Jesús Ramal: A Successful Medal Maker
A Global Vision of Sports Training
Since taking the helm of HANKUK, based in San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid), Jesús Ramal has transformed it into a true temple of international taekwondo. He’s become a global figure, invited to give clinics on every continent and serve as a training base for world and Olympic athletes.
Adopting a holistic approach, he combines technical rigor with a focus on mental health. For him, the psychological aspect is key because “everything is governed by the brain.” Since Adriana Cerezo won silver at Tokyo 2021, and building on the work he’d been doing since the 1980s—along with guiding Suvi Mikkonen in her Olympic appearances—his method exploded in recognition, with results that continue to impress.
Personality
Jesús is an authentic man, sincere in his interactions. He’s an excellent host—cheerful when the moment calls for it, direct and upfront when something needs to be said. Talking about taekwondo, successes, and experiences excites him, but nothing compares to seeing him in action during a class, moving around the mat while shouting enthusiastic commands, guiding, teaching, and applauding. Still, if an athlete isn’t giving their all, Ramal has the sharp eye to detect and correct it.
A Factory of Champions
As Technical Director of Club HANKUK, he’s trained Olympic medalists like Adriana Cerezo (silver in Tokyo 2020) and Viviana Marton (Olympic gold in Paris 2024). Other notable athletes include Luana Marton (world champion at 17), Laura Rodríguez (European U21 champion), Lena Moreno (Grand Prix Challenger champion), Iker Abad and Jesús Frailes (European U21 champions), as well as Jack Wolly from Ireland and athletes from the Americas, Africa, and more.
Awards and Recognition
Since 2022, both the Spanish Olympic Committee and the Royal Spanish Federation have awarded him honors, such as Best Female Coach of the Year for his contribution to the Olympic movement and athlete success. HANKUK has also been repeatedly recognized as the top club in its region, with local mayors lifting his arm in celebration—proof of his rising international profile.
The “HANKUK Method”: Science, Passion, and Community
The Winter Training Camp, organized by HANKUK, has become a global benchmark. The 2025 edition welcomed 400 athletes from 32 countries. The club also renewed its sponsorship with KPNP, the Korean electronic equipment provider for Paris 2024, to further strengthen their path to Los Angeles 2028.
Proyección de futuro
Looking Ahead
Jesús Ramal sees the 2025–2028 Olympic cycle with strategic optimism. Adriana Cerezo, after processing the bittersweet outcome of Paris 2024, is already focused on Los Angeles with renewed calm. Ramal believes the team could aim for “two, three, or even four Olympic medals” thanks to the team’s strength and youth.
We’ve been closely following Ramal and Club President Suvi Mikkonen since late 2021, when they were the first official club to invite us to Europe in person. Since then, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth under a unique method integrating neuroscience, nutrition, physiotherapy, and emotional management. This approach has drawn athletes and coaches from over 45 countries, including the UK, Mexico, the U.S., Croatia, and France—who trained at HANKUK in 2025.
Offers to coach other countries have also been put on the table; however, for now, the Madrid-born coach has chosen to remain part of the Spanish team and continue working at his club with both national and international athletes. For Ramal, wearing the Spanish jersey at major events has been a great privilege, and he values it deeply.
Reflections from the Mat
“I’VE BEEN LUCKY TO WORK WITH ATHLETES WHO BELIEVE IN THE METHOD. WE TRAIN A LOT, BUT WITH PURPOSE—ADAPTING AND CARING FOR EVERY DETAIL TO OPTIMIZE RESULTS.”
Jesús Ramal doesn’t just train athletes—he builds complete, happy individuals. His vision, grounded in science, consistency, and humanity, has made HANKUK a driving force for Spain’s Olympic taekwondo. With Adriana Cerezo, Viviana Marton, and a new wave of rising stars, the club is now a true medal factory poised to shine again at Los Angeles 2028.
They recently wrapped up a successful tour of the United States and Greece. Back in Madrid, eager for more training, they’re already packing for the Galeb Summer Camp in Serbia. The calendar won’t slow down—they’ll then hold a private camp in Tenerife, their lucky island and favorite training spot, where they first discovered the Marton twins as children.
What will be the club’s ultimate test? Undoubtedly, the World Taekwondo Championships in China this October, where many of their athletes will seek those coveted medals.
