Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a West Lothian martial arts world champion following his tragic death aged just 20 years-old.
Ian Ford was said to have been a "phenomenal" Scottish world champion who won multiple kickboxing titles representing his country and also became the first Scottish male to win the ITF TaeKwon-Do World Championships in 2017.
It is understood that Ian died suddenly last week with hundreds of friends and family, colleagues and mentors sending their condolences. A huge balloon release is being held in his home town of Armadale on Saturday with around 100 people expected to attend.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to West Lothian martial arts champion after sudden death aged 20
The Record reports how Ian had trained with Pro-Edge Martial Arts and Fitness since the age of nine and his instructor, Master Blair, said he was "set apart" from other students from the moment he met him.
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."
While Ian started his career as a kickboxer and eventually tried his hand at taekwondo, he went on to push his skills further which led to representing Scotland at the world championships.
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."
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."
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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