All posts by Eugene Oosthuizen

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)

Competition

KSA Durban – 23-24 March 2018

Solis Ortus was a busy dojo this weekend. Five of our karatekas competed at the KSA Junior and Elite Tournament held at the Tongaat Indoor Sport Centre in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The weather was as cold and wet as in Gauteng. We are proud to have had Sensei Eugene there as Head Coach for our Gauteng Team.

Sensei Eugene flew to Durban on Thursday morning to attend a Coach and Referee briefing session. With pride he is one of four coaches nominated as National Senior coach for the Protea Team, representing South Africa in Zone 5 and other international events.

The competition was tough and of a very high standard. Many who used to medal first or second had to bow down for third and fourth place. 

Weigh-in was conducted on Thursday and the Tournament commenced on Friday morning until late afternoon. Both our kumite boys got bronze medals on Friday. On Saturday the other 3 boys participated in their divisions and Solis Ortus received a Gold medal. Unfortunately the other 2 boys fell out and did not medal.

Sensei Eugene is extremely proud of all of you. You have worked so hard, and “A brave man, a real fighter is not measured by how many times he falls, but how many times he stands up.” – Rickson Gracie

Keep on believing in yourselves; never ever quit, stay focussed and be diligent in your karate, and you will reap the results.

Will Durant wrote in his book of philosophy: “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation: we do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather have these because we have acted rightly; these virtues are formed in man by doing his actions”. To make it simpler, you develop a talent for the things you repeatedly practice. The same goes for the reverse: problems, failure, and other issues, they can become habits too. Therefore, choose your habits wisely, or you may achieve excellence in something that doesn’t matter to you.

Well done Solis Ortus, we are extremely proud of each one of you.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition

JKA Gauteng Trials – 23-24 March 2018

This weekend was a huge success FOR our competitors who competed at the Standard Bank arena to qualify for Nationals in May. On Friday we were 1200 competitors in the Novice divisions and 600 in the Elite divisions on Saturday. What an honour and privilege it is to be part of such a huge organisation.

Our journey to the City of Gold was through heavy rains, streams of water and mist. Our early birds arrived safely in a cold Johannesburg to face our fate at the JKA Gauteng trials. We would like to thank JKA Management and the organisers for a well-planned and successful tournament. There is only one way, JKA! JKA one way!

Solis Ortus confirmed 69 competitors into the JKA Gauteng Trials, who bravely faced every round. You all have prepared for this moment, you worked hard and with determination you have aroused your greatest fears and uncertainty. Well done to you all!

For some it was overwhelming and the first time competing; and for some it was a new battlefield all over again. Like they say, “There is no comfort in the growth zone and no growth in the comfort zone.” Unknown

Divisions were huge and the competition was of high standard. Always remember to never ever give up. Keep on working for what you want to achieve. Stay positive and work harder but smarter. The harder you work the luckier you get.

“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body.” Seneca

Always remember you are only defeated when you did not have the guts to put your feet on the tatamis. We solute you because you were all brave enough to show up for the battle. That makes you a WINNER! Winners never give up!

Teddy Roosevelt wisely affirmed: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Teddy Roosevelt was a wise man who served as a New York assemblyman, the New York City police commissioner, lieutenant colonel in the Spanish-American War, assistant secretary of the Navy, the governor of New York, and then President William McKinley’s vice   president. After McKinley was assassinated in 1901, he became the country’s youngest president at age 43.)

Solis Ortus entered 49 competitors into the Novice division, and 20 competitors in the Junior, Elite and Veteran divisions. Sensei Eugene is extremely proud to announce that all 69 competitors achieved their Gauteng colours and will represent their Province at Nationals in May. Solis Ortus achieved over 75 medals over the 2 days.

Well done Solis Ortus, we as coaches are immensely proud of each and every competitor showing character, sportsmanship and etiquette. It is an honour to be part of the Solis Ortus team. Thank you Sensei Eugene and our Team Managers and coaches for helping our karatekas with such care and pride. Solis Ortus karate club – ROCKS!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition, Events

