What began as a way to build confidence and learn self-defence has grown into a sporting journey for Crawford International Lonehill Grade 9 learner Christos Prokas (15).
Christos has been selected for the Gauteng Karate Team after an impressive performance at the recent Karate South Africa (KSA) Gauteng Karate Trials.
He will now represent the province in both kata and kumite at the National and Elite Championship, taking place in Durban on March 21, where he hopes to earn his official Gauteng colours.
Read more: Young fighter impresses at local karate tournament
His karate journey began at the tender age of five, when he started practising the sport in response to being bullied at school.
Recognising the need for him to learn self-defence and build confidence, his parents encouraged him to take up martial arts. Little did they know it would ignite a passion that would lead him to impressive achievements.
Reflecting on the recent trials, Christos explained that the competition brought together karate athletes from across Gauteng, all aiming to secure a place in the provincial team. Christos’ main discipline is kata, a series of precise and purposeful movements performed in sequence that demonstrate technique, control, and focus.
He also competed in kumite, the sparring division, where competitors face off in controlled combat. “In sparring, there were six competitors in our category, which meant we automatically progressed through to the next round.
That’s how I qualified for the Gauteng team that will compete in Durban.”
He said being selected for the provincial team came as an unexpected but exciting moment. “It was a shock, because I wasn’t expecting to make the team. When I found out I had been selected, I was really happy to be part of the Gauteng squad.”
Also read: Lonehill student earns Gauteng karate selection
His goal at the championship is clear. “I’m definitely aiming to earn my Gauteng colours for sparring. If I achieve that, it will help me work towards national and, eventually, Protea colours.”
Looking back on how karate has shaped him, Christos said the sport has helped him build resilience and confidence. “It gave me the power to realise that not everyone’s words affect you. One comment can’t change your whole life.”
His mother, Kali Prokas, said the family is incredibly proud of his dedication and the sacrifices he has made to pursue the sport.
“He has put in a lot of hours and sacrificed many weekends for training. When he sets a goal, he works towards it, and nothing gets in his way. We are very proud of him.”
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