Monthly Archives: June 2021

Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, In the Dojo

Solis Ortus is Zooming On!

Solis Ortus has done it once. And Solis Ortus is doing it again – continuing with online karate classes through Zoom!

The massive rise of Covid-19 infections nationally and in Gauteng especially has resulted in literally every Solis Ortus karateka feeling the effects of this terrible pandemic on a very personal level.

Following the successful first grading of 2021, Eugene Oosthuizen sensei and the instructors thought it wise to put into practice what was learned during the first hard lockdown in 2020 to keep all our students safe.

Solis Ortus already started Zoom classes a week or more before President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday 27 June that the country will again go into Level 4 lock-down. Level 4 basically locked-down leisure activities again that include gyms and fitness centres.

Eugene sensei indicated even before the official news that it is in the best interests of the entire Solis Ortus family that the dojo move to online classes until the third wave reaches its peak.

We would like to encourage all our karateka to continue training – in the comfort of your own homes!

Have fun and be safe!

Calendar, Club, Events, Grading

Another successful Solis Ortus Grading

Solis Ortus hosted yet another great grading under the watchful eye of Eugene Oosthuizen sensei on Saturday 12 June 2021. The grading was extra special as it was also Eugene sensei’s birthday!

After months of preparation around Solis Ortus karateka got the opportunity to demonstrate what they learned in class. The day kicked off early at 6 am with Eugene sensei and instructors getting everything in place to ensure a successful grading whilst complying with Covid-19 protocols. The grading went smoothly, with Covid-19 measures strictly adhered to. We finished on time, yet again, with no hiccups!

First up were Sandy sensei’s Minis. This was the largest group of Mini little karateka between ages 3 and 6 graded to grade in several years. At least one Mini also graded from Sandy sensei’s Minis to a proper white belt. Sandy shed a few tears in sadness for saying goodbye to a Mini and in happiness, and happy tears as this karateka’s karate life take on a new dimension.

Next to grade were the white belts going to yellow one. They all graded really well. They were followed by yellow ones who graded to full yellow, including a few older white belts. Solis Ortus has a whole bunch of new yellow belts. Well done to everyone!

Then it was time for yellow belts going to orange one and full orange. There were again a few older karateka taking the next step in their karate life. Solis Ortus is very proud of every girl and boy, lady and gentleman that graded!

Under Eugene sensei’s hawk-eye more karateka graded to green one and green belts, blue one and blue belts, and to purple one and purple. This is when one truly begins to realise what karate could mean in one’s life. Keep it up guys and gals!

Then it was time to grade to red belts. The pressure in the dojo at this grading was high but everyone showed their dedication. Well done!

The red belts were followed by karateka grading to junior brown and black as well as a few grading to kyu 3 and 2. The grading session was hard. Eugene sensei not only test every karateka’s kata and kihon, but also their endurance and fitness. All told, ten karateka successfully completed the last grading of the day. Solis Ortus is really proud of everyone!

Lastly, we want to thank Eugene sensei for his guidance and respect showed towards every single karateka and instructor – not only on the day but also in every class! It is a privilege to be part of Solis Ortus and to be taught by you!

OSS!

Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Kata, KPC, KSA, Kumite, Techniques

Sensei Eugene attends KSA Team Building Camp in the Drakensberg

Karate South Africa held a Team Building Camp over the weekend of 4 June 2021 in the Drakensberg at the Drakensberg Gardens Golf and Leisure Resort, near Underberg and Sani Pass in freezing temperatures and snow-covered mountains.

The Training Camp provided standardisation to KSA athletes and coaches.

Eugene Oosthuizen sensei attended the camp as KSA National Coach. On Friday evening an energetic training session took place with everyone where Eugene sensei trained the U21, Senior, Vets and Master athletes. This was followed by a briefing session where the program and rules for the weekend were discussed.

On Saturday morning, there were separate kata and kumite training sessions. Athletes attended another training session and completed fitness tests just after lunch. Coaches and athletes then attended a referees course immediately following the fitness tests.

Michelle Singh sensei presented a psychology session after the course. A few coaches were afterwards selected to give motivational speeches,  where Eugene sensei was asked to give some inspiration to the athletes.

A mini-tournament was hosted on Sunday where the selection panel kept a watchful eye over the competitors, observing them for a possible chance to compete in the region 5 tournament.

Thank you to Eugene sensei for giving his time, yet again, to teach and inspire karateka from across South Africa!

Oss!