Fourways karate champ ready for his first international tournament

Fourways resident and lover of karate, Christos Prokas will be vying for the gold at the upcoming WUKF World Karate Championships in Scotland.

March 10, 2023

Khomotso Makgabutlane 2 minutes read

Local karateka Christos Prokas with a few of the trophies he's received from various competitions.

A young karateka is ready for his first international competition.

Christos Prokas (11), a learner at Crawford International Lonehill Preparatory School, will be going to the WUKF (World Union of Karate-Do Federations) World Karate Championships in Dundee, Scotland in July.
Christos has been practising karate since the age of four and says he’s found a deep passion for martial arts.

Crawford International Lonehill Preparatory School learner, Christos Prokas is ready for the upcoming World Union of Karate-Do Federations World Karate Championships in Scotland in July. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“The reason I started karate was because I was bullied and teased about my ears. My parents decided to let me try karate so that I can defend myself,” he said.
“Karate became my passion, and it has given me confidence and self-discipline. I’ve been doing karate for eight years, and I finally get to live the dream of going to Scotland for the world champs.”

In the time that Christos has been training in karate, he trained with his former sensei, Ian Duncan who sadly died. For the last two years, he has called the Kyalami Karate Dojo, affiliated with Shotokan-ZA, his new training ground. He has been under the guidance of Sensei Elmarie van Zyl and Sensei Mari du Preez.
Since his journey in karate started due to bullying, the young athlete believes there is importance in being able to defend yourself.

Christos Prokas with his gold medal in his age group for kata at the Samurai Inter-dojo Competition in Krugersdorp.

“If you’re getting bullied, you need to defend yourself. You need to find a way to scare off the bullies,” he said.
“I would say my favourite thing about karate is getting to relieve stress and seeing my friends. I feel passionate about it.”
Karate is not the only sport Christos enjoys. He is an avid rugby fan and enjoys playing football as well.

Looking to the future in martial arts for Christos, he wants to stay within the sport for the rest of his life, but also wants to start his own dojo.
With some time to go before he travels to Scotland, a fundraising dinner was hosted at Humble Harry’s restaurant in Lonehill. He had thanked the restaurant owners and managers, his senseis, parents and attendees on the night for their funds towards his travel.