Preparation for JKA Gauteng 2018

Solis Ortus is proud to announce that 78 students are currently preparing for the JKA Gauteng Championships on 23 & 24 March 2018 at the Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena. Most students compete in both events, kata and kumite.
With dedication, hard work, sweat and a lot of repetition, we are persistently enduring our extra training sessions on Fridays. How privileged we are to come together as a huge team, representing our club and region to achieve our Gauteng colours.
58 Solis Ortus students will participate in the Novice sections, White to Red belts and Special Needs events on Friday; and 20 students in the Elite sections Brown, Junior Black and Black belts on Saturday.
Remember: “It’s that preparation that goes into each week. We have a term: ‘Trust your training, trust your teammate, and trust yourself.” Dan Quinn
A HUGE thank you to Sensei Eugene who dedicated his time and sharing his incredible training tips in preparing us for this prestigious tournament.
Remember: “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Arthur Ashe
We are READY Sensei! We are proud to be a Solis Ortus student! We LEARNED from the best. Stay focused, give your all, and remember to enjoy the journey. You worked hard for it.
Remember: “Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” Gautama B.
Looking forward to see you all at our last hard training session on Friday afternoon.
Oss.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition

KSA Coaches 2018

Congratulations to Sensei Eugene who has been appointed as a KSA coach, amongst 12 other coaches, to represent the South African team for international duties at various karate tournaments around the globe during 2018.

This announcement was made on the 2nd day of the KSA Senior Nationals Tournament, 3 March 2018.

We, as Solis Ortus students are immensely proud of you Sensei and wishing you good luck to fulfil your international duties successfully.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition

Tournament News 2018

Congratulations to all our champions in the making for achieving their Gauteng colours and qualified for KSA in Durban.

Our juniors; GKF Children/Cadets and Junior Champs, competed 24 February and exceled in their quest to be the best karate kid they can be. Solis Ortus has extremely dedicated young karatekas that work very hard to achieve their goals. Sensei is particularly proud of the juniors and wishing them all to never give up and always explore and reach their dreams.

Solis Ortus is proud to announce that our juniors received 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals; whereas 6 of our karatekas achieved their Gauteng colours and succeeded to participate in the KSA championships’ 23-24 March in Durban. Well done to everyone.

Remember, even if you did not succeeded this year “Karate is not about winning over others. It is about winning over one’s self. Ultimately, the most challenging opponents we face reside from within our hang-ups, our insecurities, our prejudices. Overcome these and you will have truly won.  (David Walker)

This weekend, five Solis Ortus karatekas participated in the KSA U21/Seniors/Veterans divisions; kata and kumite.

“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” (Gautama B.)

This is so true and it proved to be exactly that, what helped us to succeed this weekend. Some of the divisions were large with 5 to 12, 15 competitors. The competition was hard, the standard was high and all the sweat, blood and tears were flowing this weekend.

Solis Ortus’ senior competitors had tough, hard and determined opposition and above all that demonstrated their dedication and persevered with honour. From the five competitors our seniors brought home 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals, which means all five seniors achieved their Gauteng colours and succeeded to participate at the KSA championships 22-23 June in the KSA Elite & SA Open Champs, Durban.

In total Solis Ortus is privileged and honoured to announce that from 17 competitors, 10 karatekas achieved their Gauteng colours and in total brought home 12 medals overall (2 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze).

OSS-some, Solis Ortus is a proud karate club! Well deserved to you all.

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

Work hard, but smart!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

Bring a friend to class

It is Solis Ortus tradition to invite a friend to class a few times during the year. Firstly, training with a friend is definitely more fun. Secondly, sharing the experience with a friend makes it more special
than words can explain; and thirdly, they might join your passion….
Your friend: “What are you doing today? “
You: “Going to karate, why?”
Your friend: “Again??!”

There are numerous misconceptions about karate, and what better way to invite a friend to class to delimit the matter. Many would say: “Karate is so violent; or karate is totally ineffective in real life.
Karate is not hard training….karate is… karate is…”
Apart from all the positive and negative commentaries about karate, people tend to forget the WHY we do karate. A short version is: You become more focused; you become more humble; you become more composed/stress-free; you become fit; you become friends with amazing people; and you become more confident. All these aspects equip you with the discipline to encounter your goals with an open mind, and it motivates you to work even harder than before.
All our friends in the various class groups experienced a fun karate training session that varied from teamwork to individual performances.

They worked truly hard with their friends, and accomplished a full but COMPLETE body workout. They practiced several basic punches, kicks and fitness combinations with and without karate
equipment. Just enough to let them taste the effectiveness of dojo training. With good laughs, humoristic moments and tired bodies, we can categorically claim: invite a friend to class training night was successful. Many will remember training in the dojo maybe a day or two later, as the aching bodies will surely remind them. Others will come for more sessions and become obsessed with the aches and pains they experienced. The saying “after action, satisfaction” will
burn in their minds, and some might join karate.

One of the greatest gifts that people doing karate inherit from daily training is the strengthening of the mind, body, and soul. Countless hours of training will forge a warrior spirit within you that is unbreakable. In life, we will encounter adversities, failures, setbacks, obstacles, and so much more. We must also battle our fears, doubts, and insecurities. Karate can help us conquer those fears,
doubts, and insecurities. Above all, karate will teach us to be unbreakable and never to give up on our dreams.

