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

Hear from the professionals who have attended one of John's Dissection courses.
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.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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.
| 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.
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.
We're planning our next Johannesburg course - register your interest and we'll notify you when dates are confirmed.
Weekday Hands-On Course
University of Witwatersrand
Led by world-renowned fascia authorities and clinical anatomists with decades of hands-on dissection experience.

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 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.

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.
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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