About us

Since 2004, Washington Premier Taekwondo Academy has been helping students of all ages unlock their potential and achieve goals they never thought possible. Whether you're a parent looking to boost your child's confidence, an adult seeking a new challenge, or a family wanting to train together, you'll find expert instruction in a genuinely welcoming environment.

Our teaching philosophy combines the time-honored principles of traditional Taekwondo, respect, discipline, perseverance with a personalized approach that meets each student where they are and helps them grow at their own pace. We celebrate progress at every level. We create a space where it's safe to try, okay to struggle, and exciting to succeed. Our students don't just learn techniques; they build lasting confidence, discover inner strength, and develop skills that serve them well beyond the mat.

We'd love to welcome you to our dojang and show you what makes our community special.

This is the official poster used for 1988 Seoul, South Korea Olympic, featuring Grand Master Han’s famous Taekwondo knock-off scene.

Grand Master Jae Koo Han

Grand Master Jae Koo Han, the founder and head instructor of Washington Premier Taekwondo Academy, began his martial arts journey at a young age in South Korea. His exceptional talent and dedication propelled him through national competitions and ultimately onto the world stage as one of Korea’s top Taekwondo athletes.

Grand Master Han competed as an athlete for Korea for more than 20 years, including 6 years as a member of the Korean National Team. During his time on the national team, he was honored with a Special Presidential Commendation twice, recognizing his outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport. Before coming to the U.S. with his family, he spent years coaching the Korean National Team and served as a guest coach for a Chinese university team for three years.

With multiple gold medals, world championship titles, and member of Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, Grand Master Han brings exceptional expertise and a champion's perspective to his teaching. He's equally focused on developing physical skills and building character, understanding that true martial arts training shapes the whole person. At Washington Premier Taekwondo Academy, our mission goes beyond technique, we're committed to developing respectful, confident individuals who embody the values of traditional Taekwondo in everything they do.

Fun fact - Grand Master Han invented the Double Roundhouse Kick, a technique that is widely taught and used at every level of Taekwondo competitions nowadays. He moved so quickly that he could fire off a second roundhouse without needing extra steps, transforming the move into a fluid, lightning-fast strike that became his signature technique.

Teaching Experience

  • 40+ years of teaching experience with elementary, middle, and high school students

  • 1989: Five European Seminar Tours

  • 1989 - 1991: Hyundai Taekwondo Company Team Coach, South Korea

  • 1991 - 1996: Chung Buk State Taekwondo Team Coach, South Korea

  • 1999: Seminars in 5 cities in France

  • 2000- Canadian seminar, Toronto, Canada

  • 2001 - 2004: China Junior National Head Coach, Beijing, China

  • 2001 - 2004: China Beijing Chung Hwa University Team Head Coach, Beijing, China

  • 2004 - Now: Grand Master of Washington Premier Taekwondo Academy, Washington, USA

Some of Key Achievements and Medals

  • 6th World Taekwondo Championship Gold Medalist (Denmark)

  • 7th World Taekwondo Championship Gold Medalist (South Korea)

  • 5th Asia Taekwondo Championship Gold Medalist (Singapore)

  • 6th Asia Taekwondo Championship Gold Medalist (The Philippines)

  • 10th Seoul Asia Olympic Gold Medalist (South Korea)

Grand Master Han’s highlights

Visit this site to see Grand Master Han Professional career Stats - https://www.taekwondodata.com/jae-ku-han.a20o.html