SJ Han
MS in Sports Product Design, 2025
Capstone Project: 길 "The Path"
Category: Parkour footwear and apparel for professional traceurs in the urban environment
Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, SJ developed a strong passion for athleticism, engaging in various sports like biathlon, skiing, triathlon, kayaking, judo, and yoga, all of which emphasized extreme sports to efficient body movement.
After completing military service in South Korea, his interest shifted to professional weightlifting, prompting research into injury prevention, muscle mass increase, and diet management. With several years of dedicated experience in weightlifting and personal training, SJ established a solid foundation in body mechanics. While studying Industrial design at Pratt Institute, he provided free personal training to students, where he observed the contentious role of weightlifting tools in the gym. SJ understood the tools’ value for intermediate to professional athletes but also recognized the potential drawbacks for beginners. This led him to be more focused on designing weightlifting shoes and fitness accessories from Industrial design to Sports product design.
This experience, coupled with his work and studying in Seoul and NYC, equipped him with the knowledge to select suitable materials for athletic apparel and design gear that prevents injuries while facilitating precise body movements, all informed by his deep understanding of effective motion and personal experience-based consumer insights.
