Master’s Alliance

Uzbekistan Training Camp: What American Taekwondo Could Learn

Olympic medalists Juan Moreno, TJ Grimes, and Herb Perez pull no punches in this raw, unfiltered examination of what's happening behind the scenes in American taekwondo.Coach Moreno shares fascinating insights from his training camp in Uzbekistan, where he's witnessed a thriving system with nine full-time coaches for their senior team, impressive test matches, and remarkable depth of talent. The contrast between this environment and the current USA program becomes the springboard for a deeper conversation about leadership, accountability, and inclusion in American taekwondo.The coaches reveal their frustrations with USA Taekwondo leadership's systematic exclusion of Olympic medalists and experienced coaches from the national program. Despite reaching out directly to program directors, these accomplished coaches receive no response whatsoever – a stunning lack of professional courtesy that reveals deeper organizational issues. As Coach Perez pointedly remarks, "The program has been historically run by non-performers."What emerges is a troubling picture of an organization that, despite significant financial resources, struggles with athlete development and maintaining competitive depth across weight divisions. The coaches question why leadership remains unchanged despite years of underwhelming results, noting that in any other professional sport, such performance would trigger immediate changes. Their proposed solution centers around creating true "buy-in" from the broader taekwondo community – building an inclusive environment where experience is valued and everyone feels respected.Whether you're a taekwondo practitioner, coach, or simply interested in sports organization development, this episode offers rare insider perspective on what it takes to build truly successful athletic programs. Listen now to hear these Olympic medalists speak truth to power about the sport they love.

Warehouse 15

Game Changers: The Athletes Who Redefined Taekwondo

The Warehouse 15 crew delivers a no-holds-barred assessment of the recent Pan Am Championships in Queretaro, Mexico, where competitors battled not just opponents but also 90-degree heat in outdoor tents. The tournament's chaotic organization—from confusing registration processes to midnight schedule changes—prompts a larger conversation about respect for athletes in international Taekwondo.The discussion takes a critical turn toward USA Taekwondo's development pipeline after noting the junior team's underwhelming gold medal count. Unlike other sports with sophisticated talent identification systems and multiple development pathways, Taekwondo in America lacks structured approaches to cultivating future Olympic talent. Financial support comes under fire too, with reports that athletes receive minimal backing for world championships—just registration fees and uniforms while self-funding travel and accommodations.The episode's highlight is a fascinating exploration of game-changing athletes throughout Taekwondo history. From Steven Lopez's revolutionary leg check (which eventually led to rule changes) to Jung Myung-sam's gravity-defying aerial techniques, the hosts analyze competitors who didn't just excel within the existing paradigm—they forced the sport to evolve around them. Other transformative figures discussed include Dae Hoon Lee, Gabriel Mercedes, Arlene Limas, and Hadi Saei, each bringing unique innovations that permanently altered how future generations approach the sport.Whether you're a competitive athlete, coach, or passionate fan, this episode offers rare insights into both the current state of Taekwondo governance and the extraordinary individuals who've redefined what's possible within the sport. Share your thoughts on game-changing athletes by emailing the hosts—they're eager to hear from listeners who've stuck around for this deep dive into Taekwondo's past, present, and future.

Mat Chat: Three Masters Roast the Latest Taekwondo Gear Disaster

A seismic shift has occurred in the Olympic world with the election of the first-ever female IOC president, and the Warehouse 15 team wastes no time diving into what this might mean for martial arts on the global stage. Masters Herb Perez, Juan Moreno, and TJ Curry unpack this historic development with their signature blend of insider knowledge and unfiltered commentary.The conversation takes a particularly heated turn when examining World Taekwondo's latest equipment innovation – protective "baby mitten" gloves that have left our hosts utterly baffled. "They're treating athletes like dogs. They're too stupid not to grab, so let's put mittens on them," Master Perez declares, highlighting the absurdity of equipment that prevents athletes from adjusting their own headgear or even safely breaking falls. This sparks a broader exploration of how decisions are made in martial arts governance and who truly understands the fighter's experience.This leads naturally into a passionate debate about tradition versus innovation in Taekwondo. Should the martial art cling to its traditional uniform elements, or embrace performance-enhancing design like other Olympic sports? The masters don't hold back as they challenge each other's perspectives, revealing deeper questions about Taekwondo's identity crisis in the modern era.Perhaps most compelling is their unflinching examination of leadership selection in martial arts organizations worldwide. They call out the nepotism and backdoor deals that often determine who rises to power, advocating instead for a true meritocracy based on proven track records. "Shouldn't you have to have proven that you can do the job that you're accepting?" asks Juan, cutting to the heart of a problem plaguing martial arts governance.Join us for this thought-provoking episode that goes beyond technical discussion to address the soul of Taekwondo itself. Whether you're a competitor, coach, or passionate fan, you'll gain valuable insights from these masters who have dedicated their lives to preserving what makes this martial art special while fighting for its necessary evolution.

