From a Quiet Nepali Town to the Global Stage
The Inspiring Life Story of
Master Sanjiv Nepali
Every great story starts with a simple dream. For Master Sanjiv Nepali, that dream began in Nijgadh, Bara, Nepal, a small town in the rural Tarai region. Today, he lives in Nottingham, Maryland, USA. He is known worldwide as an elite 5th Degree Black Belt and a global champion. His journey shows how hard work, discipline, and help from family can change a person's life.
Growing Up: The Spark of a Champion
Born on August 17, 1986, Sanjiv discovered his passion for martial arts in his hometown of Nijgadh. Inspired by his uncle and supported by his parents, he began his lifelong journey in Taekwondo in 1998.
- Early Potential: Recognized for his natural athleticism and tall build by his uncle, Gokul Nepali.
- First Dojang: Stepped into the Nijgadh Dojang in Class 7, proudly wearing his first Dobak.
- Core Values: Trained under early coaches Krishnamurari Khadka and Chitra Bahadur Lama to master respect, discipline, and absolute focus.
Kathmandu: Learning and Leading
After completing high school at Gaurishankar Higher Secondary School in Nijgadh in 2007, Sanjiv moved to Kathmandu (the capital of Nepal) for college. Even while studying hard, he never stopped training. He joined the famous Jawalakhel Taekwondo Dojang in Lalitpur. But Sanjiv did not just want to learn; he wanted to give back. He began teaching martial arts to junior students at schools across Kathmandu. Teaching taught him that a true master is a leader who lifts others up.
Macau: Taking Taekwondo Global
In 2012, Sanjiv made a big move to Macau to take his career to the international level. For nearly a decade, he lived and breathed sports. He joined the Macau Taekwondo Association to train himself and coach others. During this time, Sanjiv became the foreign chapter coordinator for the Eastern Dragon Taekwondo Association. He began traveling the world, proudly flying the flag of Nepal in championships across England, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, and the United States.
Maryland, USA: A Legacy of Leadership
Now living in Nottingham, Maryland, Master Sanjiv is a respected leader in the American martial arts scene. He trains and coaches future stars at Everest World Class Taekwondo in Baltimore. He is also an active member of elite sports organizations, including: The USA Master Team (Member since 2022), The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) USA, USA Taekwondo, The World Taekwondo Association.
Certified Global Authority
5th Degree Black Belt
Certified in 2022 by Kukkiwon (the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea).
International Master
Certified by Kukkiwon in 2018.
Promotion Examiner
Certified in 2022. Licensed to test students and award Black Belts.
Certified Referee
Trained in Olympic-style sparring and forms by WT and PATU.
Living with Purpose: Helping the Community
For Master Sanjiv, the ultimate goal of martial arts is to build a better society. He actively uses his training to heal and empower others:
Hope Foundation Nepal: Since 2022, he has worked as a master instructor, using Taekwondo to help people in addiction recovery build physical and mental strength.
Lotus Family Foundation: He mentors at-risk youth and children in need, teaching them how self-discipline can help them overcome life's challenges.
"Taekwondo taught me to dream beyond boundaries. My mission is to pass on the values of respect, focus, and resilience to the next generation — wherever they are in the world."