Monthly Archives: May 2018

Events

SA JKA Nationals 2018

What a weekend. Solis Ortus competed at SA JKA Nationals in Johannesburg, and at the Africa Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 karate championships in Gaborone, Botswana.

This year’s SA JKA Nationals competition, featuring karatekas from all the Provinces in South Africa, was held at the Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena on 25 – 26 May 2018. All our karate athletes prepared well over the past months, and showed up in their masses to achieve greatness. SA JKA Nationals is a huge event every year, but this year it was massive with plus minus 3500 competitors.

The arena was vibrant with songs of the nation and provincial teams rivalling against the other in their numbers. The mornings were extremely early for our early birds attending meetings and to get ready before the masses arrive. Gauteng was well organised with their team sitting ready in their categories on the arena.

Expectations ran high for the day while watching the demonstration from our black belts from the Honbu, performing an immaculate Tekki Sandan, synchronized as one person. The kumite routine was coordinated to show the stages of a black belt. We all stood in awe and with goose bumps all over.

We as Solis Ortus karatekas, representing our provincial team Gauteng, are overwhelmed with excitement, enthusiasm, nerves and an expectancy to achieve our National colours and to qualify for the Africa Cup in September. For some of us, this will be the first time to represent our country on an International level.

As always, our club was well represented as coaches, referees, judges and table officials at this prestigious event. Solis Ortus entered into 153 events where some of our students qualified for their National colours in both kata and kumite, and others, one of the two.

On Friday our Novice team, White to Red belts, competed in their divisions where most of our karatekas medalled and achieved their National colours. Medal or not, you are a winner! You worked hard, walked the extra mile, by training week after week and came prepared for the battle. You showed your karate spirit on the floor and still persevered. That makes you a WINNER. Always remember what defines a winner.

“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve ever done before.” —Bonnie Blair

For the first time in the history of SA JKA Nationals, our Special Needs division announced a free fighting division. With pride Solis Ortus also made history on the day as the only 2 karatekas in that division, was from our dojo. What a fight guys….well done! Click on the link to watch the fight.

“Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.” Dan Gable

On Saturday our Elite team competed to be selected into the Africa Cup in September. This category was intensely huge and the competition extremely competitive. Most categories contained 3-5 different belt levels in one group for the selection. Some categories took hours to finish; and yet, we all waited with determination and good spirit our turn. Solis Ortus did extremely well and most of our students got selected to represent South Africa in the Africa Cup. Congratulations to those who got selected.

To all our medallists, well done and well deserved. Some of your categories exceeded 20 competitors and more. Yet, you prevailed and accomplished your dream to become a winner.

Ditto sensei Sandy; quote un-quote: “Our dearest students, how awesome are you all. You are all champions because you showed up for extra classes, you are all champions because you entered the arena with fear, nerves and excitement and you are all champions because you stepped onto the tatami  and you did YOUR best.

Congratulations for making us all tremendously proud!!!!!

Next year we do it again!”

Yes, yes and yes!

But first, we wish all our students the best of luck for grading on Saturday, 2nd June 2018. You worked hard to receive your next belt level. Stay focussed and do your best.

To all our students who are writing exams, best of luck for your exams. Stay focused, prepare in advance, sleep well, practice and stay healthy.

After all is done, rest well and get ready to start preparing for the Africa Cup in September.

One way, JKA! JKA, one way!

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 
Events

AUSC Region 5 Karate Championship

Gaborone is an energetic and inviting city that is bursting out of a nutshell. The tolerant mind-set of Gaborone originated from the gathering of the many different cultures and the thousands strong individual minds. The beautification of the edginess inspires, provokes opportunities and creates an intersection where two extremes meet each other and therefore become inexpressible.

Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia and Mozambique were the invited countries who participated in the AUSC Region 5 Karate Championship. Gaborone, capital city of Botswana, hosted the tournament on 24 – 26 May 2018 at the Boipuso Hall, Fairgrounds. The Boipuso Hall, also known as Botswana International Conference and Exhibitions Centre, is a multi-purpose arena and can accommodate 12 000 spectators. The Boipuso Hall can accommodate 2000 spectators.

Overall South Africa did extremely well. South African karate shone in Gaborone as our participants displayed a high standard, good karate and competitiveness throughout the tournament.

South Africa was represented by 51 competitors all over the country, and received a total of 6 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals in the kata division. In the kumite division we received 12 gold, 17 silver and 4 bronze medals. Overall South Africa received 44 medals and placed third in the AUSC Region 5 Karate Championship. Botswana, the overall winner won 95 medals and Namibia, who came second won 68 medals in total.

