Like most school owners I used to be a member of a Taekwondo organization that had "benefits" for being a member school. Over time, I realized that I was being taken advantage of and the benefits didn't really benefit my bank account at all. I was working hard to enrich someone else. Like many others, I left my organization and went independent for over ten years. During this time I had no way of advancing my rank. We also had to attend open tournaments where at times the values and integrity of the organizers and participants didn't meet my expectations, leaving us disappointed.

Then in 2015, we found IMAS. I was skeptical of joining another organization, but this is not an organization. After attending my first event, and having actually made money for my efforts, I was on board. I was accepted with open arms, respected, and made to feel like a member of the family. Every event thus far has been organized well, professionally run, and a great experience for my people.

As a member, I have many opportunities to make really good money through my peoples participation in events, something I never thought possible with my old organization. As a member of IMAS, I am equal to everyone else and beneath no one else. If you're still with an old-school organization and handing over a check every time your people go to an event, you should take a close look at becoming an IMAS member school.