AN AVID fan of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan films, Jeigh Tiu never imagined he would one day become something of a martial arts star. But after winning gold in the male blue belt, 59-63kg division for 14 to 18-year-olds at a state level, the Mazenod College student was glad to be proven wrong.

At the Victorian Taekwondo Winter Open the 16-year-old from Noble Park dominated his first spar with a personal best, ending the fight in two and a half minutes with a 7-0 score.

"I've never done that before so it got me pumped for the next fight," he said.

After a shaky start to his final spar, the teenager composed himself and produced a few head kicks to take out the title.

Tiu trains twice a week at Joon No's Taekwondo Club. He joined the club just over 18 months ago.

"It gives me discipline and helps me focus, if I train hard things become clearer and I am more focused to study harder and with more confidence," he said.

"Taekwondo has really helped me with a lot of aspects of my life."

Regardless of skill and training, the days leading up to a tournament are always nerve-racking.

"Sometimes I will just think 'why do I do this to myself?'" he said.

"But that's pretty much why I compete - I like that feeling and the adrenaline rush that comes with it."

Jeigh is this week's Leaders Junior Sports Star nominee. To nominate a Sports Star, ring 9584 8400.

Picture by Mark Stewart.