In a world where sports often play the role of a powerful life-changer, and a nation where sports increasingly serve as tools for social transformation and youth empowerment, Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao emerges as a beacon of excellence, purpose, and grassroots leadership. From his modest beginnings in the coastal towns Karnataka to becoming a national force in Indian martial arts and one of the most influential figures in Indian Taekwondo, Taekwondo Master Rao’s journey reflects discipline, perseverance, and a relentless drive to uplift communities through sport.
A Humble Beginning to a High-Kicking Legacy
Shreepada R. Rao’s tryst with martial arts began not on grand stages, but in the quiet corners of Puttur, Dakshina Kannada. At just nine years old, he took his first disciplined steps into the world of Shito Ryu Karate. By age 12, he transitioned to Shotokan Style Karate, further refining his combat philosophy.
However, it was at 16 that the path of Olympic-style Taekwondo called to him. Under the mentorship of Taekwondo Master Subhash Yadav, Rao discovered a deeper resonance with the Korean martial art — a resonance that would soon become his life’s mission.
Institutional Builder and Certified Champion
In 2012, Taekwondo Master Rao established Rao’s Yuva Academy in Kakati Village, Belagavi. What started as a local training initiative has grown into a certified institution, officially affiliated with the Taekwondo Federation of India in 2014. The academy achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2022, reflecting its commitment to quality and excellence.
Taekwondo Master Rao earned his 1st Dan International Black Belt from Kukkiwon – World Taekwondo Headquarters, Seoul, in 2014. He has since ascended to the coveted 4th Dan, demonstrating not only technical mastery but also an unrelenting commitment to growth.
More Than a Coach: A Pillar in Indian Taekwondo Development
Over the past decade, Taekwondo Master Shreepada R Rao has evolved beyond a practitioner. He has taken on the role of a national-level referee, technical official, tournament director, and competition planner—significantly shaping the technical, ethical, and administrative aspects of the sport in India.
Whether officiating at prestigious events like the CBSE South Zone Championships, overseeing operations at the DASARA GAMES CM Cup, or guiding national talent at SGFI selection trials, Taekwondo Master Rao has ensured every bout is fair, every player is nurtured, and every event is elevated.
His technical acumen led him to serve as Head of Technical Operations at the 41st State Taekwondo Championship in 2024. Behind the scenes, his contribution to referee training, digital scoring, and smooth event execution has set new standards.
Academic & Regional Integration of Taekwondo
Between 2014 and 2017, Taekwondo Master Rao played a pivotal role in the successful inclusion of Taekwondo as an Olympic discipline in the sports curriculum of Rani Channamma University, Belagavi. His work not only opened doors for student-athletes but also created an academic and competitive structure for the martial art in higher education.
In the year 2022-23 he also introduced the KARAVALI Taekwondo Championship, one of the premier ranking tournaments in Karnataka, aimed at expanding the reach of the sport to coastal regions of the state. Following its success, he introduced Konkan Taekwondo Development Championship in 2024-25 aiming at further development of youth by this sport in the Konkan and Malvan region of Maharashtra.
Championing Social Change Through Sport
Taekwondo Master Rao founded the Yakshit Yuva Foundation, a registered non-profit dedicated to youth empowerment through sport, education, and social responsibility. The foundation’s initiatives include free training camps, awareness programmes on self-defence and mental health, scholarships, equipment donations and various other societal upliftment actiovities. The foundation aims at harnessing the power of sports for peace and societal transformation. Through the foundation, he has trained athletes who’ve earned over 650 medals at various levels.
Accolades and Public Recognition
Master Rao’s numerous accolades include:
– INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025 (Sports & Social Service)
– Induction into the International World Records Book
– World Sports Star Award (2022)
– Induction into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame USA (2022)
– Induction into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame India (2022)
– Recognition from Government of Karnataka’s Water Resources Minister
From Martial Artist to Mentor of Champions
As a competition director, selection committee member, and referee trainer, Taekwondo Master Rao has not just built a career—he’s building a legacy. His mentorship has empowered hundreds of athletes and officials, many of whom now represent Karnataka and India in national and international arenas.
But beyond medals and belts, his true reward lies in nurturing discipline, confidence, and resilience in youth through martial arts.
A Mentor to Many, A Servant of the Nation
While serving as a Government Servant, Master Rao continues mentoring athletes and referees who represent India nationally and internationally. He currently pursues a Doctorate in Sports Administration & Management at East Bridge University, Paris.
In His Own Words
“Taekwondo is not just a sport. It’s a life school. It teaches you respect, control, courage, and the strength to rise every time you fall. With peace in mind and taekwondo at heart, my goal is to make sure to create opportunities to every child to have access to that kind of strength.”
Conclusion
Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao’s story is not just about kicks and glories; it’s about vision, impact, and unwavering commitment. A martial artist, an educator, a mentor, a social advocate and a patriot — he represents the spirit of modern Indian sports leadership.
He is not only nurturing champions — he’s shaping lives. With his versatile involvement in various causes within sports ecosystem, he embodies the spirit of modern Indian sports leadership — one that uplifts, empowers, and transforms lives through the sports.
As he continues to inspire and elevate the next generation of martial artists and sportsmen, one thing is certain: Taekwondo Master Rao is not just shaping champions — he’s shaping lives.
