TEENAGER Jason Chapman is proving himself a dab hand in the world of martial arts after collecting a bronze at the British Taekwondo Championships.

The 15-year-old student at Northallerton College fought his way into the medals in Sheffield after taking on competitors from all over the country.

Jason took up taekwondo three years ago and has quickly established himself as one of the country's up-and-coming fighters.

Last year, the Northallerton youngster fought competitors from across Britain and Europe, walking away with five technical golds.

He won several one-to-one competitions and in 2003 took the Ultimate Open, which was held in Doncaster.

Jason is also a member of a Chungdokwan demonstration team, which performs routines across Britain and he trains with a Chungdokwan technical team.

He said: "I started going to taekwondo when my friends asked me to go down with them.

"Most of them dropped out, but I loved it and have kept at it.

"I would love to be a member of the British team."

Head of PE at Northallerton College Ruth Curtis said: "Jason is hugely talented and his speed and agility never fail to amaze me.

"I'm sure he will go on to great things."