Our Teachers
INSTRUCTOR IN TRAINING
Sandy Smith
Sandy discovered Jin Shin Jyutsu in 1999 at a self-help class in Auckland and immediately felt at home. With a background in graphic design and prior experience in meditation and Reiki, JSJ soon became her lifelong passion. After her first 5-Day Seminar in 2000, she immersed herself in study, opened a small practice, and wove JSJ into her life and work for more than two decades.
From 2007 to 2017, she organised Auckland’s 5-Day and Special Topic classes, and further studies with Sadaki Kato deepened her understanding of Jiro Murai’s teachings. Although she closed her practice during the 2020 pandemic, her dedication never faded.
Now retired from design, Sandy is excited to share the insights and stillness gained over 25 years. An animal lover, she also offers JSJ to animal friends. “The learning never ends — it just keeps opening new doors.
INSTRUCTOR
Jennifer Holmes
Since 1998, Jennifer has dedicated herself to Jin Shin Jyutsu, continually uncovering new insight and awareness. Her spiritual path began in her twenties while teaching abroad, later deepened by study with a spiritual teacher in Germany.
After returning to New Zealand, she balanced tutoring international students with raising five children. She discovered Jin Shin Jyutsu in 1998, soon opened her practice, and in 2003 met Mary Burmeister in Arizona. The following year she became New Zealand’s class organiser, and in 2011 a Jin Shin Jyutsu instructor.
Now living in Auckland with her husband, John, Jennifer continues to teach, study, and inspire others. “This art continues to amaze me — it’s a lifelong unfolding of awareness, joy, and connection.
SELF HELP TEACHER
Julie Wells
Julie is a certified Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) practitioner, self-care tutor, holistic health advocate, eldercare giver, international seminar organiser, professionally trained full-spectrum end-of-life doula, and community educator, supporting individuals and communities in Christchurch and North Canterbury, and across New Zealand (by invitation).
With over 20 years’ experience supporting families and individuals across all life stages, Julie provides gentle guidance and a caring presence for those facing acute, chronic, or life-limiting health challenges. She also teaches self-help Jin Shin Jyutsu techniques, empowering people to nurture their own wellbeing, restore balance, and connect with their body’s natural flow of energy.
If you would like Julie to lead a Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) self-help class for your community, please get in touch. She would be delighted to share practical JSJ techniques, empowering participants to support their own wellbeing and develop a deeper connection with the body’s natural flow of energy.