My name is Giannis Chrissoulakis and I teach Shotokan Karate. I came into contact with Karate at the age of 16. Apart from improving my physical condition, I felt that I acquired more confidence and concentration, abilities which in the end played an important role in other parts of my life. It took me five years to distinguish myself, become a member of the Greek National Karate Team and to win national and international titles and positions .... a journey that lasted over 10 years!

AWARDS

• 2001 Panhellenic Championship 1^st place Kumite – 70kg, 3^rd place Kata
   
• 1998 Panhellenic Championship 1^st place Kumite Open, 1^st place Kumite – 80kg
   
• 1997 Panhellenic Championship 1^st place Kumite Open, 1^st place Kumite – 80kg, 3^rd place Kata
   
• 1997 Balkan Championship 2^nd place Kumite – 80kg, 3^rd place Kumite Open, 2^nd place Team Kumite
   
• 1996 Paneuropean Championship 5^th place Kumite – 80kg
   
• 1996 Panhellenic Championship 2^nd place Kumite Open, 2^nd place Kata
   
• 1995 Panhellenic Championship 2^nd place Kumite -80kg, 3^rd place Kata
   
• 1995 Panhellenic Championship of higher education, 1^st place Kumite – 78kg, 1^st place kata
• 1994 Panhellenic Championship 3rd place Kumite Open, 3^rd place Kumite 80kg
   
• 1992 Panhellenic Championship 3^rd place Kata
• 1991 Panhellenic Championship 3^rd place Kumite - 75kg

1992-2001 participant in three World Championships and four European Karate Championships with the Greek National team.

I was involved with training from very early on, preparing athletes, wanting to pass on my experience and knowledge. Seeking alternative ways to strengthen the skills and competitive performance, I incorporated aspects of Yoga practices in my teaching.

My Vision!

My vision is to create my very own dojo! A dojo is a practice hall for Shotokan Karate practitioners. Shotokan Karate is a complete sport with many physical and psychological benefits. Through shotokan I encountered a dynamic and safe way to explore both my limits and my full potential. One path towards self-awareness that helped me to redefine my relationship with myself and develop my social skills.

The Plan!

I plan to start operating the dojo in Argyroupoli, Athens as of September 2016. I have secured funding for the preparation of the training space and with your contribution I will be able to:

•  Build changing rooms for both men and women including:

- Hygiene products (2000 €)

- Plumbing (1000 €)

• Acquire training equipment including:

- bags (200 €)

- Hanging bars (300 €)

- Cloves (200 €)

- Head guards (500 €)

- Chest guards (400 €)

- Foot/shin pads  (100 €)

- Skipping rope (300 €)

Services!

-Group training in traditional shotokan karate for both kids and adults

We practice the Kancho Kanazawa 10o Dan SKIF system, the basic principles of which are to improve character and personality through hard training and discipline.

-Group training for competitive karate for both kids and adults.

We practice the World Karate Federation System

-Preparation of athletes for competition

Competitive preparation for Kata and Kumite

-Self defence courses

My Heartfelt Thanks!

My heartfelt thanks to all those who took the time to read my story, for your interest and your support.

My thanks goes out to all those with whom I’ve worked with, my family and friends who have stood by me, in order for us all to get to this point.

You may not be able to provide financial support – but you can support me in a different way! Share my story and help it travel as far as possible!

Thank you all for your time!

Footnote:

All donations are managed by the NGO PRAKSIS. In other words, your financial support is not provided straight to the entrepreneurs as a one-off cash donation. A specific process is followed whereby the entrepreneur receives a pre-agreed amount once s/he has met a specific set of targets. Upon reaching a specific milestone, new funds are released. By managing donations through an independent and credible NGO we ensure that the full amount of the entrepreneur’s funding, is used to maximum effect, that the businessman is held accountable. This allows us to provide continuous updates to each donor on the activities of the entrepreneur and to ensure that the entrepreneur works closely with us. One-up provides information, monitoring and transparency in order to secure that every cent of your donation is used in the most effective manner possible.