Director of Healing Arts
Kathy Lescak began her study of massage in 1977 in conjunction with the beginning of her martial arts education. As part of learning Dan Zan Ryu ju-jitsu, she has studied the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese deep-tissue, restorative massage therapy as part of the broader seifhukujitsu program of instruction which also includes resuscitation techniques (kappo/katsu), specific massage techniques for specific ailments (Swedish style), bone setting, stretching/alignment techniques, and lomi-lomi (Hawaiian massage).
The Okazaki method was assembled by an immigrant, Henry Seishiro Okazaki, in Hawaii in the early part of the 20th century. He was responsible for gathering, cataloging, and preserving a vast number of traditional Japanese techniques accumulated through his studies of both healing arts and martial arts by his systematic organization and teaching of these arts. Master Okazaki went on to establish an international reputation for his work.
Kathy has studied and learned by means of the traditional master/disciple apprenticeship method; until very recently, these healing arts were surrounded by secrecy and only taught to black belt holders in Dan Zan Ryu jujitsu. Some of her main healing arts instructors follow:
Prof. Patrick Browne: over 40 years of experience; certified instructor/ 7th degree black belt in Dan Zan Ryu.
Prof. Ramon Ancho: over 60 years experience; certified instructor/ 10th degree black belt and an original Okazaki student.
Prof. Bud Estes: over 50 years experience; certified instructor/ 10th degree black belt and an original Okazaki student.
Master George Ling Hu; over 50 years experience; master teacher.
Prof. Bill Beach: over 50 years experience; certified instructor/ 10th degree black belt.
Certifications
Okazaki style restoration therapy instructor, 1997, from the Kodenkan International Martial Arts Inc. of Costa Rica.
Acupuncturist, 2000, from The Society for the Promotion of Alternative Health Care Studies, Texas.
Acupressure instructor, 1999, from the Kodenkan International Martial Arts Inc, of Costa Rica.
Reiki Master, 2003, lineage from the International Center for Reiki Training of Southfield, Mi.
Tui Na instructor, 2002, from The East West Cultural Exchange of Houston Tx.
Acupuncturist, 2004, from The East West Cultural Exchange of Houston, Tx.
She also holds the rank of shodan (1st degree black belt) in jujitsu for which the basic massage certification is required.
Continuing Education
Kathy's studies are ongoing; some of her continued studies have included certificates in:
Reflexology and cranial sacral massage with Christine Page, M.D.
Energy Medicine with Carolyn Myss, internationally known medical intuitive.
Acupressure theory and practice with George Ling Hu.
Subtle Energy Medicine with Ruth Buczynski, PhD. Psychologist and President, NICABM.
Publications
Kill or Cure: The Martial Art / Healing Art Connection; in Massage and Bodywork magazine, April, 2004.
Executive producer: The Kodenkan – Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu video series.
Other works are in progress.
Business Experience
Kathy has owned and operated the very successful Power of Touch Massage, Inc. since 1999 in Metter, Ga. She specializes in medical massage and has clients with a wide range of problems that she has helped; some of her successes include helping people with fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, sciatica, chronic neck and back pain, tendonitis, etc.
Professional Organizations
The Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu System, Inc.
International Massage Association
Education
1977-1981 University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Arts and Sciences College/Individual Plans of Study; Areas of Specialization: Recreation Therapy with a main emphasis in the area of art and a minor in Psychology with a special emphasis in Gerontology. These topics were studied from various perspectives to include those emphasized in the fields of: Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation, Biology, Anthropology, and Philosophy.