“Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.” (Thomas Carlyle)
With prize giving done and dusted, the holiday season begins. For some it means the amount of time left for working in 2018 is minimal. We find this to be a great time of reflection on the events of the year so far. For Solis Ortus, it has come with many accomplishments, surprises and the year turned out to be the highlight of our 40 year celebration. Happily, some of us experienced few disappointments but without disappointments there are no learning curve.
Prize giving at Solis Ortus is a big event. It is a prestigious event to acknowledge and recognise our karatekas for their accomplishments. Accomplishments in tournaments, but also for those who are doing karate for enjoyment and or lifestyle. What a year we have had at Solis Ortus.
To spice up our prize giving function, we invited two karatekas, who not only excel in karate, but also as “artists” outside karate. Our own drummer boy Wihan Vermeulen, who was recently awarded the highest mark in a Level 1 Rock school Exam for drumming in South Africa with 96 percent, had our audience clapping along to a Justin Timberlake song. This Red Belt drumming sensation (age 11) is set to take Pretoria by storm.
To uplift our evening, we also had a WX Street and Hip-Hop dancer. This talented lady is a 16 year old junior brown 1 belt, Roanne Koudstaal. kykNET presented an all styles dance competition, and Roannes’ dance group won best hip-hip dance group in South Africa. This event will also be broadcasted on kykNET January 2019. She also excelled as a karateka and have won JKA Nationals twice in kata and kumite.
Solis Ortus has more hidden talents and we would like to hear more from them.
2018 Delivered four Protea colour members; PW Pentz, Thirq du Preez, Hannelore Constable and Savannah Hauser. What an honour and accomplishment. Their achievements are an inspiration to other karatekas of the dojo and Solis Ortus cannot wait to see who will achieve their Protea colours next year.
This past year, we had 88 medallists who received a total of 299 medals in all tournaments participated. A total of 202 KSA and JKA colours were achieved. Solis Ortus is so proud of each and every one of you.
At prize giving we also acknowledged our karatekas whom do not compete in tournaments. Most of them were awarded with the 5 maxims of karate, perseverance, loyalty, good progress and best grader. Other floating trophies awarded were Best Kata, Best Kumite, Veteran of the Year and Karateka Male/Female of the Year.
Congratulations to all our karatekas who have been awarded. Thank you to all our children, juniors and seniors who make karate a blessing to teach. Thank you to your little smiles, your love and appreciation. Thank you for being part in building a rich karate history with Solis Ortus. Thank you to our parents who are always willing to turn up for classes, for your dedication and encouragement and of course your participation in all Solis Ortus events. Without you, we can never be such a successful club. Thank you…. thank you!
Solis Ortus also had to say goodbye to one of our beloved Instructors, Lilian Mynhardt. She taught our kids for the past 10 years and saw many of our kids becoming higher belts and black belts. Her contribution to Solis Ortus is unmeasurable and words cannot describe what she has done for the club, kids and parents. It was a sad moment for everyone. To give her appreciation of all her hard work, love, sweat and tears, the whole hall gave her a standing ovation. What a breath-taking moment. We salute you Lilian Mynhardt and wishing you all the success for your new journey.
Reflecting on the year that has been, it is a great way to access new experiences and hold onto learnings we have picked up.
“By taking the time to stop and appreciate who you are and what you’ve achieved—and perhaps learned through a few mistakes, stumbles and losses—you actually can enhance everything about you. Self-acknowledgment and appreciation are what give you the insights and awareness to move forward toward higher goals and accomplishments.”
—Jack Canfield
Now that we conclude 2018, Solis Ortus wishing you a fantastic festive season. If you are travelling, drive safely.
Until 2019!
Written by: Heilethe Calitz