We as karatekas, dream to have our friends to understand the passion we found in our sport.Mentally we are strong, physically we have a conditioned body – equipped with awareness how to
use it when we face adversity, and lastly we enjoy and love every moment of it. “It is only in martial arts, that picking a fight, is a form of bonding.”


Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

Valentines Theme 2018

Valentine’s Day

As the story goes, St. Valentine of Terni was martyred on this day in 269 C.E. Thanks to the marital angle of his story, Valentine became the patron saint of love. But this historic day has a much different love story for the karatekas of Solis Ortus.
We celebrated Valentine’s Day for the passion of karate and were all dressed up in shades of red, pink and white. As always sensei Eugene is on target with his class planning. He picked the heart…yes, red heart – cardiovascular; very specific and especially for Valentine’s Day.
With great success and passion our classes consisted mostly to up the oxygen levels, basic training and a combination of both with rest intervals in-between.
Our minis class was so adorable when each one brought their own training partner with. Mostly it was a lovable soft toy or teddy which assisted them in their fundamental skills training. Mr Teddy or Soft toy had to balance on their heads to assist them in some balancing techniques. They also had fun with Mr Teddy in a karate way and so they rewrote the history of St Valentine in their own passionate way.
Our other classes focused more on cardio-respiratory fitness, basics and more complex feet movements of rapid accelerations and dis-accelerations with short duration techniques in-between performed with maximum intensity, and interrupted by small intervals.
The basic technical karate training formed part in building the correct form, stance, kick and the ability to perform the movements fast but accurately.
The oxygen maximum consumption in our karate training is an important indicator of cardio-respiratory fitness and endurance to empower us in our katas and kumite. The Valentine’s theme training was an excellent way to show our passion for karate and a super healthy heart.


Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

Open Day 2018

This year, the Open Day exceeded all expectations and left many people with goose bumps whilst
others felt inspirational about the way Solis Ortus projects karate as a life sport but also as a lifestyle.
It is amazing to see how our parents’ family values blend in with the way we teach karate to our
students. As a responsible parent we teach our kids to respond to their ability which defines
responsibility; to be respectful to yourself and others, to always tell the truth and be sincere in
everything, to always do things right, put effort in what you do, and to have self-control. All these
principles form the basis in all human beings which defines their character, a person's essential
qualities. That is the 5 basic principles in life, but also the 5 basic principles in karate. How awesome
is that? You train your brain and get a full body conditioning session with it.
Solis Ortus strives to be the extension from home in a sporty environment.
We started the Open Day with our senior class and Black belts to show the public the growth,
passion and ethics of karate. The hall echoed with the traditional foot stamping and clap ritual and
the roar of “one way JKA, JKA one way”. A performance of a kata presented a plethora of close
combat techniques, which required an advanced understanding of body dynamics to perform their
small movements effectively. The Black belts concluded with kumite, free fighting. The children
applaud verbally “wow, that’s so cool”; “oooh….awesome.”
The minis, all dressed up in their little karate suits (Gi) looked so proud and ready for the day. This
moment was so precious and captured in everyone’s heart when the Black belts walked into the
dojo, hand-in- hand, each with a mini karateka (3-5 years of age). To envision it in your mind gives
you goose bumps. They bravely went through an obstacle course to demonstrate how important
fundamental skills are for karate. With a huge bow to their sensei, they left the dojo with memories
of immaculate promise to become whatever their minds perceived them to be.
The next group worked in belt levels to show the growth between the levels and what fundamental
skills we teach in the dojo to improve balance, core, fast feet, hands, basics and the combination
thereof to eventually perform the 3K’s (Kata, Kihon and Kumite) in karate.
Amongst the group, many of our karatekas achieved Tshwane, Gauteng and National colours. Some
of them also received their Protea colours and had the opportunity to travel overseas. Solis Ortus is
immensely proud of each and every karateka in the dojo and enjoys teaching them not only to be a
good sportsman, but to be an exceptional human being; to become a leader and to excel in their
school work or workplace; to rise above all circumstances; and to be the best they can be.
Open day was a huge success. Everyone who contributed did it with pride and honour. What a
privilege to be part of this incredible karate dojo.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

