Victorian karate champion Luke Christopoulos is showing Australia what it takes to be the next karate kid.

The 11-year-old has been chosen to represent Australia in next year’s Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) Championships in Sydney. Luke has taken it in his stride and told Neos Kosmos he feels “very excited and honoured” to represent Australia. Luke took up karate at the age of six and hasn’t looked back. Following in his dad’s footsteps – a former karate national and state champion himself – Luke has worked his way up to the second stage of purple belt. A disciplined student, Luke was selected by his sensai to represent Australia.

He said his favourite thing about karate is competing and his father George confirmed that Luke is “very competitive”. When asked if he gets nervous when he competes Luke said: “I don’t get too nervous, but sometimes a little bit”. Karate also brings discipline and Luke uses it for his schoolwork and life. “We learn respect, it’s very important in karate,” said Luke. “Karate also helps with discipline and keeps my mind active. And it also keeps me fit.”