From Six-Year-Old Beginner to Four-Time World Champion: Elliott Opens Kettering Martial Arts Centre

A four-time world champion has opened a dedicated martial arts centre in Kettering, creating a permanent training home for children, teenagers and adults across the town.

Amity Martial Arts officially opened its new centre on Bath Road at an event attended by the Mayor of Kettering, Cllr Lauren Glanfield, alongside club members, families and local supporters.

The opening followed a special training seminar led by Master Glenn Horan VIII Dan, Chairman of the Unified Taekwon-Do Association (UTA). Master Horan has instructed Amity founder Elliott Callahan for the past 18 years.

The move into a full-time facility will allow the club to welcome more members and expand its programme. Kickboxing has now been introduced alongside its established ITF Taekwon-Do classes, with training available for complete beginners through to national and international competitors.

For Elliott, the opening marked the culmination of a journey that began when he first stepped onto the mats as a six-year-old.

Elliott Callahan, Founder and Chief Instructor of Amity Martial Arts, said: “When I was six years old, I was a child who never seemed to stop moving. I had endless energy and struggled to sit still, but Taekwon-Do gave me focus, discipline and direction. It helped shape the person I am today, both within the sport and beyond it.

“That experience is a huge part of why I started Amity Martial Arts. We want to give people of all ages the same opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and become part of a supportive community. This new centre gives us the space to welcome more people, expand our programmes and continue making a positive difference in Kettering.

“We’re proud to be adding kickboxing alongside our Taekwon-Do classes and look forward to helping even more local people discover the benefits that martial arts can bring.”

Master Glenn Horan praised Elliott’s achievements and his commitment to developing the next generation of martial artists.

Master Glenn Horan said: “Having taught Elliott for the past 18 years and watched him successfully develop and run his own club for the last seven, it is incredibly humbling to see him take this next step by opening a full-time Taekwon-Do centre in Kettering.

“He is also an accomplished competitor, having achieved outstanding success as a National, European and World Champion. His achievements reflect his tremendous dedication, ability and commitment to the art of Taekwon-Do.

“As an instructor, there is no greater reward than seeing your students grow, achieve their goals and become successful within the art that we love. His new premises are a testament to his hard work and commitment, not only to his own development but also to that of his students.

“I am extremely proud of everything he has achieved and honoured to conduct the official opening ceremony and a special training session on Saturday 12th September.

“I wish him and everyone at the club every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.”

The Mayor of Kettering also welcomed the new facility and highlighted the role local clubs can play in improving health, confidence and community connections.

The Mayor of Kettering said: “It was a pleasure to attend the opening of Amity Martial Arts’ new centre and see first-hand the positive environment Elliott and his team have created. Clubs like this play an important role in helping people of all ages develop confidence, resilience and healthy lifestyles while bringing communities together.

“I wish Amity Martial Arts every success as it continues to grow and inspire people across Kettering.”

Amity Martial Arts is now welcoming children, teenagers and adults of all abilities to its Taekwon-Do and kickboxing programmes at the new Bath Road centre.