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GET READY FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

The ACE Manual Therapy Retreat heads to Osaka in 2026!

Join us for our 8th ACE Manual Therapy Retreat as we take you on an incredible journey to Japan!

In Japanese culture, the number 8 has been sacred since ancient times. Japanese people consider it a lucky number because the Kanji symbol “八” spreads wide towards the bottom, symbolizing a prosperous future. We’ve chosen this auspicious 8th retreat to create a truly special experience for you in one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

The ACE Manual Therapy Retreat in Japan is an opportunity you do not want to miss. Advance your professional development and enjoy a tax-deductible holiday in a country where ancient tradition and futuristic technology collide.

EXPLORE, LEARN AND CONNECT

Our ACE Retreats have earned a reputation for their engaging, clinically relevant workshops and the unique opportunity they provide for networking with like-minded health practitioners. You will explore a new culture, eat amazing food, seek adventure, and have a lot of fun in the process.

Japan will captivate you with its serene temples, neon-lit cityscapes, historic castles, and iconic cherry blossoms. It’s a land of contrasts that offers something for every traveler.

YOUR HOME IN OSAKA: The RIHGA Royal Hotel

For 7 nights, all retreat attendees will stay at the magnificent RIHGA Royal Hotel. Situated on the banks of the Ajikawa River, this guesthouse-style hotel is designed to welcome international guests. You will have everything you need with impressive facilities including:

  • 20 Restaurants and Bars

    A wide variety of dining experiences, including French, Chinese, and several traditional Japanese options like sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki.

  • 2 Large Swimming Pools

    A 25-meter laned pool, relaxation pool including a jacuzzi, all indoors.

  • Hot and Cold Therapies

    Including a dry sauna, steam room, and a cold plunge pool for a complete wellness circuit.

  • Extensive Gymnasium

    Featuring modern fitness equipment and a golf simulation studio.

  • Full-Service Hotel Spa

    Offering massages and other spa treatments.

  • On-Site Shopping Arcade

    Browse a variety of stores, including boutiques, a chocolatier, a bakery, and a convenience store, at the “Palais Royal” without leaving the hotel.

  • Complimentary Shuttle Bus

    A free shuttle service to and from JR Osaka Station.

  • Concierge Desk

    To assist with local recommendations and information.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES AND UNFORGETTABLE FUN

We are planning immersive social gatherings that dive deep into Japanese culture. Get ready for a live Sumo wrestling match, karaoke nights, and a sunset Japanese BBQ dinner overlooking Osaka Castle. We’ve also scheduled fan-favorite activities and games, like The ACE RACE, that will have you laughing until you cry and making memories to last a lifetime.

Plus, the ACE team loves throwing in surprise activities (with prizes) to make your Manual Therapy Retreat experience truly unique.

2 workshop-free days in the schedule give you the opportunity to join a sightseeing tour of the historic Kyoto province or explore on your own. More details on the optional Kyoto tour and costs will be available in the coming weeks.

ELEVATE YOUR SKILLS: Integration in Manual Therapy Workshops

The Manual Therapy Retreat Workshops provide the core educational experience. If you have attended our practical workshops before, you can expect completely new and different content.

In 2026, our workshops will revolve around the theme of “Integration in Manual Therapy.” Each workshop focuses on different clinical presentations.

You will learn to utilise a range of treatment options to develop robust and effective interventions.

You will develop a deeper understanding of specific conditions, their clinical manifestations, and how to choose treatment options based on their unique mechanisms.

ACE’s most experienced educators will lead these workshops, bringing their specialised skills and years of clinical experience to the classroom.

WORKSHOP TOPICS AND DESCRIPTIONS

Understanding Mechanisms and Integration of Manual Therapies

Duration: 1 hour | Monday 25th May, 2026 | 9:30am – 10:30am

This session introduces the key underpinning principles of modern manual therapy.

Participants will explore the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of a range of techniques, including joint mobilisation, muscle energy techniques, myofascial techniques, and dry needling.

This workshop will promote discussion about manual therapy mechanisms and include practical demonstrations to lay framework for integrated approaches to treating musculoskeletal pain presentations across various regions of the body.

Manual Therapy for Thorax Pain and Breathing Related Dysfunction

Duration: 2 hours | Monday 25th May, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:30pm

The thoracic cage and its associated soft tissues are often a source of pain or limitation in respiratory function.

Ensuring optimal capacity in this region will benefit everyone from elite athletes, through to those with more sedentary lives.

