📰 Interview – Jaroslav Grundza, CEO of ICMC.”The massage competition that builds bridges” 🌍💆‍♂️📢 Foreword We spoke with the organizer of the Ostrava -Czech Republic- massage competition about the background, goals, innovations and future plans of the event. The following interview gives an insight into how the idea was born, what experiences await the participants and why this event is more than a simple competition.1. How did the idea for the event come about and what was the original goal?👉 The idea came in 2022, when I finished my international studies as an IMA teacher. Our goal remains the same: to create a friendly community in the field of massage that inspires each other and brings greater value to the Czechoslovak region.2. What categories are there in the competition?👉 There are four categories: sports, wellness, western freestyle massage, eastern freestyle massage. We will continue these next year, but we would like to expand them.3. What is special this year?👉 Every year there is something new and special, from the ceremony to the announcement of the winners.4. How many countries and competitors are participating?👉 This year, 6-7 countries, with a total of 40 participants.5. What is the most important message?👉 Massage competitions can inspire people, make their lives better – this is our main message.6. How important is social media?👉 In today’s world, it is essential for the competition.7. What training opportunities does the event offer?👉 We organize educational events and international courses at home and abroad throughout the year.8. Why are international relations important?👉 They open up new opportunities for the participants and the competition itself.9. How are the judges selected? 👉 All judges have the same rights and all decisions are made together.10. How to apply? What advice do you have?👉 Same as this year. My advice: always be yourself.11. What kind of accompanying programs will there be?👉 Jury presentation, educational event and cultural programs.12. How do you support the profession?👉 We help our participants at international educational events.13. What is your message to those who are coming for the first time?👉 Find courage and see the competition not as fear, but as a celebration.14. What will be different about this year’s event?👉 This year the winner will receive 10,000 Czech crowns from Vaše Okná.15. Will there be new countries?👉 Yes, we have a guest from Japan, and next year we would like to invite Brazil. 16. What innovations have been introduced?👉 In 2025, we focused on technique, not spectacular performance. We are aiming for a therapeutic rather than theatrical competition.17. What is your personal goal?👉 I have long wanted to make massage a national sport in the Czech Republic. This would raise the profession to a new level.18. How do you choose sponsors?👉 Most of them are returning, but there are always new ones. We are open to any cooperation.19. What developments do you see in the profession?👉 The participants are getting better every year, and the competitions provide an excellent international training opportunity.20. Who were the main partners this year?👉 The city of Ostrava, Třebovice and Fabulo – they all added great value to the competition.22. Which moment are you looking forward to the most? 👉 For me, everyone who has overcome their fear and shown the art of massage is a winner.23. What message do you have for those who have never participated?👉 Throw away prejudices, build bridges and discover the new future of massage.24. What should the participants and the audience take home?👉 Mostly experiences, friendships, new job opportunities – because the essence of our competition is community and good mood.🎤 Closing remarksThis interview also shows that the competition is not just about technique, but also about community, inspiration and professional development. The goal is clear: to raise massage to a higher level, while providing experience, opportunity and value to the participants. 💫#massage #championships #icmc #ostravaInternational Massage Association Tengbjerg Sundhedsuddannelser World Massage Festival Campionatul Național de Masaj World Association of Nuad Thai & Spa World Massage Therapists Championship World Massage Championship Participants World Massage Conference World Massage Championship – Manual Therapy – Nuad Thai Anna Baroni – Annabel School American Competitive Massage Alliance Massage World WMF World Massage Championship 2025 World Massage Championships – Krabi Thailand EMA – European Massage Association Tibor Csaba Kovács Massopreneurs Mag World Massage Council-WMC World Championship Massage 2025 GL- International Massage Movement Italianmassagecontest IMN – International Massage New World Massage Super Cup World Massage Festival & Massage Therapy Hall of Fame