Sean Leavitt took an instant liking to taekwondo.

Leavitt has only been practicing the sport for just over a year and a half. He came to Master Brenda Beardall's Elite Academy of Taekwondo in Orem so his 9-year-old son, Braeden, could take an introductory lesson at the school. Leavitt said that four days a week he comes straight to Elite Academy from work and commented that it's nice that his entire family is involved in the sport.

"Really, really fun" is how Leavitt, 37, described competing at the World Taekwondo Hanmadang or Festival (WTH) in Anaheim, Calif. in July, where he won the gold medal for his martial arts form.

Allan Schein, a taekwondo master, explains that "a form is a prearranged pattern of kicks, punches and blocks that simulates a confrontation. The movements are both offensive and defensive and although not realistic in terms of a battle, they provide practice in techniques that would be used in a battle."

Leavitt's wife, Stacy, noted that he had "impressive competition." Rising above that competition, Leavitt earned a score of 89.2, the highest score of all the competitors, male and female, ages 19 and older.

Also competing at the WTH were Leavitt's daughter, Alannah (13), Scott Rhodes (12) and Alejandra Sanchez (14).

Leavitt said that competing at an international event was "a surreal experience," but it's one that he and the three other competitors all want to have again. Leavitt said he was only able to compete because this year the WTH was held in the U.S. Since earning a gold medal in Anaheim, Leavitt is seeking sponsors because he wants to continue competing on an international level. Next year, the WTH will be held in Korea; in 2010, it may be held in Rome.