Comments and feedback from students.
Zendrik is an amazing teacher, patient, witty, yet very serious about what he is teaching.. He creates a comfortable and easy to learn in environment. I highly recommend his classes for anyone who wants to go beyond and above their capabilities.. You are ensured optimum growth and altogether good time.
Tamsyn Rogers. Wilderness 2023
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Thai Massage Course.
The course was transformative in many ways I couldn’t grasp while I was in it. They are all rapidly unfolding now. I walked out of the Thai Yoga Massage training course a totally different person than what I walked in. I have a different awareness of my body, how it moves, what it’s capable of, what it’s forgotten, what it’s learnt in just the past 2 weeks. I marvel at the magnificence of the human body. The most beautiful, intricate emotion-making machine ever created.
I also now have a different awareness of bodies in general. I gave my first (since Thai training) familiar back oil massage on Saturday, just the day after the course finished. I thought how nice it would be to do a “normal” massage again… Uhmm… There was nothing normal or familiar about any of it, I discovered. And it was much more than nice. I did the same moves of a massage I’ve been doing for years, on a body I’ve massaged for years. And even though it wasn’t a Thai massage, everything was different. The landscape, the increased understanding of the body’s scope, the knowledge of what mý body can do as a therapist- it changed everything. And it’s amazing. As if the Thai training transcended all my other massage disciplines to a completely new level, even if it has nothing to do with Thai massage moves or stretches. Incredible!
Giving and receiving medicine on a daily basis for 2 weeks, also doesn’t go without consequence. Not only on the physical plane, but on all others too. Emotionally and existentially, it loosened up shit that I suspect has been stuck in some body cells for years, lifetimes even, others more recent. It rocked my relationship with myself, my life, my child, my vocation, my principles… I had to look at and re-evaluate all of it. See what still holds water and service, and what doesn’t. It was quite something.
Thank you for a most comprehensive, truly holistic training period. It was gruelling for me, it was tough on my body (I felt my age and unfitness through my knees and thighs😊), but mostly it was a great wake-up call and exactly what I needed, on many levels.
You are a great teacher. Kind and gentle. Yet also strict, disciplined, clear and a subtle slavedriver😊😊 By day 3, I didn’t know if I was gonna make it to the end. But as an actor, I know the intrinsic value of repetition, rehearsal, practice. I knew I didn’t have to understand or believe anything I was doing at that moment, but because I can trust the “writer” and “director”, I could just do it over and over and it WILL become normal, natural, second nature. And 10 days later, on Friday I gave a session consisting of the whole manual. Somewhere in there lies my addiction to the process. The harder it is, the more fine-tuned the product that will emerge from it all. And nowhere was it more clear than when I had to do a massage that was NOT Thai! The product is the product, regardless of the path of the process.
I am, and will be for long, truly amazed at what my body, mind, heart and soul learnt and absorbed from these two weeks of Thai Yoga Massage training. Thanks once again.
A pleasure, as always. Ilse Oppelt. Wilderness 2023
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Louise Sterling I have just completed the Cape Town Chi Nei Tsang course. I was looking for a modality that supports the release of deeply rooted unconscious emotional blockages - and this was definitely the effect of the treatments for me. Hendrick is a master of the technique (it is a privilige to watch him demonstrate) and has created a course that really equips students to practice the technique with confidence at the end of the 5 days. The course felt like a retreat - with a combination of deep releases from daily treatments while also acquiring the practical skills to use this technique with others. Thank you Hendrick. Highly recommended.
Tara Lerner This was a brilliant course. The facilitation was fantastic - Zendrick's transfer of knowledge flows with such ease. I can practice this technique with confidence, and my body has benefitted so much from the five days of attention: emotional and energy releases, less bloating and more energy. Much gratitude!
Carmen Loureiro This work is powerful! I felt my abdominal organs being slowly switched on for more sensation, more aliveness, more health!!
Clare Roy Maude Indeed a fabulous course... Zen draws from the wisdom of two original Thai instructors and shares their differences carefully... His course notes are clear & gives astute individual guidance.