This workshop will provide an understanding of thoracic anatomy and mechanics of breathing, and provide an in-depth exploration of a range of manual therapy interventions to improve function, reduce pain and enhance performance.

Manual Therapy for Acute Torticollis

Duration: 2 hours | Monday 25th May, 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Neck pain is among the most common presentations we see clinically. Pain and disability related to the cervical region can be devastating to the quality of one’s life.

This workshop will target Torticollis with a clinically reasoned approach to the use of manual therapy in reducing pain, increasing range of motion, and improving healthy functioning of this region.

Attendees can expect to learn new and interesting ways to approach the management of this condition, with a patient centered approach to achieve positive outcomes through treatment.

Manual Therapy for Hip Related Groin Pain in Field Sport Athletes

Duration: 2 hours | Tuesday 26th May, 2026 | 9:30am – 11:30am

This practical workshop focuses on the targeted application of manual therapy techniques to meet the demands of field sport athletes.

Participants will learn how to integrate joint mobilisation, muscle energy technique, and myofascial techniques into sport-specific treatment plans to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and return to normal function.

The focus of this workshop will be to provide a progressive approach to manual therapy targeted towards athlete specific goals.

Manual Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Duration: 2 hours | Tuesday 26th May, 2026 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm

This practical workshop will focus on the assessment and treatment of temporomandibular joint related pain and dysfunction, using key manual therapy interventions to target specific presentations.

TMJ pain is often multifactorial and requires a thorough assessment of lifestyle and mechanical factors.

Participants will learn to use observation, palpation and movement-based assessment to better understand the joint and myofascial related sources of dysfunction in this region. Treatment approaches will be integrated to produce immediate and notable changes in pain and range of motion.

Clinical Reasoning in Practice: An Interactive Q&A Panel

Duration: 2 hours | Tuesday 26th May, 2026 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Join us for a 2-hour interactive panel where we bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Following a series of intensive workshops, this Q&A session provides a platform to explore your clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Bring your challenging case studies and perplexing clinical scenarios to our panel of experts.

This session is designed to be a collaborative exploration of patient-centered care, where we’ll discuss the nuances of assessment, treatment selection, and progression.

You’ll have the chance to learn not only from our presenters but also from the collective experience of your peers in a supportive and engaging environment.

Dry Needling for Adductor Related Groin Pain in Athletes

Duration: 1 hour | Wednesday 27th May, 2026 | 9:30am – 10:30am

This practical workshop provides an evidence-informed approach to the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of groin pain using dry needling as a key intervention.

Participants will learn to integrate practical approaches to physical assessment, dry needling treatment and exercise, into a treatment session. This time efficient approach explores mechanisms beyond trigger point dry needling that can aid in bridging the gap from injury to rehabilitation.

*Participants who are not formally trained in Dry Needling can still attend, though will not be permitted to practice dry needling during the workshop and may observe or receive dry needling only.*

Dry Needling for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Duration: 1 hour | Wednesday 27th May, 2026 | 10:30am – 11:30am

Dry Needling is a powerful tool in the management and reduction of symptoms for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD).

This practical workshop will explore a range of needling approaches to target specific anatomical structures related to pain that is orofacial in nature.

Participants will develop the confidence and skill to needle this region with a pain reduction focus, and also to support a more holistic approach in the management of TMJD.

*Participants who are not formally trained in Dry Needling can still attend, though will not be permitted to practice dry needling during the workshop and may observe or receive dry needling only.*

Integrated Manual Therapy: A Case Study Workshop

Duration: 2 hours | Wednesday 27th May, 2026 | 12:30pm – 2:30pm

This interactive workshop challenges participants to integrate the core themes and techniques covered across each of the manual therapy retreat workshops into case-based scenarios. The focus of each case study is to promote critical thinking and clinical reasoning to achieve the most optimal outcomes in clinical practice.

Participants will use case studies to develop a fully integrated manual therapy approach, considering assessment findings, patient goals, and manual therapy mechanisms.

This case-based approach will promote discussion and critical thinking to justifying treatment choices, and when, how, and why to progress or regress treatment.

TICKETS SELL OUT FAST

The ACE Manual Therapy Retreat has become a much-talked-about event. This is the eighth Manual Therapy Retreat produced by Shaun and Gabrielle Brewster, along with the talented ACE Team.

The response to this Retreat has already been overwhelming, and we expect tickets to sell out quickly.

Don’t wait when tickets go live, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

KANPAI! See you in Osaka!