A promising year for Solis Ortus

2018 is big year for Solis Ortus as we are celebrating our 40th year of good traditional JKA karate. 2018 will be the year where we will fill the blank pages in our stable and glorious history. 2018 will be a promising year for our students and our competitors.
Hard work and dedication is the keyword to every success story. Here at Solis Ortus, through arduous training, we will practice to always give our best. We will embrace the 5 principles of our karate code: character, sincerity, effort, respect and self-control; to ensure improvement and to focus our minds to be completely present in each moment. We will live, sweat, laugh, and learn together until we accomplish. We will then celebrate together in all outcomes.
As this season tournaments already commenced, we are looking forward to all the upcoming events this year.
Congratulations to our Tshwane Children/Cadets & Junior Champs, who competed on the 3rd February 2018. We stand immensely proud of these little champs. Solis Ortus entered 14 competitors and received 17 medals in total: 6 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze. Fantastic achievement! Sensei is so proud of this group. Intense hard work resulted in a proud and growing group to reach unbelievable heights.
As Bruce Lee says: “Learning is never cumulative, it is a movement of knowing which has no beginning and no end.”
Excited to announce that out of 17 Dojos Solis Ortus received an overall 2nd place at the Eagles challenge 10 February. Out of 14 entries Solis Ortus succeeded in bringing home 6 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals; a total of 25 medals. Wow, what an achievement, 42 medals over 2 weekends. Well done all!
This coming weekend, 24 February, our junior karatekas will compete to achieve their Gauteng colours in the GKF Children/Cadets and Junior Champs. Solis Ortus wish you all the best of luck and is confident that you will all achieve your goals. Go out and be calm but alert, relaxed but ready, smooth but sharp, humble but confident, and be the best you can be.
Next weekend, 02-03 March, KSA U21/Seniors/Veterans will face their challenge. “Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost.”
Good luck to our karatekas who will compete in these tournaments the upcoming two weekends. Solis Ortus wishing you all a fantastic tournament. Remember “Everyone you meet, has something to teach you.” Watch and learn, do and achieve. “It’s not about being better than the other. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.”

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

KARATE OPEN DAY IN PRETORIA

With the new law passed, parents are not allowed to discipline their children anymore. Most of us are wondering, WHAT NOW??

KARATE at Solis Ortus is the answer!!!!

We planned an open day on Saturday, 27 January 2018 and invite you to witness the positive impact karate has for young and old, big and small, obedient and disobedient. This way we can stand together and win the fight for discipline.

At Solis Ortus everyone is welcome and each individual will get acknowledgement and recognition.

SOLIS ORTUS OPEN DAY – Saturday, 27 January 2018
Address: C/O January Masilela and Serene Street, Magister Hall (behind Putt-Putt), Garsfontein

Competition

Gauteng North JKA trials – 4 November 2017

Solis Ortus hosted the Gauteng North JKA trials, 4 November 2017, at the Magister Hall dojo. Six affiliated dojos from the Pretoria region joined forces to compete in the Gauteng North JKA trials. This joint event attracted many competitors to qualify for the SA JKA Gauteng Regional Championships early next year. The SA JKA Gauteng Regional Championships also serves as trials to select the team to represent Gauteng at the SA JKA National Championships in May 2018.

The tournament was well run and organised, with more than enough qualified referees, judges and table officials to help on the day. Thank you to everyone that gave up their time for our students, for a job well done! We are always proud to host any event and show everybody else why the name Solis Ortus is part of many conversations.

Some of our students competed for the first time, especially in the Novice division. Solis Ortus showed formidable strength and accomplishment during this tournament. It is amazing to see how each one of them stood proud and showed their character in their specific event.

Solis Ortus karatekas did exceptionally well at the trials and therefor qualified to go through to the SA JKA Gauteng Regional Championships early next year. Everyone who competed showed great sportsmanship, competitiveness and achievement. With every competition you will build more strength, stamina and confidence to improve your performance. Remember karate is about building character. Success breeds confidence and confidence breeds success.  It is clear that the confidence level in our students are growing and that makes a huge difference in their performance and personal life.

To those who have medalled, well done, and to those who did not, remember sometimes you win and sometimes you learn. Always take the experience as a learning curve to improve yourself and never ever give up. “The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.” – Walt Disney

Sensei Eugene is extremely proud to all our Solis Ortus competitors. You have showed great character and spirit. Remember “It’s not about being better than the other. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.”

Good luck to everyone preparing for the next tournament but most of all preparing for grading.

One way JKA! JKA one WAY!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

THINK PINK

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)

Grading

SAJKA Pre-grading 28 October 2017

As a Solis Ortus tradition, we, as karatekas/instructors, endeavor to attend as many events as possible, especially pre-grading. We are highly motivated to grow, expanding our knowledge, thus enhancing our teaching abilities within our dojo.  Five Solis Ortus  Shodan karatekas, Lilian Mynhardt, Sandy Verreyne, Stephanie Kugel, Heilethe Calitz and Liam van Rooyen, led by the ever present  and instructing on the day, Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen(5th Dan, Godan),  did exactly that, braving the cold to assimilate knowledge.

