21 Oct 09 by Torin Chen

The 13-year-old from Prestons has become a media star since the Leader broke the story on October 7 about Chris using his karate skills to fend off an attempted assault.

Chris featured in a story broadcast on Channel 9 news last Tuesday, and on Wednesday morning he was interviewed live in the studio by Today show host Lisa Wilkinson.

Dubbed the “Aussie Karate Kid”, in reference to the US cult movie series Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio as the karate kid Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi, Chris has become an instant celebrity.

The year 8 All Saints Catholic Boys College student admitted he never expected to attract so much media attention.

“It’s been overwhelming,” Chris told the Leader.

“I feel more comfortable defending myself in real life than doing a live TV interview.”

In a sign the youngster might be the next karate kid, Chris will travel to Okinawa, Japan next year for special weapons training with traditional Okinawan karate masters.

His trip mirrors the plot in Karate Kid Part II where Daniel travels to Okinawa for further karate training with Mr Myagi.

Chris will make the trip to Okinawa in May with sensei Bob from Sadleir’s Tactical Defence Studio.

The teenager will attend karate classes where he will be trained in traditional karate weapons, the bo and sai.

Chris said he doesn’t see himself as the next karate kid but admitted he’s watched the movie series plenty of times.