The treatment techniques are so effective, it feels fabulous to shed some muck in the process of learning a new technique... To unlock deeply held emotional issues, buried within the physical body.
Athena Bubo: I just finished the course in Cape Town with Zendrik. It literally BLEW MY MIND!
I usually dont do anything when my period is due as am usually bedridden for two days: cant eat, can't speak, can't walk, let alone drive; I break out in a cold sweat and relief comes only when i literally conk out and wake up few hours later.
I got my moon time on the course, and there I was driving all the way from Athlone to Fish Hoek; I experienced no cramps whatsoever; I could do all the things i usually can't when I'm on my cycle, and I could do it all, minus the brain fog, too. I felt amazing!
I was amazed, too, at how easy CNT was to learn, and having a background -and 20 years' experience- in various kinds of massage, i could see how CNT would complement almost any modality.
So, here I am, super excited and so grateful to you, Zen. Your energy carried us all through so beautifully and held the space so gracefully. Thank you so, so much and to the wonderful group of people present, too.
Ladtly, for anyone still doubtful of doing the course- just do it for YOU; you'll feel so good that you did. Sparkly Blessings.
I'd been feeling a pull toward learning chi nei tsang for quite some time when I heard about Zendrick's course. Packed full of information and techniques, it was a week full of giving, receiving, curiosities, and transformations. I feel excited about offering this technique and have been given enough to know without a doubt I shall continue my journey with this healing modality. Zendrick has been knowledgable wuth his instruction, consolodating years of practice and training with multiple teachers into one thorough and in depth course. I would highly recommend to those interested (previous therapeutic knowledge encouraged). This work is indeed needed in the world.
Zendrik's Thai massage course was everything I could have hoped for. The 10 day course was split evenly so that the content learnt each day was manageable, making for very relaxed, easy going days. Zendrik himself is a fantastic teacher, taking time to explain each step very carefully, and always giving you his time and energy when needed. He always started each day with a different form of meditation, which I found to be very beneficial. Couldn't speak any higher of this course! Kristin Olds - Australia.
Namaskar to all Hermanos and Hermanas ! my experience at Ananda Healing was very beautiful , the energies were inspirational , Meastro Zendrick teachings were filled with knowledge and wisdom , Zen is a experience practicioner that s been perfecting is art all around the world and gathering the best wisdom from the masters and sages , is a dedicated , patient teacher and i recommend all seekers to apply and invest your energies in the courses giving at Anada Healing center ,,, Blessing and long life to Zen ,,, Stephano Pandavas - Canada
"My very first steps in energy healing I took at Ananda Healing Center in San Marcos, Guatemala, guided by the beautiful teachings of Zendrik. With his loving energy, he created a space in which I could fully let go of all my preconceptions I had about healing, and in which I could open up to let new knowledge in, life’s experience transferred by him, in a way for my newcomer mind to comprehend, yet still reaching profound depths within me. He opened up a whole new world and showed me a path of healing, the path I’m still following to this day. He was there at the start of my work as a healer. I hold a very special place in my heart for Zendrik, full of love and gratitude, and look back to my time at Ananda Healing Center with much joy and respect. Aho."
Ricky van Meer. the Netherlands
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"The Chi-Nei-Tsang and Thai Massage Training of Ananda Healing Center have supported my healing journey and love for bodywork in a very profound and meaningful way. I am grateful for encountering this ancient techniques and for the the way in which Zendrik communicates its sacredness. Its a blessing to be part of a community of lightworkers commited to wellbeing evolution"
Alicia Ruisanachez Rodriguez , Mexico.
