Solis Ortus conquered the Spartan and Lions Challenge at the Portuguese Hall, Turffontein, Johannesburg; the past two weekends.
The Club entered a team of 18 karatekas to compete in the Spartan All Styles event. A total of 9 karatekas competed in their first All Styles event. Solis Ortus was also represented by 2 team Kumite groups who fought like champions. The junior team just missed the gold medal. The cadets came out on top in their group with a deserving gold! The team earned 12 gold, 9 silver, 2 bronze and 8 participation medals = 31 in total (excluding the team events).
Savannah Hauser had tough a few ladies competing against her, but did not stand back and took the punches (and gave a few strong one’s) like a champ! Well-deserved gold in Kata and silver for Kumite.
Tiaan Uys fought like a warrior in the senior male division. Not only did he crush his competitors, he had the whole Solis Ortus club behind him during each fight. First fight in 10 years, Tiaan, well done!!! Your silver medal was well deserved.
The Solis Ortus team walked away proudly and this event is surely one to remember!
New to the coaching team with Sensei Lillian was Savannah Hauser and Darius Peenze who had their first coaching opportunities. Still lots to learn, but enjoying every moment of being with the kids!!
At the Lions Challenge, a variety of competitors entered. Some newbies who competed for the first time, some with more experience and then our frequent competitors. Solis Ortus made history and entered the youngest competitor of the tournament; our very own 4 year old tigress who competed in a division where her competition was much older. She stood her ground and bravely won a gold medal in kata.
Competition in the more elite divisions is getting tougher. Most of our karatekas medalled and out of 13 competitors we achieved 13 medals; 5 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze medals.
Solis Ortus is overjoyed to see how the youngsters grow and succeed in their karate journey. Solis Ortus stand proud to witness each karateka grow as an athlete and also as an individual.
With the outstanding support from the Solis Ortus parents and our Sensei and coach, we had a very successful Spartan and Lions Challenge.
Solis Ortus came out victoriously with a total of 17 gold, 12 silver and 7 bronze medals; a total of 36 medals out of 26 participants in both tournaments.
Congratulations to all of you….well done!!!
Written by: Leazill Peenze & Heilethe Calitz