Aiden Tivoli is making real strides in the sport of taekwondo.

The year nine student is a late bloomer, picking up the sport only 18 months ago, but has made every post a winner since learning how to grapple and flip his opponents.

It was thanks to his mum that the opportunity came about; she saw an ad pop up on Facebook.

"It's been going well. Every time I have been going to training I have improved all aspects of my training," Aiden said.

He said it was a fun sport with lots of opportunities.

"I enjoy the feeling I get representing myself and my club Hae Tae Kwon Do Whakatāne."

He's keeping things simple when it comes to setting goals.

"My goal by the end of the year is to get to green tip or green belt."

It's not a sport with constant competitions at times, which gives Aiden time to work towards the higher belts.

He's pleased with how his season has panned out.

"It's gone tremendously well so far. I recently had a big competition at nationals in Auckland and managed to come home with a gold medal and a silver medal in the space of one day, which was exciting. I am proud of my success but also equally proud of my dad because he does taekwondo with me."