Human Anatomy Dissection Course Johannesburg South Africa

Discover your unified fascia through human anatomy

Embark on a three-day exploration of the human form and function through the lens of fascia anatomy and science, led by a team of world-renowned authorities.
What our graduates say

Success Stories

Hear from the professionals who have attended one of John's Dissection courses.

I really enjoyed working with the Thiel cadavers compared to fresh frozen specimens.

Kerstin Bredehorn
Dissection Attendee
Kerstin Bredehorn
Dissection Attendee

The experience is priceless in terms of what the cadavers give us.

Linda Currie
Dissection Attendee
Linda Currie
Dissection Attendee

As the science advances, I’m driven to keep learning and growing.

Madeline Black
Dissection Attendee
Madeline Black
Dissection Attendee

The dedication and passion shown throughout the course were exceptional.

May Kesler
Dissection Attendee
May Kesler
Dissection Attendee

I’ve truly been in my element and felt completely at ease throughout the course.

Nikki Chrysostomou
Dissection Attendee
Nikki Chrysostomou
Dissection Attendee

Pilates educator and event organiser from Sacramento California

Nora St. John
Dissection Attendee
Nora St. John
Dissection Attendee

I feel a deep sense of gratitude for everything you’ve given me.

Patty Pinto
Dissection Attendee
Patty Pinto
Dissection Attendee

I learned more on this course than I had in the previous ten years.

Steve Ganjemi
Dissection Attendee
Steve Ganjemi
Dissection Attendee
Everything You Need to Know

Course Details

Explore the fascial body in one of the world's premier anatomical facilities, guided by leading clinicians throughout.

Overview

Led by Clinical Anatomist John Sharkey and a team of world-renowned fascia authorities, this three-day dissection course takes place at the University of Witwatersrand School of Anatomical Sciences in Johannesburg — one of the world's premier anatomical facilities. Participants will explore the fascia system through hands-on cadaver dissection, gaining a deeper understanding of connective tissue's role in human movement, posture, and overall health. The course presents the latest research on fascia alongside unique dissection techniques that reveal the tensegrity-based architecture of the fascial network. Suitable for healthcare professionals, movement practitioners, and anyone with a serious interest in human anatomy. We also offer this course in Italy, USA and the UK.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Dissect, observe and explore cadaveric anatomy with a comprehensive appreciation of anatomical relationships
  • Identify anatomical compartments, virtual spaces and the interconnected nature of fascial structures
  • Apply fascial concepts practically, with a focus on mechanotransduction, embryology and tensegrity
  • Contribute to producing bespoke anatomical fascial specimens for educational purposes
  • Articulate the vital role of fascia in human movement, posture and overall health

Syllabus and Schedule

The three-day programme combines short presentations with extensive hands-on cadaver dissection, guided by clinical anatomists throughout.

Day One — Fascia anatomy and the fascial network's role in human movement and posture. Guided dissection with time for personal enquiry.

Day Two — Embryological origins and the scale of softness to stiffness in soft tissue throughout life. Guided dissection with opportunity to explore areas of personal interest.

Day Three — BioTensegrity architecture and the interrelatedness of movement and form. Guided dissection and group discussion on self-assembly and loading history.

There is no formal assessment. Participants are encouraged to engage in personal enquiry and open discussion throughout. Course content, presenters and schedule may be subject to change.

Fees

  Early Bird Standard
Individual €2,590 €2,790
Group (5+) €2,500 pp €2,700 pp

A deposit of €500 secures your place, with the balance due before the cut-off date for each course. Full payment is required for bookings made after the cut-off date. Group bookings of five or more must be made together to qualify for group pricing.

Payment is processed online via PayPal in Euro. Contact our office on +353 1 882 7777 for further information or to speak with John Sharkey before booking.

Eligibility

This course welcomes participants from all professional and educational backgrounds. Whether you are a healthcare professional, manual or movement therapist, researcher, or have a passionate interest in fascia and human anatomy, you are encouraged to apply.

No formal prerequisites apply. Participants should be comfortable working with human cadavers and have a keen interest in fascia anatomy and the human form. Please contact us at info@ntc.ie or +353 1 882 7777 if you have any concerns about suitability.

Dates & Availability

Interested in Dissecting in South Africa?

We're planning our next Johannesburg course - register your interest and we'll notify you when dates are confirmed.

Johannesburg, SA

Weekday Hands-On Course

Booking Unavailable
 
Date To Be Confirmed

University of Witwatersrand

Your Instructors

Meet the Team

Led by world-renowned fascia authorities and clinical anatomists with decades of hands-on dissection experience.