Out of the 51 competitors, Solis Ortus had 2 participants who represented South Africa in Gaborone. After getting on the City Liner on Wednesday late morning, they left for the border and got safe and sound in Gaborone after a long 9 hour trip.

Solis Ortus is extremely proud of Savannah Hauser who received a silver medal and Thirq du Preez who received a bronze medal in kumite. These two karatekas showed exceptional sportsmanship and good karate etiquette. This trip developed your character as karatekas, introduced you to the virtues of team spirit and teaches you to be humble in victory. All your hard work paid off and you came home victoriously.

Celebrate your successes, embrace it and grow into it as humble karatekas.

“Competing at the highest level is not about winning. It’s about preparation, courage, understanding and nurturing your people, and heart. Winning is the result.” —Joe Torre

You both reflected this quote excellently. Well done, and good luck for your next tournament.

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

Events

Arnold Classic 2018

The Arnold Classic sport and fitness extravaganza returns to South Africa for the third time and it promises to be an even more spectacular expression of the vision of its co-founder, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It is an opportunity to participate, spectate or compete, with over 50 sports and their organising federations showcasing their top talent and creating opportunity for public participation across three energy-filled days; from Friday, 18 May to Sunday 20 May 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Interestingly Sandton is known as the wealthiest square mile in Africa. The Sandton Convention Centre is the leading, most esteemed convention centre and exhibition resource in South Africa.

With 12 floors and over 22 000 square metres of space available, the Sandton Convention Centre has a gigantic capacity to be the supreme hosting place for such a respected event as the ACA.

In a cold Johannesburg, Solis Ortus came prepared with our KSA athletes to participate in the prestigious Arnold Classic Sports Festival 2018. Our karatekas are passionate about their karate and without knowing it, are actually the leaders in creating a karate platform that can have a great influence in our country and the world to be a better place. Although karate is a global sport, over 200 countries, and affiliated to World Karate Federation (WKF); it finally is elevated to OLYMPIC status – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018. What an honour and privilege to be part of such an opportunity.

On Friday our Solis Ortus champs weighed-in for their kumite divisions on Saturday. On Friday Solis Ortus received 2 bronze medals in the kata divisions.

Most of our karatekas competed on Saturday. “The kumite divisions were lethal, fast and furious”, as one parent described the event. Solis Ortus prevailed and achieved 4 medals; 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.

Congratulations to two Solis Ortus karatekas who qualified for the finals on Sunday. Sunday started off with a training session where the top four KSA athletes and international athletes trained together. With the help of our coaches, sensei Eugene and other top coaches trained with the team and represented South Africa on an International level. Solis Ortus is proud of sensei Eugene and wish him all the success in his karate endeavours.

After a long, hard and competitive weekend, we can celebrate with our 7 champs a total of 6 medals.

Congratulations to all our karatekas. Solis Ortus is extremely proud and wishing you all a prosperous karate journey. You all worked so hard for this moment, embrace it, enjoy it and learn from tournament to tournament. Improve yourself to become the best of the best.

We salute you all!

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Events, Uncategorized

Solis Ortus Road To Nationals 2018

Solis Ortus is in the process preparing for the SA JKA Nationals, 25th and 26th May 2018. Frequent practice during the past 4 weeks leading up to the event, greatly improved our karatekas’ abilities, form, skills, and confidence.

SA JKA karatekas will march up from all corners of South Africa to represent their Province. This week it will be our last training session as a dojo team to go out and represent our Province at Nationals.

Our karatekas revealed defined character practising every week improving themselves for the greatest upcoming event; SA JKA Nationals.

Remember what you have practiced over the past weeks and especially what sensei has taught us. Stay focussed and calm, but with determination.

Remember, when performing your kata, you need to demonstrate good technique, good stances and rhythm. Don’t rush to finish, show the judges you have good form and resonance in you kata. Slow is slow, and fast is fast. Kiai loudly.

Good technique is also required in kumite when trying to score against your opponent. Initiating the attack allows you to take control of the fight and is intimidating to your opponent. Take control and keep it. Also have a good guard. Don’t leave yourself open. Correct distancing enables you to attack your opponent, but also allows you to be just out of range of your opponent’s attacks.

Thank you to sensei Eugene who invested in us his time, knowledge and methodology in becoming a winner. Thank you to our parents believing in our karatekas, who consistently bring them every Friday afternoon to practice; and supporting our Solis Ortus Team preparing for the big day. Thank you to our students who persevered through the training, who gave their all to improve themselves, who sweat together and encouraged each other, and above all, who believed in themselves.

Sensei Eugene feel honoured to be able to have such a positive and stable club; and in reverse, us as karatekas are honoured to learn from the best.

You are ready, go out and do your best, never give up. Always push yourself a little further. If you keep going – you always have a chance to win.

