From the first punch to the first Black Belt, Himalayan Taekwondo has been shaping young lives for ten years, celebrating a decade of building strength, confidence, and community.
On January 24, 2026, Himalayan Taekwondo marked its 10th anniversary. This milestone reflects the hard work of Raju Gadtaula and his team, as well as the positive impact that AHC has made in the community through mentorship, capacity building, and seed grants.
About 200 community members of all ages attended the celebration, where students showcased their Taekwondo skills and techniques. The event also featured cultural performances and delicious dishes prepared by experienced Nepali chefs.
The highlight of the event was the Award Ceremony, during which nine students graduated and were certified as Black Belt Taekwondo practitioners. Raju emphasized that achieving this high-level skill allows the certified students to teach others. However, he noted that this milestone is not the end of their learning journey; Taekwondo is an evolving skill, and there is always more to learn even after receiving a Black Belt certification. He hopes that the students will continue to practice and grow.
This occasion was a proud moment for the entire Nepali community and served as a true example of community building.
How It Began
Every journey starts with a single step—or in this case, a single kick. Back in the summer of 2016, a conversation between Taekwondo instructor Raju Gadtaula and community volunteer Homan Gautam sparked the idea for Martial Arts for Cultural Connections. With a $1,000 Seed Grant from Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), the initiative began offering Taekwondo classes for Nepali children aged 5–14, creating a space where immigrant youth could stay active, build confidence, and connect with one another. Over time, the initiative grew into Himalayan Taekwondo, which now teaches more than 180 students and continues to strengthen community connections.
Himalayan Taekwondo continues to empower students, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that lasts a lifetime. This milestone was made possible with the support of Action for Healthy Communities’ Community Development Unit (CDU), which helps community-led initiatives like Himalayan Taekwondo grow and thrive. To learn more about CDU programs and resources, visit Strategic Community Capacity Building.