RETREAT DATE

23rd May, 2026 – 30th May, 2026

PACKAGE COSTS

SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS

1 Retreat Attendee per room:

Cosy Room = $5,175.00
Standard Room = $5,500.00

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS

1 Retreat Attendee + 1 Guest per room:

Cosy Room = $5,465.00
Standard Room = $5,800.00 

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS

2 Retreat Attendees per room:

Cosy Room = $3,985.00
Standard Room = $4,150.00

TRIPLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS

1 Retreat Attendee + 2 Guests per room:

Double Standard Room = $6,415.00

3 Retreat Attendees per room:

Double Standard Room = $3,805.00

QUADRUPLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS

1 Retreat Attendee + 3 Guests per room:

King Grand Room = $6,785.00

4 Retreat Attendees per room:

King Grand Room = $3,570.00

Please see our ACE Manual Therapy Retreat Japan 2026 Brochure for all ticket type costs inclusions and descriptions.

PAYMENT PLANS

Payment Plans are available and incur an additional fee of $350.00.

Please read our Manual Therapy Retreat Japan 2026 Payment Plan Policy for instalment amounts, and terms and conditions.

To request a Payment Plan, please complete this form

YOUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • 7 Nights Accommodation

    Enjoy seven luxurious nights of comfort and elegance at the stunning RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka. (Please refer to the event booking page or brochure for specific room occupancy details.)

  • 15+ Hours of Professional Development

    Gain over 15 hours of expert-led training from the ACE Education Team, supplemented by additional online learning resources.

  • Exclusive Retreat Events
    • Welcome Reception & Networking Drinks: Begin your retreat by connecting with peers and the ACE Team over welcome drinks on Saturday, 23rd May 2026.

    • Sumo Experience: Includes a ticket to a Sumo Show with a bento box and drink on Sunday, 24th May 2026.

    • Farewell Dinner: Celebrate an incredible week of learning and connection at our exclusive farewell dinner on Friday, 30th May 2026.

  • Daily Comfort and Convenience

    • Start each day with a delicious buffet breakfast.

    • Stay refreshed with water and light snacks provided on workshop days.

    • Receive all necessary learning materials and a certificate of completion to recognise your professional development.

  • Memorable Experiences and Gifts

    • Engage in fun and laughter with our signature group activities, including the ACE RACE and Retreat Games.

    • Take home a limited edition Manual Therapy Retreat Japan 2026 t-shirt as a memento of your trip.

    • Build new friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime!

RETREAT PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

The following costs are not included in the retreat package and are the responsibility of the attendee:

  • Travel and Insurance

    • Airfares & Transportation: Your flights to/from Japan and any personal travel during your stay (e.g., taxis, trains, etc).

    • Comprehensive Travel Insurance: All attendees are strongly encouraged to arrange their own travel and medical insurance for the duration of their trip.

  • Meals and Personal Expenses

    • Food and Beverages: Any meals and drinks that are not specifically listed as an inclusion.

    • Personal Activities: Any sightseeing, tours, or activities undertaken outside of the scheduled retreat program.

  • Hotel Services and Amenities

    • Spa and Fitness Access: Use of the Rihga Royal Hotel’s fitness and wellness facilities (including pools, spa, sauna, and gym) is available for an additional fee payable directly to the hotel.

    • Other Incidental Charges: Personal services such as room service, laundry, dry cleaning, exclusive lounge access, and vehicle parking/charging are not included.

RETREAT INFORMATION RESOURCES

Retreat Schedule

Cancellation Policy

Payment Plan Policy

ACE 2026 RETREAT TEAM

  • GABRIELLE BREWSTER

    RETREAT CO-ORDINATOR

  • SHAUN BREWSTER

    LEAD EDUCATOR

  • BODINE LEDDEN

    LEAD EDUCATOR

  • DALTON YATES

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

  • AMANDA KILMINSTER

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

  • CAREY GIDDENS

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    Carey Giddens

  • ELISA KALLIOSALO

    RETREAT SUPPORT

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Manual Therapy Retreat Japan 2026 Brochure
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RETREAT FEEDBACK

The most valuable thing about this retreat was being provided so much information, great new techniques and a great balance of fun and knowledge. Dinner was amazing.

The most valuable thing on this retreat was expanding knowledge of new techniques in conjunction with the value of existing techniques presented in a way that encompasses the best of both. This provides a greater range of options to consider when assisting clients in their well-being and recovery.

The most valuable thing about this retreat were interesting, relevant topics that were extremely well presented. Excellent facilitation of participant interaction enabling valuable connections to be made.

The most valuable thing on this retreat was the combination of fun and education. It’s an unbeatable mix.