“A world movement from one touch – the story of Jeppe Tangbjerg”

The inspiration that gave birth to a community and a professional revolution.

🌟 We open the first issue of IMN – International Massage News – with a special meeting.
There is no better way to start than to have IMA founder and CEO Jeppe Tengbjerg speak, who in recent years has not only built competitions but also bridges between people and cultures.
His story is about how a childhood experience can become a global movement, and how one man’s vision can create a community of diverse players in the profession.
This interview is not just a conversation – it is the beginning of an inspiring journey for IMN readers.

1. 🛤 How did your career in the world of massage begin?

• My grand mother was my first teacher. I was no more than 10 years old.

1. 📜 How and when did the idea to found IMA come about?

• The idea came to me back in 2014-15 due to the need for more inspiration.

1. 📅 What kind of preparations does it take to organize such a large-scale competition?

• It takes a year to promote, plan and to schedule. There are many tasks in hosting such a big event.

1. 🎯 What was your main goal when you started the competition?

• The main goal was to find and share inspiration, to network and make a difference in the Massage World

1. 🌍 Which countries participated in the first IMA competition and how many competitors entered?

• 32 contries participated the first year (I don’t remember which), there were approx 57-80 participants the first year (however we also had 40 massage therapists doing a full weekend seminar + many judges at the same time.

6,. 📈 How has the number of participating countries and competitors changed since then?

• 37 countries in 2018 (127 participants), 42 countries and 200 participants, 2020 (cancel due to Covid), 2021 120 participants in 2021 (remember still Covid) I don’t recall the number of Countries), Approx 220 in 2022, Approx 230 in 2023, approx 240 in 2024 and 267 participants in 2025 from 58 Contries)

1. 🛠️ What challenges did you face in the early years, were there any unexpected events and how did you overcome them?

• We had to spend much time to educate massage therapists how they could benefint participating (inspiration, networking, fun, opportunity to promote and brand themselves ect

1. 💡 How can IMA innovate year after year to stay fresh and exciting?

• We just need to be aware of the trends and push ourselves.

1. 🌟 Is there a special moment that has deeply touched you personally over the years?

• The day I found out what community/family we had created

1. 🤝 How and with what have you managed to expand international relations??? ?

• In the beginning I contacted a few key players in our profession, since they joined me others have reached out themselves.

1. 📅 What do you consider to be the greatest success of 2025 for IMA?

• That we have made the whole profession reflect about what we all can do better in the future.

1. 🎯 What is the most important message you would like to convey to the world with the competition?

• That we grow if we share our knowledge with each other.

1. 📊 What feedback did you receive from competitors, judges and the audience after the 2025 competition?

• We had a lot of positive feedback since we were very well organized as we always are.

1. 🎓What training and educational opportunities does the event offer professionals??

• We do have a few minor workshops and a Educational Conference in which we talked about the level of educations in many countries.

1. 🌱 How do you see the future of massage competitions globally, including the role of IMA?

• There are many championships now. Some will dissepere others will stay. IMA will always stand for professionalism, fairness and being helpful consulting others.

1. 💬 If you had to summarize IMA’s mission in one sentence today, in 2025, what would it be?

• To elevate the whole massage profession!

1. 🔍 What criteria are used to select judges?

• Educational background and experience within massage competitions.

1. 📚 How can you apply, and what is your most important advice for future contestants?

• Therapsists can apply via our website. As advise I will say be prepared!

1. ✨ What message would you give to those who have never participated in such an event?

• They are missing out a lot. Not only the whole idea of learning but also the social fun.

1. 🚀 What specific goals and plans do you have for 2026?

• We will expand a little. For now we have decided to have a new 4hands/Multi handed category.

🎯 As we come to the end of the conversation, it becomes clear: the true power of the IMA lies not in statistics or records, but in the spirit it represents.
Jeppe Tengbjerg’s message is simple, yet uplifting: the future of the massage profession lies in learning from each other, openness and the power of community.
This is the message that IMN starts with – with a mission to elevate, enrich and connect the world of massage with news, stories and inspiration.
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