A DRUMCHAPEL Taekwondo club have achieved success on the national stage.

FORCE Taekwon-do attended the ITF Scotland National Championships at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility earlier this month.

Competing against 30 schools from across Scotland, the club finished in sixth place overall at the tournament.

And Ethan Donnelly, founder and head instructor of the group, explained how proud he is of his students.

"We have only been running as a club for just over two-and-a-half years," he said.

"We have grown so much during that time period. The first year we attended the Scottish championships we finished in 25th place.

"Last year we were 16th and this year we finished sixth, so we have come a long way in a short period of time.

"We had a team of 18 people competing, across three different events.

"They competed in patterns, which is a combination of different moves, sparring, which is your fighting, and then you have the special technique category.

"Our adult competitors also completed breaking, which is smashing boards.

"There were different age groups involved. Our youngest competitor was seven years old and our oldest 43."

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Ethan is from the East End of Glasgow and he explained how he developed a love for the sport when he was younger.

"An instructor came into my primary school to talk about Taekwondo and I then got involved in after-school clubs," the 22-year-old said.

"I was previously working at a club near my home and was taking most of the classes there.

"I then got the opportunity to open my own club.

"I am the youngest instructor in Scotland and it is something I really enjoy doing.

"My assistant Jo Wilson has also been a great help in developing the competitors.

"It is great to see those who attend the group develop as people."

While Ethan was delighted at the success of his club at the Scottish championships, he feels FORCE Taekwon-do can progress even further.

Six members of the group are set to attend a European event in Holland later this week.

And he detailed his ambitions for the competition abroad.

"I am hoping they all finish in medal positions as six of our top competitors are travelling," he added.

"It will be a challenge as it is an international event up against some tough opponents.

"People will be there from all over Europe. I am really proud of everyone at the club."