I did 10 days (50 hours) with Zendik, and this lovely people. Also the 5 days course -Abdominal Massage- was a rich experience for me. I am already practicing Thai Massage in San Marcos (for free), with volunteers, and the like what I have learned with Zendrik Van de Merwe. He it’s one of the most peaceful person I met (he will know what I am talking about) and we all will think may be for all our life to this 10 days experience… (I am not exaggerating) Go on Zendrik, trust in your work, your experience, all your love. Would have been good to meet you before…to grow and grow. He is also a very serious and deep musician, join him…
Peter Mustafa, Germany (2014)
After almost a week of practice I realised what a gift it is! I feel like I was given one of the best skills ever. Thanks Zendrik! Maciej Falski, Poland (2015)
Araminta Barbour Thanks Zendrik Van Der Merwe for a deeply informative and practical course. Ive had incredible responses integrating CNT with my other tools and the profound emotional release that happens is humbling and beautiful. Highly recommended! (July 2014)
Francesca Svampa que buen curso! muchas gracias ( May 2014)
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Jacqueline Carrion Gracias Zendrik Van Der Merwe por haber tocado nuestras vidas con tus enseñanzas sigo compartiendo Chi Nei Tsang aquí en Vilcabamba y en cada toque estas presente Gracias por tus enseñanzas.
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Nashwa Odeh-Nasrala Thank you for bringing this healing energies to this island. Thank you for your dedication as a healer and teacher I feel honored to be your student 😀 inlakesh!
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Arktara Rachel Doing this course (Reiki and Esoteric Healing) a couple of years ago had a massive impact on my life, opened me up to feel energy and work with the gifts I didn't know I had. Highly recommended
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The Energy Healing course with Zendrik which included Reiki 1 and 2, Aura, Chakra Balancing, Generating and working with Chi, Acupressure, meditation, tuning, was extremely powerful and transformative. I came to class with some emotional personal distraction and thought I would not be open enough to receive and understand, but after first day of class and Reiki atunement, I was able to use it as my advantage and as my personal gift for learning and to practice my skills. I felt the class opened a door, a portal to new magical, beautiful healing reality I stood at the entrance for a while, not knowing where and how to enter. Zendrik delivered gentle guidance. He is amazing teacher in such a way he made the class to be free, open, easy to understand. I felt being supported by his higher wisdom, knowledge and patience. He created a wonderful space for all of us to learn, share and receive. I would highly recommend the class even if the intentions are not for practicing healing modalities on others but for gaining personal deeper spiritual knowledge, understanding and developing own power of healing. Gracias. Larissa Browning.
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I have attended yoga classes with Zendrik for a 8 month period in the past, prior to moving back to London. In that time I found him an excellent instructor, managing to incorporate the spiritual side of yoga practice with a practical programme that he skilfully adapts to suit the clientele present. He has a following of students who attend regularly, and he is always punctual and consistently present. His level of consciousness and awareness is inspiring and his presence and energy are calming. At the same time he also manages to invoke a masculine sense of movement and strength in the room which his students draw on. I shall miss his classes.
With thanks,
Yours sincerely
Dr. Samantha Scholtz MBChB MRCPsych
Clinical Research Fellow, Metabolic and Molecular Imaging Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London
Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
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I have done yoga with a number of different teachers over the past 12 years. Not only has Hendrik been by far the most competent and reliable of all my instructors, but his classes have also been the most relaxed and enjoyable, and I have derived great benefit from them. I have no hesitation in recommending him for any instructor's post you may offer.
Yours truly
Jenny Foster
Made to Measure Computer Systems
www.madetomeasure.co.za
PO Box 203 Hoekwil 6538
jen@madetomeasure.co.za
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Hendrik has been my Yoga Instructor for two years. During my career I have been exposed to many tutors and Hendrik has really impressed me with his skills as an instructor. He is a wonderful instructor and has a lot to offer for any teaching post.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any more information.
Yours sincerely
Mareta Bester
Pilates Instructor
+27 84 555 8275
Referral Letters
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WILDERNESS HYDRO
Health, Beauty & Wellness Spa At The Beach
Tel: (+27 44) 877 1299 Fax: 086 521 5069 P.O. Box 122, Wilderness, 6560, South Africa
Email: info@wildernesshydro.co.za Website: www.wildernesshydro.co.za
21.01.2013
To whom it may concern.
