Triple J: Korea’s Freestyle Poomsae Powerhouse Shaping Taekwondo’s Next Global Frontier

From a specialized academy to a global training platform, Triple J is helping define the technical, cultural and competitive future of Freestyle Poomsae.

What began as a specialized academy focused on professional kicking technique has grown into a Freestyle Poomsae platform with branches in Suwon, Busan and Goyang, international projection, world-level athletes and a clear long-term vision: to preserve Taekwondo’s traditional identity while pushing the boundaries of creativity, performance and modern training.

MASTKD has previously reported on Triple J and its expanding role within the global Freestyle Poomsae ecosystem. This new conversation goes deeper. It explores the philosophy behind its growth, the technical system that attracts international athletes to Korea, the challenge of balancing tradition and innovation, and the ambition of helping Freestyle Poomsae move toward a future in which global standards—and perhaps even Olympic recognition—become part of the discipline’s next chapter.

In this exclusive interview, Triple J reflects on its origins, its expansion, its training model and the legacy it hopes to build for Taekwondo over the next decade.

Exclusive Interview: Triple J and the Future of Freestyle Poomsae

MASTKD: Triple J began as a specialized Freestyle Poomsae academy and now operates branches in Suwon, Busan and Goyang, with plans to open a fourth location next year. What has changed in your vision from those early days to becoming an organization with a presence across multiple cities in Korea?

Triple J: Initially, I never intended to build a large organization. Triple J began with a focused mission: teaching kicking techniques professionally. As elite athletes started joining us, a Freestyle Poomsae team naturally formed. When we began winning medals at World Championships, our reputation expanded internationally.

My vision was simple: reach the highest level in Freestyle Poomsae, then expand beyond that to create greater value.

The national team athletes and champions we have produced have validated our technical system. Our expansion to Suwon, Busan and Goyang is not merely business growth. I observed that, as the average age of Taekwondo students declined, specialized technical training deteriorated. Athletes abroad also struggled to find proper instruction. We are opening new branches and developing online programs to address these gaps.

MASTKD: Many international athletes choose Triple J when they travel to Korea for Freestyle training. What do you believe they find at your academy that is difficult to find elsewhere?

Triple J: We offer three distinctive elements. First, every instructor possesses specialized expertise. Second, we employ systematic progression in Taekwondo technique instruction. Third, our facilities are optimized specifically for Freestyle Poomsae training.

International athletes consistently emphasize our clear technical framework. Many academies rush students toward advanced techniques immediately. We do the opposite. We assess each athlete’s current level, then systematically build from fundamentals upward. This is essential professionalism and the most critical injury prevention strategy.

More importantly, you must taste something to truly understand it. Just as tasting salt reveals its actual flavor, athletes must experience our systematic approach firsthand to fully grasp the difference. Every athlete who trains here once recognizes this distinction. This reputation creates a positive cycle that brings more athletes to us.

MASTKD: You have often emphasized the importance of balancing tradition and creativity. As Freestyle continues to evolve every year, how do you ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of Taekwondo’s core values and identity?

Triple J: This is both the most challenging and most important question. Freestyle Poomsae is trend-sensitive and changes yearly. New techniques emerge, judging criteria shift and athlete expression evolves. However, “freestyle” does not mean indiscriminate adoption.

Deviating from Taekwondo’s fundamental spirit and technical system is not innovation. It is distortion. Our standard is this: no matter how new a technique is, it must be rooted in Taekwondo’s kicking principles. Regardless of how novel a presentation may be, it must carry meaning grounded in Taekwondo’s philosophy.

For example, when advanced spinning techniques emerged, we first analyzed how they reflected Taekwondo’s fundamental kicking mechanics. If they pursued only superficial spectacle, we discouraged them. But if they were grounded in Taekwondo’s spirit and technical principles, we taught them systematically.

Our philosophy is clear: preserve tradition, pursue creativity.

MASTKD: Building one successful academy is challenging; building three and planning a fourth requires a system. What are the fundamental principles that must remain unchanged in every Triple J branch, regardless of location?

Triple J: Whether students train in Suwon, Busan or Goyang, they must receive identical experiences. That is the value of the Triple J name.

Our non-negotiable principles are clear.

First, instructor expertise standards. Every Triple J instructor is not merely a Taekwondo teacher. Balancing comprehensive group instruction with individualized attention is critical.

Second, systematic instruction principles. All locations follow identical progressive curricula. There must be a clear pathway from fundamentals to advanced techniques everywhere.

