Dull, and since then she continues in continuous training in different disciplines such as: Ai Chi™, Craniosacral Therapy in Water™, Halliwick™, Waterness Journey™, Shiatsu, TantsuYoga® and others. In addition, Ofelia graduated as a Yoga teacher, from the Merkhaba School of Yoga, in Rishikesh, India.
She is currently a Watsu® practitioner and Certified Watsu® Assistant and collaborates with Watsupath™ Institute and Institute of Aquatic Therapies Costa Rica.
Lucinda Kaul, BA, LMT is a Certified WATSU® Practitioner and WATSU® 1 Instructor-in-Training. She is also WOGA (Water Yoga) Instructor, EASY Tai Chi Instructor, Spanish Teacher, and Licensed Massage Therapist in Oregon.
Dedicated to life-long learning and compassionate service to others, Lucinda has been in private practice for 25+ years, with focus on therapeutic bodywork blending Shiatsu, Thai, Aquatic Bodywork, Sound & Vibrational Therapy, Movement Therapy, and injury-specific recovery treatments.
SCHEDULE
Commencing on Thursday, the 04th of December 2025 at 8:30 a.m. and closing on Monday, 08th of December 2025 at 5 p.m.
We recommend arriving at least fifteen minutes before beginning of the class to complete your registration and familiarize yourself with the facility. The daily class schedule will be communicated to you on the first day of class (indicatively every day from 8:00 to 19:00, with a lunch break).
All the scheduled hours are needed, so please make every effort to be on time for the start and to organize your travel back home in such a way that you won’t need to leave before the end of course. Any hour missed during the class must be recovered with individual supervision.
REGISTRATIONS
Registration fee is 770 Euros. See below for discounts and reductions.
The registration fee includes all tuition fees, learning materials, the assistance during class hours and W.A.B.A. registration fee.
It does not however include travel expenses, food and lodging costs, or the use of all class related facilities (See the following paragraph Facility Cost).
Registrations will be accepted on a first come – first served basis. The registrations will be valid only upon completion of the Registration Form and online deposit.
REDUCTIONS
Early bird discount: Students who complete their registration through the payment gateway by October 1, 2025, will receive a 15% discount. Not cumulative with other discounts. COUPON: watsu1
Auditor discount_ Students that have attended this class before will get a 30% discount of the total course fee. Not cumulative with other discounts.. COUPON: auditorW1mad
CANCELLATION POLICY
If, after registering to the class, the student needs to cancel their registration, these rules and conditions will be applied:
- Cancellation is permitted only if requested via email to info@watsupath.com at least 6 full weeks prior to beginning of the class.
- Cancellation requested via email 4 full weeks or more before the beginning of the class students will receive back their full deposit less a 50,00 Euros administration fee.
- Cancellations requested via email fewer than 4 full weeks before the class start date will forfeit any deposit refund.
In case the minimum number of students is not achieved the organization has the faculty to postpone or cancel the course. In case of cancellation, you will be refunded the full deposit with no further compensation. In case of postponement the deposit will be refunded to the students who request it.
COURSE VENUE, FACILITY FEE, MEALS and ACCOMMODATION
AQUATIC THERAPY UNIT OF HOSPITAL FUNDACIÓN INSTITUTO SAN JOSÉ.
Address:
C/ Pinar de San José, 98
28044 MADRID.
www.fundacioninstitutosanjose.com
Facility Cost:
Fundación Instituto San José will make available their facilities for the use of registered students on this course. This includes heated swimming pool, shower and land instruction.
Students are required to pay a facility fee of 30 Euro/day (VAT NOT INCLUDED) to access the pool and use the classroom for land classes. The balance must be paid by the online payment getaway and will be included on your invoice.
Meals:
The cafeteria at Fundación Instituto San José offers a daily simple menu. In the same cafeteria they serve salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
We recommend you bring your lunch. A microwave and small fridge are available on-site. The hospital gardens provide a pleasant place to take a break, weather permitting.
Accomodation:
We handle class logistics and are happy to assist you. However, travel and accommodation arrangements are your responsibility.
HOW TO GET THERE
https://goo.gl/maps/nBpnxc2deLu
CAR:
M-40 exit 30, Cuatro Vientos
M-45, towards N-V, M40 exit 30
M-30, towards N-V, Cuatro Vientos exit
CITY BUS:
From Aluche (connection with metro line 5 and nearby C5s): 483 and 487 towards La Fortuna.
From Plaza Elíptica (connection with line 6 and 11 of metro): 486 towards La Fortuna.
METRO: Line 5 (light green) towards Casa de Campo. Get off at Aluche (link with bus).
Line 11 (dark green) towards La Peseta. Get off at La Peseta and walk 15 Min.
TRAIN: RENFE operates regular train services to Madrid.
By suburban train: line C-5 (yellow), to Móstoles – El Soto. Get off at Aluche (link with bus).
PLANE: Madrid-Barajas Airport
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Watsupath™ Training Institute:
e-mail: info@watsupath.com