When Your Sport Excludes Its Champions: A Candid Taekwondo Discussion

Navigating the complex terrain of taekwondo politics requires more than just technical skill—it demands resilience against systems that sometimes work against their own athletes. In this revealing conversation, Coach Lee joins the Warehouse 15 podcast to share his perspective as both an Olympic coach and someone who's experienced the double standards prevalent in USA Taekwondo.

Nature vs. Nurture

https://youtu.be/TXBVUJCY5Ns

How does one navigate the unpredictable world of sporting events and weather chaos? Join us at Warehouse 15, where I, the Grandmaster of Disaster, along with TJ and Coach Moreno, share personal updates and the latest weather conditions from California to South Florida. Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we spotlight the recent USA Taekwondo Open Tournament. We celebrate the amazing triumphs and acknowledge the challenges faced by athletes and coaches, with a special nod to Aaron Vorpal's commendable contributions to the Wisconsin taekwondo community. Travel stories weave their way into our discussion, highlighting the storms we've braved and the incredible memories made along the way.Unraveling the intricate issues of tournament organization, we explore the hurdles coaches face with limited resources, scheduling conflicts, and electronic scoring failures. The unexpected drop in international participation at the US Open sparks a dialogue on the need for better planning and management. Drawing parallels with other sports, we stress the importance of high-level competition and national team cohesion for future success on the international stage. With an emphasis on leadership integrity and meritocracy, we advocate for improvements within Taekwondo organizations to foster a more inclusive and expertise-driven environment.As we conclude, the spotlight turns to the vital support required for national team athletes. The conversation challenges the current system, urging a reevaluation of resource allocation to better prioritize athletes' needs and ensure they feel valued and supported. With upcoming opportunities like the Cadet and Junior Pan American Championships on the horizon, we underscore the dedication required from coaches and the importance of nurturing young talent. Celebrating the commitment of our taekwondo community, we reflect on the achievements of recent tournaments, including a playful nod to the challenges of visiting Reno, and gear up for the exciting opportunities ahead.

Crafting Champions: Redefining Success, Coaching Innovation, and the Role of Legendary Figures in Sports

What if the true measure of success in sports isn't just about winning but about pushing the boundaries of performance and personal growth? Join us in Warehouse 15 as we, Herb Perez, Coach Moreno, and Coach TJ, unmask the realities of our athletic journeys. We recount our candid experiences, from my own self-reflective path of balancing martial arts and competitive distractions to Coach Moreno's fatherly pride in his child's theatrical debut in Seattle's "Footloose." Coach TJ brings humor to the table as he shares tales of a local Taekwondo tournament, navigating the dynamics of gratitude and recognition in sports with a light-hearted touch.Together, we open the vault on the strategic nuances of crafting athletic careers, emphasizing the new flexibility offered by a two-year competitive cycle. This episode invites you to ponder the real benefits of confronting top-tier teams like Korea early on, ensuring athletes are ready for the grand stage of the Olympic Games. We explore the critical role of high-level international tournaments and the ripple effects of facing elite competitors, not just for glory but for the sheer elevation of one's performance. Social media's growing influence and the admiration for legendary figures like Michael Jordan become focal points in understanding the evolving landscape of sports culture.A thought-provoking critique takes center stage as we examine the current state of sports administration and coaching, challenging inefficiencies and advocating for a system built on merit and objective criteria. With a mix of frustration and hope, we discuss the necessity of revamping coaching structures, the importance of open communication, and the value of fostering genuine growth within national teams. Personal anecdotes shine a light on the intricacies of coaching succession and the often overlooked impact of legacy planning. Our conversations aim to inspire listeners to engage, reflect, and ultimately, to seek out solutions that drive positive change in the world of sports.