Kokai Shiatsu

Kokai is a shiatsu school and treatment practice with its own dojo on the Troonstraat in Mariakerke. The name combines the Japanese words for light and sea, a reference to the light reflected by the North Sea, and the school takes the idea literally: in good weather its kiko (Japanese qigong) classes are held on the beach, which it calls the world’s largest tatami.

Treatments are given by Frédéric Duribreux, who teaches at the school with Anny Lelie and has worked as a full-time therapist since 2015. A session lasts about an hour, including a short intake, and takes place on a futon while you stay fully clothed. Shiatsu uses pressure and stretches along the body’s meridians, and Frédéric can combine it with Japanese foot massage (sokuatsu), ear reflexology, cupping or moxa.

The dojo is a calm space with a wooden floor, shoji screens and a glass veranda. The school’s three-year therapist training is recognised by the Belgian Shiatsu Federation, and it also runs weekly zazen and bodywork classes. Treatments are by appointment only: book by phone or email. Changes are free up to 24 hours before.