Third, facility standards. Any location lacking proper facilities for Freestyle Poomsae training cannot be Triple J. Professional infrastructure must support systematic training.

Fourth, philosophical consistency. Our core value—preserve tradition, pursue creativity—must be equally reflected at every location.

Without these principles, Triple J becomes just another ordinary academy.

MASTKD: Freestyle Poomsae has become increasingly competitive worldwide. From your perspective, which countries or regions are showing the most interesting growth and have the potential to become major forces in the coming years?

Triple J: Currently, Korea clearly holds the top position. However, I observe interesting developments, although I will omit specific names due to sensitivity.

Several Southeast Asian nations demonstrate remarkable progress. These countries benefit from strong government support for Taekwondo and superior athlete development systems compared to Korea’s structure.

Certain Pan-American nations are increasing their interest in Freestyle Poomsae. Their attempts to integrate individualism and artistry based on athlete capabilities are intriguing. Through frequent exchange with Korea, these countries are developing and emerging as regional powerhouses.

However, these regions need a systematic training system specifically designed for Freestyle Poomsae athletes to reach the highest level. That is precisely what we must provide.

MASTKD: Triple J athletes have already earned medals at World Championships, Asian Championships and major international competitions at every level. When an academy achieves that kind of consistent success, how do you prevent success from becoming a comfort zone, and how do you maintain the drive to keep improving?

Triple J: Understanding the dangers of success is the first step to preserving it. History shows that fortified walls precede national decline. We must avoid complacency while remaining unsatisfied—continuously attempting innovation, not through simple imitation, but by understanding essential values, removing unsuitable practices and implementing activities that fill those gaps.

Second, our athlete development system is key. We do not depend on one or two star athletes. We continuously operate a junior program to discover new talent. Newcomers with fundamental training become catalysts for existing athletes and inject new vitality into our team. This positive cycle elevates our organization’s overall level.

MASTKD: Triple J’s expansion seems to be moving toward something bigger than a traditional academy network. What is your long-term vision for the Triple J brand, both within Korea and internationally?

Triple J: Triple J has evolved beyond a simple training facility. We are becoming a Freestyle Poomsae platform and a global training center.

Triple J is establishing Freestyle Poomsae standards in Korea. Through WTPTA, the World Taekwondo Professional Trainers Association, we published the Freestyle Poomsae Training Manual, hoping it will guide domestic instructors. As instructors for the Korea Taekwondo Association, the Asian Taekwondo Union and World Taekwondo, we disseminate advanced techniques and share Korea’s best practices globally.

Our greater ambition is Olympic official status for Freestyle Poomsae. This requires international standards, and I believe Triple J must help lead the process of establishing them. If Freestyle Poomsae eventually becomes Olympic, I hope Triple J helped lay that foundation.

MASTKD: Managing multiple academies requires instructors who can transmit the same philosophy and standards. What qualities do you look for in a coach before trusting them to represent Triple J?

Triple J: Triple J operates its own evaluation system based on integrity and competence. Only those scoring 800 points or above can join our instructor team. Reaching this threshold requires a minimum of six years of involvement.

During this period, developing proficiency is basic; we also verify ethical foundation. By observing someone’s past, you can see their future.

MASTKD: Having worked with both Korean and international athletes, what is the most common mistake you see practitioners make when trying to develop themselves in Freestyle Poomsae?

Triple J: Taekwondo must be understood not as mere sport, but as a martial art sport. Those who understand it only as competition might achieve short-term results, but since we are currently in the phase of expanding this field itself, more fundamental approaches are necessary.

While it is sometimes unavoidable for competition, simple imitation should be avoided. For instance, when Korean athletes perform excellently with traditional Korean music, athletes from other cultures should not simply copy that music. It does not fit. Each culture possesses its own identity. When athletes express this authenticity, we can build a rich competitive culture in Freestyle Poomsae.

Triple J, preserving tradition, pursuing creativity

MASTKD: If we were having this conversation again ten years from now, what would you like the Taekwondo world to be saying about the legacy of Triple J and the impact of the work you have built?

Triple J: First, I hope Triple J networks exist in major cities worldwide, where students and athletes everywhere receive equivalent education quality.

Second, and most importantly, I hope athletes and instructors produced by Triple J are recognized not merely as medalists, but as practitioners preserving the martial art’s master-disciple culture and as members of a competitive sports organization establishing standards.

Success is not medals. Success is achieving intended goals. If Freestyle Poomsae develops as an artistic sport, if Taekwondo’s spirit and culture are preserved throughout this process, and if Triple J contributed to that mission, that is our true success.

About The Author