Tributes have been paid to a 'phenomenal' Scots martial arts world champion who has died aged 20. Ian Ford, from Armadale in West Lothian, won multiple kickboxing titles representing Scotland and also became the first Scottish male to win the ITF TaeKwon-Do World Championships in 2017.
Ian had trained with Pro-Edge Martial Arts and Fitness since the age of 9 and his instructor, Master Blair, said he was "set apart" from the other students from the start. He started as a kickboxer before being persuaded to take up taekwondo, which saw him go all the way to the World Championships.
Hundreds of friends, former colleagues and mentors have sent their condolences since Ian's tragic passing. A balloon release was also held in his memory on Saturday in Armadale, with over 100 people attending.
Mentor Master Blair said: "Ian competed at every level and dominated at sparring in every division, he was cool headed, hard to read and able to throw techniques from unexpected angles which perplexed his opponents, as a junior he remained undefeated.
"Ian breezed through the early rounds of the ITF Taekwondo World Championships in Ireland in 2017 and when I suggested that a bronze medal might be on the cards, Ian uncharacteristically replied that he was there to take the gold.
"Much to everyone’s surprise he did exactly that and became the first Scottish Junior Male to take the title, it was a record breaking achievement."
Ian went on to push his skills further by competing in the kickboxing ring, adding some WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) titles to his list of achievements.
Master Blair added: "It was clear that Ian was at his happiest with his sparring gear on, it may have been the only time that he had total control over his domain and found some solace.
"Ian was a phenomenal talent that blitzed his way into our club and our hearts. We send our deepest condolences to Ian’s father, David, close family and friends."
Many more from the world of martial arts were quick to pay tribute to Ian, as Campins Taekwondo said: "Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Ian Ford, from ProEdge Martial Arts (Armadale), who recently passed away. Ian was a very talented young man and one of Rico’s team mates & sparring partners in numerous international campaigns while representing Scotland.
"He will be very fondly remembered by those of us who were fortunate to know him."
Grand Master Sutherlands Martial Arts added: "RIP Mr Ian Ford, former ITF Junior World Champion and winner of multiple kickboxing titles. Our thoughts are with all his family and friends, Master Blair and all the team at Pro Edge."
The World Kickboxing Association Scotland said: "R.I.P Ian Ford far too young to leave us."
As the governing body of the International Taekwondo Federation in Scotland added: "We’re very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Ian Ford. Ian was a talented young martial artist winning Junior Male -50kg category at the ITF World Championships in 2017."
Sutherland Martial Arts club also paid tribute to the 'lightning fast' sparrer. The club's post said: "We’ve lost someone who brought out the best in anyone that fought him, a lightning fast sparrer who could mix it up with the best juniors in Taekwondo & Kickboxing. A friend to so many of our juniors who went through the ranks with him and someone who would always chat away when you met him outside the gym."
Rivals Gym also said: "We’re very sorry to hear of the passing of the young champ, Ian Ford. A regular on our fight shows and a pleasure to watch him display his skills!"
A fundraiser has been set in Ian's honour to help with funeral costs. You can view the GoFundMe page here.
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