Dear A.I.M.A.A Members,

It is always a great honour and privilege for me as European Director to address you and congratulate you on a job well done! Over the last week we had had the greatest gift of all bestowed upon us with our president and founder, Grandmaster Hee Il Cho visiting us in Europe.

For the last 10 months or more we have planned, organised and undertaken various tasks in preparation of this visit. In all my years in martial arts, I have never been so proud to be part of A.I.M.A.A, when our Grandmaster walked out into that arena to the applause of over 1,000 souls.

He is the best there is and the best there ever will be, and we saw this with our very own eyes in the National Basket Ball Arena.

I would personally like to thank each and every Instructor and student within A.I.M.A.A Ireland for their dedication, loyalty and support of Grandmaster Cho. Without you, we would not be where we are today.

I would also like to thank the many A.I.M.A.A Instructors who helped organise, plan and give up valuable time to ensure Grandmaster Cho and Mrs Cho, had a most enjoyable visit in Ireland. At the A.I.M.A.A International testing we had many Instructors help out on the day, with mats, transport, banners and so on. You know how you are and I applaud your dedication and support, and give thanks that you are at my side.

Without Miss Walsh, I don't know where I would be! Her hard work in maintaining all the association administration, on many occasion goes well beyond the call of duty! She is the backbone to A.I.M.A.A and its Instructors, and I take this opportunity in thanking her on behalf of everyone for her hard work, drive and determination in ensuring everything is done properly.

To Mr Long, who I need not ask but it is done! I thank him for his loyalty and support. Mr Long has been with me for many years and I never have to ask for help, he is always there for me and when I say something needs done, he is always the first to help out. During Grandmaster Cho's visit he has been my rock.  I would also like to thank my family and friends who have helped out in many ways, from collecting items, transport and of course singing at the seminar!

Lastly to the A.I.M.A.A Masters for their dedication, support and above all integrity, without you my brothers A.I.M.A.A would not be growing the leaps and bounds it is doing within Europe or indeed worldwide. 

Thank You

Master John Darcy - European Director of A.I.M.A.A