Hendrik was employed by me as our resident yoga teacher, and freelance deep tissue massage therapist from December 2002 until March 2005 during my time as owner and manager of the Wilderness Hydro.
His yoga classes were very popular and we had a lot of positive feedback from our clients concerning his massage treatments. I personally used him as a massage therapist as he was the best therapist on our books.
Estée Jordaan.
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Feedback from clients who received personal therapy sessions.
Had such an amazing day! morning ecstatic dance under a banyan tree followed by an amazing 2 hour chi nei tsang (belly organ massage) by one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met. During the session they held space like I’ve never experienced Before and guided me to some amazing and huge releases. A level that I’ve been inspired to offer my clients as it’s just felt so safe. Through safety we can relax and as we relax it’s easy to let go. My first experience of Chi Nei Tsang left me feeling energised, deeply connected and with an enhanced sense of wellbeing. I felt a sense of aliveness in my belly that I had not felt before in the same way, which deepened my sense of presence with myself and others. What a gift!
Xavier Bryon, Arambol, India, 2020
With a combination of his centred presence, evident skill, energy awareness and extensive experience, Hendrik holds a powerful integrative space in which I could fully experience the massage and all that arose for me, without resistance. The abdomen is a vulnerable and potent area – I trusted Hendrik completely, and was able to move effortlessly through relief, release and even found relaxation through occasional discomfort. I found immense value in this modality, and will definitely invest in more of these sessions with Hendrik specifically. Highly recommended.
Gabriella Garnett, Cape Town 2019.
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There is boundless beauty in finding a space held so sacredly, so surely, with so much love, trust, and respect. One can release into themselves and allow for those pieces of the self to emerge with trust that it is safe. To feel so vulnerable, shades of the self that haven’t had contact for however long, can show themselves and be present to the healing space and release, if ready. I’ve now had two sessions with Zendrik.
Zen held a space I felt I could trust and be safe to fully open in. To cry and call out as the tensions of the past made their way out of my tissues. I found his touch to be respectful, experienced, encouraging of energetic and emotional depths. Without hesitation, I would recommend a session with Zendrik. His therapeutic style seems to me gentle yet sure and open yet held. This work for me, was needed. I am grateful to have trusted my self. As well as Zendrik. Blessed journey all.
Jasmine, San Marcos, 2018.
"zen is a very powerful authentic and very experienced healer. He helped me physically a lot but also so much emotionally and spiritually. He has a very loving, compassionate and yet professional manner that made me feel safe and loved which allowed healing to come through. I recommend everyone have a session with Zen." Lauren Michelle Cukierman ( Koh Phangan, August 2016)
During my trip to Thailand in 2016, I had the opportunity to receive several Chi Nei Tsang and Karsai Nei Tsang massages from Khun Ni in Chiang Mai, one of the major disciples of Tao Master Mantak Chia. As I found it important to continue with this kind of treatment, I was very happy to meet Zendrik from Ananda Healing Centre in San Marcos during my trip in Guatemala in April this year (2017). Both therapies, based on ancient Tao knowledge, not only detoxifies and regenerates the body’s vital functions but also helps to get in touch with yourself in a very deep way and to release long stored unresolved emotions.
We women carry the burden of a collective female pain-body. Since thousands of years we suffer pain caused by oppression, slavery, exploitation, sexual abuse,… . Moreover, some of us, like me, have also suffered sexual traumas during childhood. Over the years, I realized that the ‘western’ medical treatments and approaches have serious limitations in fostering a deep emotional and physical healing process that helps me to reconnect with my body and sexual energies in a loving-kindness way; they even had the opposite effect: they were re-victimizing me. While energy-based body work, such as these Toa based massage techniques, has very powerful healing effects in coming to terms with deep and stored emotions of guilt, angry and fear caused by this childhood trauma.
