When Elijah Claravall from Isabela first stepped onto a Taekwondo mat as a young boy, he could not have imagined the journey that lay ahead. What began as a childhood hobby soon became a lifelong passion—one that would take him across borders, transform him into a mentor, and inspire the next generation of athletes in Qatar.
Today, known affectionately as Master Eli, he is both a decorated competitor and a cherished instructor within the country’s vibrant Taekwondo community. His recent Bronze Medal win at the 5th Taekwondo International Competition in Qatar is more than just a personal triumph; it is a testament to the perseverance, dedication, and passion that have defined his remarkable journey..
A Beginning Rooted in a
Mother’s Guidance
For Master Eli, Taekwondo wasn’t just an activity — it was woven into his upbringing. His mother, a Karate Black Belter and national athlete, introduced him to martial arts early, laying the foundation of discipline and resilience that would shape the course of his life.
“With my mom guiding me, Taekwondo felt natural,” he recalls. “All my sisters trained too, but only my youngest sister and I continued. She’s now a varsity athlete at UP Diliman.”
He earned his 2nd Dan black belt only after college as his mother had always reminded him that the belt was secondary. She instilled in him that his focus should not be on the belt but more on developing his skills and harnessing character with self-discipline and respect — values that would later become cornerstones of his own teaching philosophy.
Though he briefly explored basketball because of his height, the pull of Taekwondo proved stronger.
“I set Taekwondo aside to try basketball, but after four years, I realized that it was in the sport of Taekwondo where I truly belonged.”
The Leap of Faith That Led to Qatar
A defining moment arrived when he learned of an opportunity to teach Taekwondo in Qatar. It was a decision that required courage — a leap into the unknown — but it also presented the chance to share his craft with a new generation.
When he joined the Pinoy Taekwondo Center (PTC) in Qatar, he discovered more than a workplace.
He found a purpose and a home.
Over the years, Master Eli became a pillar of the center. Children gravitated toward his warmth and patience; parents admired his consistency and values; fellow instructors respected his humility and quiet confidence. In Qatar, he did not just train athletes—he nurtured character, resilience, and self-belief.
This was where he truly became Master Eli.
More Than Just a Medal
At the recent 5th Qatar International Taekwondo Competition, Master Eli fought with focus and heart — qualities he emphasizes daily in his classes. Winning bronze was a powerful moment, not merely for him but for the entire PTC
community.
“When I stepped onto the podium, I wasn’t just thinking about my performance,” he says. “I was thinking about my students. I wanted them to see that hard work matters. That effort counts.”
For his young athletes, watching their mentor earn an international medal turned inspiration into reality. It showed them that dreams are not abstract ideas—they are reachable goals shaped by discipline and determination.
Inside the Dojang:
Where Champions Are Made
Within the walls of the dojang, Master Eli is both firm and approachable—a coach who demands excellence but teaches with encouragement. His classes balance structure and motivation, creating an environment where students feel both challenged and supported.
“Kids don’t just need technique,” he explains. “They need confidence. They need someone who believes in them.”
Teaching a generation shaped by technology and constant change requires adaptability. As a Millennial guiding mostly Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, he takes time to understand their learning styles, interests, and motivations. The goal: to uphold the timeless standards of Taekwondo while making them meaningful to today’s young athletes.
Parents consistently speak of the transformation they see in their children—sharper focus, stronger discipline, and newfound self-assurance. For them, the secret lies in the atmosphere he creates: structured, inspiring, and deeply rooted in respect.
“I really enjoy teaching the kids,” he says with a smile. “Seeing them grow—not just in the sport but as individuals—makes everything worth it. When they carry the tenets of Taekwondo beyond the mats, that’s when I know I’m doing something right.”
Dreams, Goals, and the Road Ahead
Despite his growing accomplishments, Master Eli remains grounded. He aims to continue advancing his Dan level, return to international competitions, and help elevate PTC’s presence on bigger stages.
But above all, his greatest goal is simple and sincere: to build a legacy.
“I want my students to become strong athletes and strong individuals,” he shares. “Champions on the mat—and in life.”
From a determined young boy in the Philippines to a respected mentor in Qatar, his journey is proof of what happens when passion aligns with purpose. His story is far from over.
And for every child who bows before him in the dojang, and proudly calls him Master, it is a story worth watching — one kick, one lesson, one dream at a time.