“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.” Walt Disney

So, we have come this far…preparation, done…prepared, YES!

On your marks, get set….GO!!!!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events, Uncategorized

Solis Ortus out of TOWN

This weekend Solis Ortus karatekas represented the dojo all over Gauteng, attending the JKA Table Officiating Course, Dragon Warriors tournament and the Coloured belt seminar.

Three of our Black belt students attended the JKA Table Officiating Course with Sensei Karyn. At first everybody attending was unfamiliar with each other and sat quietly.  When the course started everybody listened attentively and had to determine in which category they see themselves (runner, scorekeeper, draws keeper).

Then sensei Karyn had the draws keepers “audition” for their roles.  The whole room was in stiches with the funny shenanigans and role plays various people embodied. After a whole lot of fun, each senior is happy with his or her respective position and cannot wait to give their time and effort back to JKA and be ready for the African Cup in September.

The Dragon Warriors tournament was hosted by Sensei Michelle Singh (4th Dan SKIF – Japan) at the Alberton Action Sport Centre. Some competed for the first time, others came to sharpen their skills, and some came to try out their higher katas for the first time.

The day was long but full of excitement especially the Team events. It was with awe to watch one of our youngest (6 years old) performing Jion for the first time. Too cute for words.

Solis Ortus did very well and everyone medalled. From 8 competitors we have received 16 medals; 8 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze.

A special thanks to Sensei Lilian, our coach, for all her help and especially keeping our karatekas intact and ready for every event.

Sensei Eugene was also out of town and was invited by JKA to be an Instructor at the Coloured belt seminar, held at the Honbu Dojo, Wanderers Club, Johannesburg. SA JKA members from various dojos attended the seminar and trained together. It was packed with tons of fun and a great deal of information to improve our karate.

After a long successful day, Solis Ortus once again can celebrate victoriously and Sensei Eugene is immensely proud of everyone. It is remarkable to see how our karate kids grow and develop in their karate journey not only in the dojo, but in a competitive way as well.

It is also with pride to acknowledge our seniors for being involved with SA JKA courses and seminars to improve themselves and to be an asset to Solis Ortus and SA JKA.

Thank you to sensei Eugene who is always there to share his knowledge with the youth and help them to become great karatekas one day.

WELL DONE SOLIS ORTUS!!! This year is the year to celebrate our successes to excel into a professional yet BEST KARATE CLUB IN GAUTENG.

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 
Competition

Boemfontein League Championship 2018

This prestigious event is the National League Championship Event for 2018, primarily to maintain KSA National Ranking, and to assist in selecting the National Team.

In a cold Bloemfontein, at the Tempe Indoor Sports Hall, Solis Ortus arrived with a positive winning spirit to face their rivals and to achieve their place in the National Team. What an honour and privilege to be able to represent your beautiful country on international level.

Competition was extremely tough and all came prepared to qualify. Our competitor’s spirit was with expectation and went in with their all. Solis Ortus did extremely well and received 1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze and 2 fifth places.

Well done to all our competitors. You train hard and we are extremely proud of you all.

Sensei Eugene, our National coach selected for KSA, worked hard and came home with laryngitis. Thank you sensei Eugene for all your help and dedication to help our karatekas succeed as competitive individuals. We as parents appreciate your effort and dedication.

To complete a very successful weekend, South Africa’s top 4 karatekas (12 years and above) had the honour to train with the National Coaches on Sunday morning, before departing to their destinations. The training camp was of utmost value to our new champs.

Always remember “To stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. Work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not clichés but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path.” Phillip Sweet

What type of fighter are you? How will you excel against your opponents?

There are three kinds of fighters:

“The AGGRESSIVE fighter who charges in blindly trying to get the upper hand;

The DEFENSIVE fighter who blocks and evades until his opponent is tired; and then……

The MOST DANGEROUS fighter, the one who waits for his opponent to make a mistake.” Southern Mantis

The President of KSA, Sonny Pillay Hanshi was very excited about the Championship and stated, “I am absolutely delighted at the huge turnout of our karate youth from throughout the Republic, moreover the high standard of karate on display by the participants throughout the weekend certainly augurs well for the future of KSA“.

The success of the just concluded Nationals predicts excitement for the ARNOLD CLASSIC SPORTS FESTIVAL 18-20 MAY 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre, as the TEAM SELECTION will be done afterwards.

Good luck to all our KSA champs, you are all winners! Be always prepared, stay prepared and excel in your karate journey!