The sessions with Zendrik, my first experience with a male therapist for this kind of massages, helped me to go to another level of my self-healing journey in a safe, trustful and respectful space. Zendrik has a unique healing gift to support you during and after the sessions in very professional and kind way, which helps you regaining trust in men. Each of my sessions in Thailand were a transformative journey though, the therapist offers little emotional support during the massage therapies. Whereas Zendrik, besides doing the technical part of the massage, guides you through the upcoming emotions, memories and experiences with meditation techniques which allows you to go deeper in your own healing process and make you feel safe throughout. I am very grateful to Zendrik for the profound and deeply realizing experiences which allowed me to release and move blocked energies with such care and for the compassionate and supportive follow-up chats.
- Lieselotte, Belgium (May 2017)
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Zendrik is an exceptional healer. I had a few sessions with Zen for Chi Nei Tsang massage to clear blockages in my lower chakras that were preventing me from fully standing in my power,
in addition to experiencing severe exhaustion and physical discomfort. I am an extremely sensitive healer. Because of this, I am hesitant to work with many practitioners since I tap into all of their "stuff". Zen's energy is extremely pure and his professionalism made me feel safe and supported. He holds incredibly nurturing space for deep and lasting healing to unfold. In our session I was able to release emotional and physical blockages in the pelvic area that were really holding me back from fully expressing who I am. As the session progressed, I felt a reactivation of my pranic tube extending directly through the center of my body, through my pineal and my perineum. I experienced a profound connection to all that is, a deeper connection to my physical body and a culmination of my creative energy. As I lay on the massage table I felt my life-force energy increase and my physical strength return to me. After my sessions with Zen I feel much more present in my body and more energized in addition to greater alignment with my powerful and precious feminine nature. The positive effects of his work are palpable and his commitment to the healing arts is evident in everything he does. Zen is an extremely skilled, wise, intuitive and compassionate practitioner and is an asset to the San Marcos community.
- Marisa. USA ( April 2017)
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"I’ve had multiple sessions with Zendrik on two different visits to San Marcos. My sessions helped to release emotions, old traumas and stories that were being held in my body. Through the sessions I was able to get in touch with parts of my body that were isolated and integrate them into a more wholesome way of living. I look forward to more work with Zendrik when I return to San Marcos! Zendrik is a master of this healing modality and I am deeply grateful that he is leading the way for this type of healing for both women and men. He is a gift to San Marcos and the world!"
- Cherie, (USA) 2017
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When I decided to visit the Lago di Atitlan (just for 3 days), I searched for Mayan witch- doctor. I needed to connect with my woman power, because I was in pure men power from my childhood.
“To be a boy is easier”, I thought for very long time J
So, back in Lago di Atitlan… I arrived there from Antigua. I was little bit a disappointed, my hotel was different than online photos.
“I am here for healing nor for luxury”, I gave myself a smile, when I saw interesting young women sitting on our terrace. We became friends after first minute.
She helped me with Spanish interpretation and I assisted her with my intuition and sentience. We tried to find my wisdom she-guide, but it was impossible.
In the evening we were really tired.
“Do you need just shaman? Friend of mine is good healer. Maybe he can help you”, asked me my new friend.
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I was sad and unhappy, my head and mind wanted to witch-doctor, but no-one was there for me. After very strange and cold night we were sitting on terrace again, while I saw a little God messenger of joy, the green hummingbird. Every was totally different than my ideas.
This was THE MOMENT, when I determined to receive Chi Nei Tsang from Zendrick.
I won’t lie you. This massage is painful, but is really deep and powerful (if you are ready for transformation) too.
When I left Zendrick house I was sitting on the Lago dockside, watching this magic water and smiling. My mind was totally calm and bright.
Next two three days were difficult, Zendrick worked really deep and thoroughly. My body needed sleep and rest. I compared it with surgery. Yes, the Chi Nei Tsang is energetic surgery. But now I am totally different! I am FINALLY in woman energies!
Skirts and dresses are my best friend now J
Thank you Zendrik!
Thankful Mikaela, (Czech Republic) 2018