Mark Flannigan, BSc
Mark Flannigan, BSc

Mark Flannigan is a highly experienced and dynamic teacher and presenter in the fitness and wellness industry, with over 30 years of experience. He has shared his extensive knowledge and expertise in Australia, the United States, Japan, Brazil, and most of Europe.

As a successful competitor and judge for the Federation of International Gymnastics, Mark has gained invaluable experience and skills. He holds a BSc in Exercise Science and is a Neuromuscular Therapist NMT from the National Training Centre.

In 2016, Mark began participating in biotensegrity focused dissections with John Sharkey, a world-renowned anatomist. This experience has led Mark to shift his understanding of human anatomy into the 21st century and has allowed him to apply biotensegrity principles to his work as a Strength and Conditioning trainer and Pilates teacher.

Mark’s expertise and experience have made him a highly respected and sought-after practitioner in his field. His dedication to advancing the field of fitness and wellness and his commitment to incorporating the latest research and techniques into his work have helped many clients achieve their goals and improve their overall health and well-being.

John Sharkey, MSc
John Sharkey
John Sharkey, MSc

John Sharkey is a well-known international educator, author, and expert in various fields such as Clinical Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, human movement, and manual treatment of chronic pain using European Neuromuscular Therapy. He is a graduate of the University of Dundee, University of Liverpool, and University of Chester, completing both undergraduate and post-graduate studies in Exercise Physiology and Clinical Anatomy. He also holds a post-graduate certificate in education.

John is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences at the University of Chester/NTC, Dublin. Additionally, he serves as the programme leader for the highly acclaimed series of Human Anatomy Dissection programmes , delivered past, present and future at King’s College London (England), The University of Dundee (Scotland), The Ohio State University (USA), Trecchi Human Academy (Italy) and The University of Witwatersrand School of Anatomical Sciences (South Africa). These courses are delivered teaching the geometry of anatomy and movement from the unique perspective of Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st Century. His presentations are informative, entertaining, respectful, and insightful.

John is a proponent of the “Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st century” model, which incorporates the groundbreaking work of his mentor, Dr. Stephen Levin MD. John is recognised as one of the foremost experts in the world on fascia and Biotensegrity. He specialises in teaching European Neuromuscular Therapy using living anatomy to address chronic pain conditions. Furthermore, he serves on the editorial board of professional journals such as the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (JBMT) and the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.

Rev Dr. Joanne Avison
Rev Dr. Joanne Avison

Joanne Avison is a certified Structural Integration practitioner (IASI) and a graduate of Tom Myer’s KMI school (1999-2001), with a wealth of experience in both movement and manual therapy. Joanne is a certified teacher of Kinesis and teaches applied structural anatomy for movement and manual practitioners in various fields internationally.

Joanne is the Director of the Art of Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training in London, UK, and a Senior Yoga Teacher (E-RYT500) and Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

As a member of the BioTensegrity Interest Group (B.I.G.), Joanne is deeply interested in the application of BioTensegrity principles to the understanding of the human blueprint and natural biomotional organisation. She is dedicated to making this emerging context for human movement more accessible and understandable through her writing and workshops.

Joanne is also a CMED Graduate (2004) and has extensively studied human development, with a particular focus on soft tissue and the connections between archetypal behavior and physiology. Her rigorous studies include Human Dissection and movement research in Fascial Fitness with Robert Schleip.

Before you register

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the refund policy for the course?

When can I book travel and accommodation?

What fixation method is used?

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to help before you register.

ONSITE LESSONS
Practical classes take place either at NTC or SPORTSCO, Ringsend, Dublin 4
Saturday from 10:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm

July 2025 –  26th♦
August 2025 – 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
September 2025 – 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
October 2025 – 4th, 11th, 18th♦, 25th
November 2025 – 1st, 8th♦, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 30th
December 2025 – 6th & 7th
Examinations and/or class will start at 9:30am on dates indicated with ♦

ONLINE LESSONS
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
(Recordings available afterwards)

July 2025 –  29th, 31st
August 2025 –  5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 28th
September 2025 –  2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th
October 2025 –  2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd

OPTIONAL FREE COURSE
National Qualification in Kettlebell Training

November 2nd, 2025 – Sunday from 10:00-17:00

PLEASE NOTE
Dates are provisional and, although unlikely, NTC reserve the right to make changes to the timetable if and when necessary
National Training Centre, Dublin
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When did your course begin?

Maldron Hotel, Headford Road, Galway
Maldron Hotel, Sandy Road, Galway, H91 E9C3
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