PHOTO PROVIDED Taj Jaussi of Goshin Jutsu Karate Williamsport will be headed to Niagara Falls, New York, to compete in the World Karate Tournament Oct. 25-31 after he became a gold medalist at nationals.

Taj Jaussi of Goshin Jutsu Karate Williamsport will be headed to Niagara Falls, New York, to compete in the World Karate Tournament Oct. 25-31 after he became a gold medalist at nationals.

Jaussi took first place in open hand kata after competing two days for the title at the National Karate Tournament in Detroit, Michigan, recently. His entire family represented Goshin Jutsu Karate and supported Jaussi.

“It’s the most important thing I have done in my karate career,” Jaussi said. “I’m glad all of my hard work paid off and I reached this goal.”

Jaussi spoke about the tournament, mentioning its competitiveness.

“The tournament was very exciting. There were a lot of really talented kids there and it was good to compete against people at my level,” Jaussi said. “I haven’t really gone up against people from many different places outside of local states, so it was fun to compete against people from all over the country.”

The 9-year-old had confidence as well going to the national tournament in Detroit.

“I felt confident because I had put a lot of work and time into practicing but I didn’t expect to win,” Jaussi said. “I hoped to do well but I was very excited that I won.”

Jaussi is only 9 and has been competing in Pennsylvania the past three years. He began his martial arts journey when he was five. He was inspired to begin karate after watching action movies, including Spiderman.

His goals are to continue developing his karate skills with emphasis on focus and his dream is to compete in the Olympics.

Grand Master Joe Brague of Goshin Jutsu Karate stated “We are extremely proud of Taj and we wish him the best as he competes on the World stage. Taj is determined to meet his goals and be an exceptional martial artist.”

The martial arts competitions and tournaments aren’t over this year for Jaussi just yet. He mentioned he has a few upcoming, including going to Niagara Falls.

“I will be attending a new tournament at the National Harbor in August and I will be getting ready for the World Championship that is in October at Niagara Falls,” Jaussi said. “There is still a lot that I want to do with my karate career so I will continue to work hard and practice like I have been.”