Classic Strokes for Intro Folks Learn to Massage Study Online Now

Learning Classic Swedish Massage Strokes is one of the best ways to begin a career and a love for the act of performing a massage on another person. This course was developed over years and in its original form was called “Classic Strokes for Intro Folks.”

This is an inviting, hands-on introduction to the art and fundamentals of Swedish massage designed for beginners, the massage-curious, and anyone who’s been waiting for “the right time” to finally start.

This course is taught exactly as Roxanne Derkson would teach students entering a professional massage training program: step by step, skill by skill, with a strong emphasis on confidence, competency, and intentional touch. At the same time, it has been thoughtfully adapted to remain accessible, engaging, and relevant for casual learners who simply want to learn how to touch another human being well.

At its core, this course is about more than learning strokes. It’s about discovering how intentional, informed touch can relieve tension, foster connection, and support human well-being. You’ll learn not only what to do with your hands, but how to sense, feel, and listen through them, an experience many students describe as deeply inspiring.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently give a beginner-level massage to friends, family, and loved ones. You’ll know how to combine and choreograph classic Swedish massage strokes into a flowing, effective session, all while using your own body efficiently to avoid strain.

This course is ideal if you

Are curious about massage but unsure where to begin
Want to practice safely at home with a partner or friend
Are exploring whether massage therapy could be a future career
Are already trained in another hands-on discipline and want to add massage techniques to your skill set

Classic Strokes also serves as a prerequisite for advanced offerings such as Hot Stone Massage, The Fine Art of Massage (Full Body), Advanced Strokes, Pregnancy Massage, Elder Care Massage and more.

The techniques taught are rooted in Roxanne’s formal training as a Registered Massage Therapist and follow the learning trajectory common to many Western massage programs, while remaining relaxed, welcoming, and unintimidating for non-professionals.

Please note: This course is not a certification and does not confer licensure to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Its purpose is to bridge a long-standing gap between professional massage therapy and those who simply wish to practice the art of hands-on wellness with care and confidence.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll be guided through a beautifully sequenced “stroke menu” derived from the Swedish massage hierarchy, including:

Effleurage – Long and short sweeping strokes for circulation, oil application, lymphatic movement, and smooth transitions
Petrissage – Kneading techniques of varying depth using palms, fingers, thumbs, and elbows
Tapotement – Rhythmic percussion-style strokes
Bonus techniques to keep your practice growing and engaging

You’ll also learn how to massage with fluidity and smart body mechanics, helping you work deeper without overworking yourself.

After teaching hundreds of individuals and couples face to face, Roxanne has refined a teaching approach that helps people not only relieve stress and tension, but truly connect with one another through touch.

About Your Instructor

Roxanne Derkson is a Canadian Registered Massage Therapist (since 1988) and Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, trained in Montreal from 1992–1996. She is the founder of ViVi Therapy Inc. ViVi Therapy Integrated Health and ViVi Therapy Clinic Equipment & Massage Supply.

Roxanne has become a mentor in her field. She generously shares her knowledge and continues to be passionate about hands on therapy after a career spanning almost 4 decades. Her teaching blends technical precision with somatic awareness, emphasizing ease, presence, and sustainable body use.