Ten martial artists from Legacy Tae Kwon Do head to Glasgow for the ITF World Championships, bringing family spirit, grit, and hometown pride to the global arena.
For a small group of athletes from southern Alberta, July wasn’t about summer breaks or lazy evenings. It was about Glasgow. Sweat. Sparring. And representing Canada on one of the world’s biggest martial arts stages.
From July 19–20, ten athletes from Legacy Tae Kwon Do in Lethbridge flew across the Atlantic to compete at the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation (ITF) World Championships at Braehead Arena in Scotland. They weren’t just there to compete—they were there to connect with a global community of fighters, coaches, and families who share a deep passion for the martial art.
Generations in Dobok: From 11 to 56
The Legacy team brought a unique lineup. Some were just out of elementary school. Others were old enough to be their parents—or even their grandparents.
The youngest member of the Lethbridge squad was 11. The oldest? 56.
That kind of age range isn’t common in most sports. But in Tae Kwon-Do, it’s celebrated. Grand Master Colin Nonomura, who leads Legacy, has seen it firsthand.
“Today’s world has changed,” Nonomura said. “It’s a lot cheaper to travel. These kids and adults get so much more experience than I ever had. When I was young, even traveling within Canada was tough.”
First-Timers and Longtimers
For Don Huxley, 54, this was more than just another tournament. It was his first international competition. Eight years into his training, Huxley had just earned his first-degree black belt last June. Glasgow was the biggest test yet.
He called it “extremely special.”
“Representing Legacy and Canada was an amazing experience,” Huxley said. “Going over there internationally is the best of the best. You get to see Tae Kwon-Do in its finest.”
And he’s hooked. The plan? Keep training. Keep kicking.
One sentence says it all: “I plan to keep doing this as long as I can.”
A Martial Art That Brings Families Together
Nonomura often sees entire families on the mats at Legacy—some training, some cheering, some doing both. That spirit carried into the team that traveled to Scotland, too.
Among the 10 athletes were the Bailie and Gibson families—proof that Tae Kwon-Do isn’t just for solo warriors.
The full list of Legacy competitors:
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Don Huxley
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Nick Allison
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Makedah Arias
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Carsen Fox
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Taylor Bailie
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Amanda Fox
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Rowan Bailie
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Anthony Gibson
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Carter Gibson
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Rylan Gibson
A few couldn’t make the group photo back home—Nick Allison, Makedah Arias, Taylor and Rowan Bailie, and Amanda Fox—but they were very much part of the action.
More Than Medals: Life Skills That Stick
For Nonomura, Tae Kwon-Do is about more than belts or trophies. It’s about giving people something that lasts.
“Tae Kwon-Do is good for discipline, self-control, working with other people,” he explained. “It gives you life skills. And when a family supports each other, and all make it to the world championships? That’s special.”
Here’s what makes the sport stick for so many:
• It teaches patience and humility
• It offers both solo and team-based growth
• It’s accessible to all ages and body types
• It creates bonds between generations—on and off the mat
Whether it’s a pre-teen getting their first tournament nerves or a 50-something earning a black belt, there’s room for everyone.
From Local Dojang to International Stage
Legacy Tae Kwon Do has been building up to this kind of moment for years. The school has previously sent athletes to four or five world championships. They’ve done well—medals, placements, experience.
But it’s not just about winning.
For many of the Lethbridge athletes, especially those newer to the scene, simply walking onto the mats in Glasgow was a win in itself.
“It’s about growing confidence, learning respect, and seeing the world differently,” Nonomura said.
Scotland’s Championships Bring Global Flavour
The 2025 ITF World Championships at Braehead Arena drew hundreds of competitors from dozens of countries. It wasn’t just a display of martial prowess. It was a cultural exchange—flags flying, languages blending, sportsmanship on full display.
The atmosphere? Electric. Even the seasoned instructors felt it.
For the Legacy crew, stepping into that arena meant stepping into something far bigger than Lethbridge—or even Canada.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what the Glasgow tournament looked like:
| Event | Location | Dates | Notable Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITF World Championships | Braehead Arena, Glasgow | July 19–20, 2025 | Multiple countries represented, family-based teams, wide age range of athletes |
One of the most surprising takeaways? Just how connected the martial arts community is—even thousands of miles from home.
What Comes Next?
For Legacy, the momentum doesn’t stop in Scotland. Some athletes are already eyeing the next international tournament. Others are getting back to local training, helping beginners, or even planning to coach.
And for Huxley? He’s just getting started.
“There’s always something new to learn,” he said. “That’s the beauty of it.”
