JØRG FRANKEN

Jørg started climbing in the early ’90s and soon after began coaching others, both on rock and in life. With a background in psychology, architecture, and history, he integrates movement, mindset, and meaningful design into a grounded, holistic approach to climbing.

His specialty is coaching not just for performance, but for presence. Drawing from decades of experience and influences such as Taoist philosophy and body-based awareness, Jørg helps climbers align with their natural rhythm, supporting mental clarity, personal growth, and a deeper connection to the sport. That’s why we call his approach holistic climbing coaching.

Jørg has climbed boulders up to 8A and competed at the highest national level. He’s coached elite competition climbers at IFSC World Cups, as well as outdoor-focused athletes looking to grow with intention. With over 30 years of experience, he is one of the most well-rounded and respected coaches in The Netherlands.

As a co-founder of ĀTMA Climbing, Jørg also designs climbing gyms, event spaces, and temporary retreat environments, often shaped around tiny houses. His design work is rooted in ancestral awareness and a deep sensitivity to place, creating environments that support connection, focus, and simplicity.

Having returned to Fontainebleau for over three decades, he now shares his knowledge of the forest and its sandstone through ĀTMA bouldering camps and coaching programs, always in tune with nature, and with a deep respect for the ancestral presence woven into the landscape.