Christo Prokas is set to represent SA at the WUKF in Sweden

Christo Prokas (13), a seventh grader from Crawford International Lonehill, has again qualified and been selected to represent South Africa at the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) World Karate Championships to be held in Sweden next year.

His remarkable journey began at the tender age of five when he started practising karate as a response to being bullied at school. Recognising the need for him to learn self-defense, his parents encouraged him to take up martial arts, little did they know it would ignite a passion that would lead Christo to incredible heights.

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Training at the Kyalami Karate dojo under the guidance of three instructors, Christo feels fortunate to have such knowledgeable mentors. “I am very lucky to have such great senseis to teach me karate and guide me on my karate journey.”

Christo has competed in numerous local and national competitions over the last year and consistently placed first or second in all his divisions.

In 2022, he achieved 2nd place in the WUKF South Africa National Competition for kata, was selected by Shotokan South Africa to represent the country at the WUKF Karate World Championships in Scotland, and was awarded Shotokan South Africa Junior Colours.

The following year, when he competed in Scotland, he secured 4th place in his division and earned Shotokan South Africa National Colours, missing out on bronze by 0.1 points and missing Gold by 1 point. Looking ahead, he is excited to represent South Africa at the WUKF World Championships in Sweden in 2025.

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With the anticipation of representing his country in Sweden, Christo feels a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

“I am so excited and extremely proud to represent my country at an international level but at the same time extremely nervous as I now know the standard at Worlds is extremely high. Last year I had the honour of being the first South African to run onto the floor at the opening ceremony carrying our beautiful flag. I was so proud”

His motivation to excel in karate comes from a deep passion for the sport. “I always want to perform better with each practise and competition; I also want to make my family, friends, senseis, teachers, and all of South Africa proud of me. This year, I have to bring back the bling.” he explains.

Christo has also achieved a brown belt level which is quite an achievement for his age. “I am very proud of my brown belt as I have worked very hard to achieve this level. I have had to sacrifice a lot of time and even time with my friends to get here. Brown belt level is very demanding but I love it. It’s one step closer to black belt,” he explained proudly.

The cost to compete in a competition like this is considerable, and Christo can’t make it without help. A BackaBuddy campaign has been established to help Christo bring the bling home. Details: backabuddy.co.za.

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