“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.” – Walt Disney

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Events

Club Ninja Theme

Solis Ortus Ninjas

Yes, you’ve seen them in movies and Japanese animation. But what exactly are ninjas? “A true ninja is not just someone who wears black, drops down from the ceiling and slices everything into pieces. Ninjas have been around since at least the 14th century, when guerrilla warfare in feudal Japan called for subterfuge and assassination – activities which samurai would not perform because they were  forbidden by Bushido, the samurai code. Ninja were employed as master spies, assassins, and specialist warriors. While some aspects of the ninja way may be outdated, the principles and techniques remain valuable.”

Being a ninja is extremely hard work, but to be a Solis Ortus Ninja for a night was of a much different interpretation. Karate Kid was for some a real inspiration for the evening, while others were fascinated by the legendary tales of being a Ninja; the stealth and calculations of secrecy…..and then, every boys dream climb out with the weapons and warfare of Ninja. They say that true ninjas are always outnumbered, because they are individuals.

All these facets were interpreted flawlessly and adorably by our little ninjas in the mini class. They all were determined to look like little ninjas and were unrecognisable in their masks and outfits. Some brought some serious “weapons” with, ready for the battle.

In our other classes we had various interpretations, from Ninja Turtles to proper “assassins” with proper karate etiquette. Some weapons were on the side while we are busy teaching them that karate is an empty hand sport, and your body is your weapon. Even our seniors were not shy showing off their Ninja “skills”.

Integrating the Ninja theme with our JKA tradition was enormous fun. Karate ruled the evening with serious preparation for our club grading 2 June 2018.

Masashi Kishimoto said: “I never go back on my word! That’s my nindo, my ninja way!”

Lord Ozunu a Ninja Assassin said: “Wherever you are, wherever you may go, you must never forget who you are. You are part of me, as I am part of you. This is the truth of your lives, and it will remain true after death.”

What an event…..until next time!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Events

Think PINK – Solis Ortus supports the fight

The history of using a ribbon as a token of remembrance can be traced back to the 19th century. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, red ribbons began appearing to support AIDS awareness, and other charitable organizations and endeavors began following suit. In 1992, according to the breast cancer guide on About.com, Alexandra Penney (then the editor-in-chief of Self magazine) and Evelyn Lauder (breast cancer survivor and senior corporate vice president of Estée Lauder)

“teamed up to create a pink ribbon. … The Estée Lauder Company went directly to their makeup counters with 1.5 million ribbons. Along with those pink ribbons, each woman was given a breast self-exam card, and in return, the company collected more than 200,000 pink ribbon petitions aimed at the White House asking for increased funding for breast cancer research.”

The pink ribbon, the feminine colour so chosen means health, vitality and empowerment of women. Wear it with pride. The global awareness that has been raised through the pink ribbon has helped increase early detection of breast cancer, make women more aware of the importance of doing regular breast self-examinations, and increase funds directed toward finding a cure.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, and the colour pink in general, identify the wearer or promoter with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women with breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer is something that affects friends, families, and loved ones. To support the awareness of breast cancer, Solis Ortus started the pink karate belt tradition about 3 – 4 years back during the month of October. We have marched throughout the night, sing, doing katas as a symbol of fighting against cancer and breaking “walls”. This tradition will carry on in our dojo every year where every karateka of all ages in the dojo will show how they can help kick and punch breast cancer by wearing pink belts in class during the month of October. This symbolises not only our support to Breast cancer but also has become synonymous with karate strength, technique, and empowerment. By introducing this tradition, Solis Ortus also empowers their karatekas to understand the 5 principles in karate. Always have the right attitude, frame of mind and virtues to strive for both within the dojo, and outside.

In addition to shining a light on the importance of annual screenings, breast cancer awareness month also generates funding for breast cancer research. With every new belt bought and a training pink belt fee of previously bought pink belts, Solis Ortus have donated R1 500 to support the cause of Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women, and the second main cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. In 2017, around 252 710 new diagnoses of breast cancer are expected in women, and around 40 610 women are likely to die from the disease.

Breast cancer can also affect men although a rare disease. Less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men. In 2017, about 2, 470 men are expected to be diagnosed with the disease. For men, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is about 1 in 1 000.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Resources: (https://www.google.co.za/search?rlz=1T4AVNH_enZA767ZA768&q=breast+cancer+definition&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnlsfTx5rXAhUDI8AKHfOtBtAQ1QIInAEoAg&biw=1778&bih=859)

(https://www.google.co.za/search?q=Slogan+for+breast+cancer+awareness&rlz=1T4AVNH_enZA767ZA768&tbm=isch&source=iu&pf=m&ictx=1&fir=KuCp_5EPd-9k_M%253A%252CayhEokLghtPquM%252C_&usg=__QM4bxsEcqA95mDARtOnsvfx0jq0%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqtKLK2ZrXAhUIAcAKHSUoC7UQ9QEIQjAF#imgrc=n7MmQMmg5KaV9M:&spf=1509447560688)