Plant City High rising senior Nick Gorman, 17, qualified for the World Karate Championships in 2014, after winning the national championship for the 17 Advanced Kumite (fighting) division in Cincinnati. He will head to Detroit in early August for the Junior Olympics team trial, along with three other students from the Plant City-based Chris Welbon Karate Club — Jack Ray, Jakob Arnold and Ryan Bjelke.
How long have you been studying karate?
For about four-and-a-half years
Describe the experience of winning a national title.
It felt really good. The whole team was there in Cincinnati with me. I had never been there before. It was a great competition, and I did very well. It’s just exciting to know that the hard work had paid off and knowing that everyone behind behind me.
Have you been to nationals before?
I had been three times before, but this was my first competing in a black belt division.
What was it like to compete at the highest division?
I knew that it was going to be much more difficult than the past competitions. I knew that I had to train a lot more ahead of time to make sure I did well. It was different, because there were so many more divisions I was able to compete in this year. I had six divisions I could compete in this year, where you have less if you are a blue or brown belt.
What do you know about the World Championship?
It was in Australia this year, and the competitors from the United States did very well. We’ve had many World Champions. In 2010, when the World Championships were in Italy, two students from our karate school — Kyle Queenan and Emarie Gaudet — went and did very well. That was my first year competing in tournaments, so I was really inspired by them and thought that when I got to the black belt division, I would have my chance, as well.
What do you like about karate?
In school, it is more of a business relationship with the students and teachers, but karate is more of a friendship. I consider Mr. Welbon a friend. He’s been doing karate for over 30 years, and when he is refereeing an event, he’ll introduce me to some of the best American karate fighters ever.