Monthly Archives: June 2019

Articles, Eugene Oosthuizen

Solis Ortus Grading – 1 June 2019

Solis Ortus Grading – 1 June 2019.

On 1 June 2019 Solis Ortus had its first grading for 2019.

From mid-March 2019, we started preparing all the students for this grading. This year Solis Ortus had a record of 10 senior (30 years and older) white belts grading to Yellow. It is amazing to see so many grown-ups – most of whom are our younger karateka’s moms and dads – enjoying the art of karate and claiming back their health! To all the students who had to endure tough classes, instructors being hard on them, family or personal obstacles, the cold and flu and various tummy bugs, – YOU HAVE MADE IT!!

Every karateka with his or her new belt shows us all, and yourself, that you can do it. You can do anything if you really want it. Hard work has never been bad for anybody. Your success proves that your minds are in the right place, and that your parents, grandparents, step-parents and anyone else in your life are doing an amazing job in raising you all.

The Solis Ortus Instructors are so proud of each and every karateka! We wish you all the best of luck for the rest of your karate journey.

Now we can start playing again, having fun while keeping fit and training our body and minds.

OSS

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Kata, Kumite, Results

SA JKA Nationals 2019

Congratulations on making the Gauteng team and keeping the Solis Ortus name high! Was once again a major success for Solis Ortus Students.

The Gauteng team included 78 Solis Ortus Students. They represented our Province on 24 & 25 May 2019 at the SA JKA Nationals event held at the Standard Bank Sports Arena in Johannesburg. The team was assisted by four Solis Ortus coaches – Veronica Myburg, Beatrix Lötter-Moolman, Johan de Witt and Ruan van der Westhuizen.

On Friday, 24 May 2019 the day started early with our junior White to Purple belt competitors, who already arrived at 06h30. They collected their tags and took their places with the rest of the Gauteng team. The march-on was magnificent. Gauteng rolled in on like a blue tsunami. The vibe was infectious! The tournament officially kicked off at 8h00 and the fun and games started. Two of our senior karateka – Sandy Oosthuizen and Marx van Eeden – officiated at the tables.

We were back for more on Saturday, 25 May 2019 when it was our senior Red to Black belts’ turn to enter the arena with tight nerves and high hopes. The top four in each division were chosen for the SA team that will travel to Germany at the end of year to prepare for the 15th Gichin Funakoshi Cup in 2020, which will be held in Japan.

Although not all Solis Ortus students received medals on the day, our karateka luckily know that no one is ever a loser: without a medal you become a learner!

From Solis Ortus’ side we want to thank all the parents, students, coaches, instructors and officials for your time, effort, energy, dedication and support leading up the SA JKA Nationals. It is a pleasure working with a positive team. Our students, from the youngest to the eldest, are absolutely awesome. You worked so hard, and hard work never goes unnoticed. If it was not your time to shine – never give up!

 

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Grading

18 May 2019 SAJKA Pre-grading, National Gradings and International Qualifications

18 May 2019 SAJKA Pre-grading, National Gradings and International Qualifications

Senior Solis Ortus karateka have been preparing over several months for their Shodan and Nidan gradings. Some will attempt grading in October 2019, whilst others will have their opportunity in 2020. However, most of them attended the three hour pre-grading session at JKA HQ at th Wanderers in Jo’burg, as additional preparation for their Dan gradings.

Veronica Myburgh was the only senior karateka who attended the pre-grading as warm up for her Shodan grading on the same day. Veronica has walked a very long and sometimes painful road to grade to her first Dan. She attempted her Shodan 19 years ago, but unfortunately did not make it. Veronica though never forgot her true karate spirit and after life happened (work, marriage, children), she returned to the dojo again to work towards her Shodan dream. Sprained ankles, broken ribs and a low immune system never stopped Veronica from preparing well, training hard, learning non-stop and always bettering herself to such a point that she received her Shodan on 18 May 2019.

Congratulations Veronica on receiving your Shodan. Solis Ortus is tremendously proud of you. Enjoy this moment and wear your black belt with pride!

To all those continuing with their Dan preparations, work hard and never give up!

Oss

 

Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Kata, Kumite, Results

2019 Region 5 Championship in Swakopmund

Region 5 Championship in Namibia Swakopmund

Karate South Africa appointed Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen as Head Coach for the SA u21 and Senior Protea Teams that competed at the Region 5 event in Swakopmund, Namibia.

Sensei Eugene arrived in Swakopmund on Monday 20 May. 
The protea students arrived on Wednesday
On Wednesday he attended a course and seminar along with other referees and coaches. World Karate Federation Chief Referee presented the course and seminar, followed by a hour long exam to qualify as Region 5 Coach for kata and kumite. Sensei Eugene received the highest results, both for Kata and Kumite! Well done, Sensei! This is why Solis Ortus is one of the best karate dojos!

Kata eliminations and finals took place on Thursday, followed by Kumite eliminations on Friday and Kumite finals on Saturday. South Africa won the tournament, taking 31 gold, 25 silver and 21 bronze medals under Sensei Eugene’s coaching! We now rank 1st in the Region 5 list, followed by Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola.

From Solis Ortus’ and Sensei Eugene’s side – a big thank you to KSA for providing this opportunity to South African karateka, coaches and referees. Also, a big thank you to the organisers. And, most especially, the biggest thank you to all the parents, karateka and fellow coaches! Sensei Eugene said that this was one of the most memorable tours in his career so far.

South Africa is indeed fortunate to have such an OSS-some team showing their dedication to and love for karate! Go, Green and Gold!!

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Kata, Kumite, Results

Arnold Classic Event 2019

Arnold Classic Event 2019 at the Sandton Convention Centre

The Arnold Classic Africa event is an annual event that exhibits

different sports, including the main body building event and karate. Ten of our Solis Ortus athletes again competed in the All Styles karateka events from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May. A highlight was when Arnold Schwarzenegger himself came to watch karateka doing their stuff.

On Friday, the athletes weighed in and participated in the Kata eliminations. Kumite eliminations took place on Saturday. Those that qualified competed on Sunday in the Finals for both Kata and Kumite.

Solis Ortus took eight medals! Well done to Ethan Brazelle (Finals, silver), Pieter Jordaan (bronze), Elmien Viljoen (Finals, gold), Thirq du Preez (Finals, gold), PW Pentz (Finals, gold), Hannelore Constable (Finals u21 and seniors, silver for both) and Savannah Hauser (bronze). Tiaan Uys received 5th place and John-Henry du Toit unfortunately fell out. Drian du Toit was injured and rushed to hospital, but was thankfully discharged later on Sunday.

As always, our Solis Ortus karateka showed how karate should be done – with spirit, discipline, humility and respect! Well done everyone, we are proud!