In the listings of martial arts schools, a Drumchapel club has ranked second nationally.
The club is less than four years old. Yet, its young students and their instructors are
already proving it to be not only a fine local school but one of the finest in the entire
country.
FORCE Taekwon-do, established by 24-year-old Ethan Donnelly, headed to the 2025
ITFS National Championships in May and came back with a medal haul that marked its
most successful tournament to date. The team earned 1 Overall National Champion
title, 15 National Champion titles, 17 Vice National Champion medals, and 11 Bronze
Medals. A sensational collective performance that secured them 2nd Place Club in the
National Rankings.
The appearance is a landmark moment for the club, which started in 2021 when the
then-22-year-old Donnelly became the youngest school owner in ITF Scotland history.
Today, FORCE Taekwon-do trains dozens of young athletes from across Glasgow, many
from working-class backgrounds, and is known for its emphasis on character-building,
discipline, and unity.
“To me, Taekwon-do is about the journey, and you’re forever learning. No matter what
level you’re at, you’re always able to learn something from anyone, any time. We share
success. We teach the students more than patterns and kicks. We teach them to lead,
support and stand tall together. In our club. No one rises alone. We train together and
grow together.
One of the standout performances was by David Tierney, who held on to his Overall
National Champion title for the second consecutive year. The combined results of the
team, achieved in a single championship weekend, have elevated the relatively new
club to one of the highest performing martial arts schools in the UK. championship,
Donnelly expressed, “I am really proud of all our competitors. The way they handled
themselves on and off the mats is a testament to how hard they work in training. The
umpires and instructors from other clubs also noted this. We really are just one big
FORCE family.”The club’s swift ascent can be attributed to a familial atmosphere. The club’s growth
from a grassroots outfit into one of the nation’s top youth martial arts organizations in
the past few years can be traced to the support of its members, parents, assistant
instructors and umpires.
Donnelly added, “The very start of the day when our name was announced — that was
my highlight. The cheer our team gave then. We turned heads all day with the support
we gave each other. Right until the end, when they roared as we were awarded our
Overall Club Trophy.”
Prior to establishing FORCE, Donnelly served as an assistant instructor at Glasgow East
Taekwon-do, where he unearthed a fascination with pedagogical practices in martial
arts. In 2022, he ascended to the ITF Scotland Board of Directors as the youngest
person to ever serve in such a capacity.
He has helped the club to balance high-performance demands with the need for
personal development. A particular priority Glasgow, including areas like Drumchapel
where there are many youths, a lot of them going through tough times.
A parent at the event said, “Ethan’s made something really special here. This isn’t just
about medals and trophies. He wants the children to do well, to build their confidence.
For the most part, it’s what these kids are learning about themselves and how they treat
others that’s important and that’s what he teaches them”
The club’s goals are still lofty as it moves into the next championship cycle. Donnelly is
proud of the level of growth the club has seen so far but he’s determined to take his
team to new heights. He has many more championship competitions in the pipeline
and Ethans eyes are on the prize.
Following every success, the concentration is on honouring the young victors who have
unequivocally established themselves and their mentor is supporting them every step
of the way.
“This would not be at all possible without our team. They are the unsung heroes. I have
immense gratitude for each and every one of them.” Donnelly says.
In a sport where triumph is usually counted in awards, FORCE Taekwon-do is crafting
something more profound. A continuity of community and steadfastness and with
Donnelly at the helm, the future of Tae Kwon Do in Glasgow looks bright.
