Janzu Training near Tulum: Level 1 and Level 2 Weekends

Janzu is an aquatic bodywork practice, and this training teaches it in two separate weekends, Level 1 and Level 2, led by Flavio López at Casa Arkaana in Chemuyil, about 20 minutes north of Tulum on the Riviera Maya. It suits bodyworkers, massage therapists, yoga teachers and anyone drawn to water who wants to learn to give a Janzu session, with or without experience in aquatic work. Level 1 ends with a reconocimiento and Level 2 with a certificate in the Janzu technique from Flavio López's school.

Janzu is often mistaken for Watsu, and the two are close cousins. Janzu is practiced in cooler water, led by the breath, and improvised in the moment rather than following a fixed sequence. The aim is deep relaxation, release and clarity, with water as the medium and presence as the practice.

What to Expect

Each level runs Friday to Sunday, from 10am to about 5pm, with lunch provided. The group is capped at eight people per weekend, so Flavio can stay close to each person while the work is hands-on and in the water.

Level 1, Fundamentals, begins from the beginning. You learn the principles of Janzu, how to open and close a session with presence and containment, how to use your own body to guide the receiver's movement in the water, and how breath becomes a bridge to deep relaxation. You also learn basic sequences to give a complete session.

Level 2, Deepening, builds on that. You work on synchronizing breath, body movement and touch for more fluid sessions, explore continuous techniques and sequences, and strengthen sensitivity, presence and conscious body communication. You expand your underwater movements, including displacements, rotations and mobilizations, and study the contraindications of aquatic massage so you know how to practice safely.

Between the two weekends there is a week for practice, which is recommended. After each training day ends, the pool stays open to you, so you can keep practicing at your own pace while the light lasts.

About Flavio López

Flavio López began as a massage therapist in Tulum in 2011. He trained in Swedish massage, Thai massage and Janzu, completing all three levels of Janzu training in the line of Juan Pathik Villatoro, the creator of Janzu. He has practiced these techniques since as part of his own growth, and shares them to support a more harmonious life physically, mentally and emotionally.

The Setting

Casa Arkaana's pool is fed by cenote water, cool and mineral-rich, and is set within five acres of old-growth Mayan jungle. There is no ocean noise and no strangers, only your group, the water and your teacher. Casa Arkaana is about 20 minutes north of Tulum and around 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen, which makes the weekends practical for people who live in the area.

Before You Go

- Experience: Level 1 needs no previous aquatic bodywork. Level 2 requires that you have completed Level 1. Level 1 stands complete on its own if you only want the fundamentals.
- Swimming: You need to be able to swim, since you will be standing, moving and supporting another person in the water all day.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Included: Three training days with Flavio per level, lunch each day, use of the pool for practice after class, and the reconocimiento or certificate.
- Not included: Accommodation. Airport transfers are offered only with the residential Certification Week, a separate option for those traveling from abroad.
- What to bring: A hat or cap, your swimsuit, one or two towels (two in case of rain), and a long sleeve shirt if you have one. The sun is strong and you will be in the water most of the day.

Janzu is a bodywork practice, not a medical treatment. Participation is for adults aged 18 and over.