Carlos Hernández
source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/
A Global Vision of Sports Training
Since taking the helm of HANKUK, based in San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid), Jesús Ramal has transformed it into a true temple of international taekwondo. He’s become a global figure, invited to give clinics on every continent and serve as a training base for world and Olympic athletes.
Adopting a holistic approach, he combines technical rigor with a focus on mental health. For him, the psychological aspect is key because “everything is governed by the brain.” Since Adriana Cerezo won silver at Tokyo 2021, and building on the work he’d been doing since the 1980s—along with guiding Suvi Mikkonen in her Olympic appearances—his method exploded in recognition, with results that continue to impress.
Jesús is an authentic man, sincere in his interactions. He’s an excellent host—cheerful when the moment calls for it, direct and upfront when something needs to be said. Talking about taekwondo, successes, and experiences excites him, but nothing compares to seeing him in action during a class, moving around the mat while shouting enthusiastic commands, guiding, teaching, and applauding. Still, if an athlete isn’t giving their all, Ramal has the sharp eye to detect and correct it.
A Factory of Champions
As Technical Director of Club HANKUK, he’s trained Olympic medalists like Adriana Cerezo (silver in Tokyo 2020) and Viviana Marton (Olympic gold in Paris 2024). Other notable athletes include Luana Marton (world champion at 17), Laura Rodríguez (European U21 champion), Lena Moreno (Grand Prix Challenger champion), Iker Abad and Jesús Frailes (European U21 champions), as well as Jack Wolly from Ireland and athletes from the Americas, Africa, and more.
Awards and Recognition
Since 2022, both the Spanish Olympic Committee and the Royal Spanish Federation have awarded him honors, such as Best Female Coach of the Year for his contribution to the Olympic movement and athlete success. HANKUK has also been repeatedly recognized as the top club in its region, with local mayors lifting his arm in celebration—proof of his rising international profile.
The “HANKUK Method”: Science, Passion, and Community
The Winter Training Camp, organized by HANKUK, has become a global benchmark. The 2025 edition welcomed 400 athletes from 32 countries. The club also renewed its sponsorship with KPNP, the Korean electronic equipment provider for Paris 2024, to further strengthen their path to Los Angeles 2028.
Proyección de futuro
Looking Ahead
Jesús Ramal sees the 2025–2028 Olympic cycle with strategic optimism. Adriana Cerezo, after processing the bittersweet outcome of Paris 2024, is already focused on Los Angeles with renewed calm. Ramal believes the team could aim for “two, three, or even four Olympic medals” thanks to the team’s strength and youth.
We’ve been closely following Ramal and Club President Suvi Mikkonen since late 2021, when they were the first official club to invite us to Europe in person. Since then, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth under a unique method integrating neuroscience, nutrition, physiotherapy, and emotional management. This approach has drawn athletes and coaches from over 45 countries, including the UK, Mexico, the U.S., Croatia, and France—who trained at HANKUK in 2025.
Offers to coach other countries have also been put on the table; however, for now, the Madrid-born coach has chosen to remain part of the Spanish team and continue working at his club with both national and international athletes. For Ramal, wearing the Spanish jersey at major events has been a great privilege, and he values it deeply.
Reflections from the Mat
- “The key is in the work, consistency, and happiness… I have to be happy with what I do.”
- “We don’t set medal goals. We focus on enjoying and preparing properly; the results will follow.”
“I’VE BEEN LUCKY TO WORK WITH ATHLETES WHO BELIEVE IN THE METHOD. WE TRAIN A LOT, BUT WITH PURPOSE—ADAPTING AND CARING FOR EVERY DETAIL TO OPTIMIZE RESULTS.”
Jesús Ramal doesn’t just train athletes—he builds complete, happy individuals. His vision, grounded in science, consistency, and humanity, has made HANKUK a driving force for Spain’s Olympic taekwondo. With Adriana Cerezo, Viviana Marton, and a new wave of rising stars, the club is now a true medal factory poised to shine again at Los Angeles 2028.
They recently wrapped up a successful tour of the United States and Greece. Back in Madrid, eager for more training, they’re already packing for the Galeb Summer Camp in Serbia. The calendar won’t slow down—they’ll then hold a private camp in Tenerife, their lucky island and favorite training spot, where they first discovered the Marton twins as children.
What will be the club’s ultimate test? Undoubtedly, the World Taekwondo Championships in China this October, where many of their athletes will seek those coveted medals.
Carlos Hernández
source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/