On arrival at the Mandeville Sports Complex, Johannesburg, we realized that the butterflies in our stomachs were not as intense as on arrival to actual grading. Although pre-grading is mandatory to grade to the next level, we at  Solis Ortus attend these to be on the cutting edge of what’s hot and what’s not.

The training was led by the ever so captivating, Sensei Wendy Wannenburg, Rokudan(6th  Dan). Her imposing knowledge and execution of karate techniques  are inspirational and mind-boggling at the same time. With the ability to demonstrate any kick, holding said kick while continuing to instruct.

We at Solis Ortus believes to prepare ourselves until it becomes second nature and can almost execute techniques with perfection. We also do understand that hard work and a lot of sweat will determine our fate the day of grading. As part of a dojo with great history and champs, we strive to be proud of our heritage and will always aim to do our best.

We also would like our Sensei Eugene to be proud of us after the long and hard hours of work he invested in us. As the saying goes: “Practice makes perfect”.

Pre-grading on Saturday only consisted out of the Shodan syllabus no matter to what black belt level you will grade. The reason for that was that the Shodan grading syllabus forms the basis of all gradings above and needs to be executed with the correct techniques, form, stances, effort and strength. Every category Kata, Kihon and Kumite need to be performed exceptionally.

At Solis Ortus we believe in preparing ourselves to the point of it becoming second nature, always striving to perfect  techniques.  We understand that hard work and effort  will determine our fate on the day of grading.  As part of a dojo with a great history, producing many champions, we are extremely proud of our heritage and will always aim to do our best, doing justice to our dojo and validating the heart and soul invested by our Sensei, Eugene. “Practise makes perfect.”

Pre-grading on Saturday consisted of Shodan syllabus, regardless of what black belt level you will grade to. Reason being  that the Shodan grading syllabus forms the basis of all higher gradings and need to be executed with the correct techniques, ie. form, stances, effort and strength. Every category, Kata, Kihon and Kumite need to be performed exceptionally.

Sensei Johan le Grange, Rokudan (6th Dan) and the Chief Instructor of SA JKA, wants South Africa to be of the highest quality, with gradings being strict as these gradings produce future instructors.

Lilian Mynhardt and Liam van Rooyen, have six months to their proposed 2nd Dan (Nidan) grading, May 2018. The rest of us, Sandy Verreyne, Heilethe Calitz & Stephanie Kugel, propose to do said grading towards end 2018. To achieve our individual goals we realise that extensive and intensive training of all that we have learnt, old and new, will have to be undertaken.

By extending our knowledge and qualifications we aim to enhance the training given to all our students.

Remember:
• Be proud, but be humble
• Work on your strengths, but be aware of your weaknesses
• Stay motivated
• Stay focusses
• Be fit
• Enjoy
• Never give up

Good luck to everyone preparing for their Black belt grading.

“Don’t fear moving slowly forward. Fear standing still.” USSD Woodbridge
Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

Coen memorial Challenge

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Coen Memorial – A historic event

The second Coen Memorial Tournament was held 21 October 2017 at the Solis Ortus Dojo. This historic event created unbelievable confidence in some of the students and great expectations and promises for our Solis Ortus new champs to be. Experience was not the key of the day, but to become part of a great karate history. What an awesome day!

Many eyes shot tears when sensei Eugene spoke with great respect of his late father, Sensei Coen Oosthuizen, and admitted with innumerable admiration that after all these years he is only feeling now that he is getting closer to follow in his fathers footsteps. How great is that? We, as Solis Ortus karate club is so privileged to form part of such rich tradition and history of 39 years. We are an established club since 1978 with enormous heart and soul from our parents, students and instructors.

 

Of over 200 students, 169 students participated at the Coen Memorial. With great joy, goose bumps and happy tears we enjoyed every move of every karateka in the dojo. The little ones were so adorable with their huge spirit and loud kias (screams). All ages had their own personalities that stood out. From more serious to shaking up to the shy one; and then to the more confident experienced ones.

 

Many have new tails to tell of the day, and many have a few bruises and headaches; but no one left the dojo empty handed. We received medals, even though it was only as a participant. But most of all we had fun!

This reminded me of an old Chinese proverb: “If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people.”

 As we grow as a karate club, we also prosper as strong human beings with great tradition, character, self-confident leaders and sportsmanship. We create a healthy lifestyle.

Well done Solis Ortus, our sensei stand proud to be the leader of such an awesome club.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz