CANSA – RELAY FOR LIFE

19 September 2015 marked the calendar for Solis Ortus’s second participation at the CANSA Relay for Life.  We got our sponsor through Tristan and Sandra Botha and was able to enter two teams.

The week leading up to the relay spoiled  us with beautiful warm weather and we were positive that the 2015 Relay will not be as cold as the 2014 Relay.  Boy, were we surprised on Saturday to wake up to overcast coldness.  I think the cold brings us all together, because as a result of the cold weather, we all huddled under a cazebo, sitting close together, chatting, laughing, crying for the loss of the springboks, sharing the jokes that instantly followed the loss.  We walked the walked, provided some entertainment to the crowds and spent quality time together!

Thank you to each and every person who joined us and shared in the special moments!

Haldun Alagas

The Turkish karate trio of Haldun Alagas, Bahattin Kandaz and Sait Ucan first visited South Africa in 2010 to present its week long training camp.  The goal behind these training camps are to expose our athletes to the coaching of these top coaches in order to prepare them to reach their goals. The Turkish coaches are brilliant in movement and agility and their fighting combination is advanced.

Since 2010 Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen have not missed a single training camp hosted by Sensei Haldun Alagas.  Sensei Haldun Alagas is a Turkish karateka who is a multiple World and European champion.

On Saturday, 18 July 2015 Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen, together with Sensei Morgan Moss invited the Turkish karate trio to present a training session to juniors and seniors at the Solis Ortus dojo in Garsfontein.  Karatekas from all over Gauteng attended this training session.  Some found it so informative that they participated in both senior and junior sessions.  This is testament to the fact that our athletes are hungry to learn and willing to work hard.  We all enjoy receiving the world knowledge of our Seniors, Mentors and Champions.  It is always a privilege when we have them on South African soil and they are willing to share their knowledge with us.

On the day of the training sessions it was clear that all who arrived for the session was very excited to start and to learn.  The hall was packed and soon it became very hot inside on a chilly winter’s day.  Karatekas were split up into lines and groups to make movements easier.  All over you could see the concentration on each and every person’s face, each one trying their best to master a technique and do the best they can.  It is wonderful to see young and old put in all their effort because they love their sport so much.

The karate community is a strong one, and we are all connected and united in the sport.  It makes our Sensei very proud to share moments such as this one with so many athlete and he looks forward to sharing many more such moments with you all.