Category Archives: Articles

Articles written by Sensei Eugene and others

Articles, Club, Competition, Events, SA JKA

SAJKA National Colours 2022

This is some of our OSS-ame students who recieved their SAJKA National Colours at the SA JKA National Champs this year (2022).

For a few it was their first time for others their third, fouth, fifth time. Dedication, perseverance, loyalty, time management and hours of training helps you to reach your goal.

CONGRATULATIONS to all Solis Ortus students who competed. If you did not receive your colours this year we hope that you will try again next year!!!

Qualifiers in 2022

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, KPC, KSA

Proud Protea Sensei with proud Protea students

DREAMS CAN COME TRUE and a dream starts with a vision.
We present to you Sensei Eugene’s vision / dream of having multiple youngsters receive their Protea and KSA Colours.
The talented karatekas (and their families) have sacrificed so much, and still do, to help these youngsters reach new heights and develop, grow and excel with every possible opportunity.
Nothing of this achievement came easy, but will we do it again?
YES WE WILL!!!
Why do ask? BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN HAS TALENT AND THEY ARE THE FUTURE!!!
Congratulations to every Solis Ortus Karateka who trains additionally under the Karate Performance name, to have received your Protea Colours / KSA Colours under Karate South Africa and recognized by SA’s governing sports body SASCOC!.
Never stop dreaming!!!!
To become part of the dream team at the Karate Performance Centre you can contact Eugene Oosthuizen on
☎️ 0825121600
📧 oosthuizen.eugene@gmail.com
Articles, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, SA JKA

Solis Ortus shining bright at the SAJKA Nationals Championships

SA JKA NATIONALS

Preparation is key for most accomplishments in life.

On 20 and 21 May SA JKA Nationals could welcome back over 3000 competitors and spectators after Covid robbed us of 2 years of competing.

It was absolutely marvelous to have the crowds gather from all corners of South Africa and even more amazing to witness the level of karate from all students. Solis Ortus karatekas kept on training during all the covid obstacles and the club brought back

27🥇 Gold
23🥈 Silver
35🥉 Bronze

HOW TALENTED and GIFTED and STRONG WILLED are our children!!

Your senseis, coaches, managers, parents and grand parents are extremely proud of every student who participated.

Who hope to see you all at this prestigious tournament again next year. Keep in mind the qualifiers will be in November 2022.

Articles, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, SA JKA

Brilliant Performance at SAJKA Gauteng Champs

CONGRATULATIONS to every student who participated at the SA JKA Provincials over the weekend!!
The whole Solis Ortus family sat together and helped to get everybody ready. It so great to see how we rally behind our students, it gives you a sense of pride and a sense of belonging. To all the students who participated. Well done guys. You were absolutely awesome!!!!
Whether you left empty handed, as part of the top 8 or as a medallist, we are extremely proud of each and every student.
YOU ALL ARE AMAZING
The Solis Ortus team is extremely proud of you all.
Articles, Club, Etiquette, Grading, In the Dojo, Main Club, SA JKA

New Solis Ortus shodans receive their diplomas

Solis Ortus received a few new shodans! (1st degree black belt) They all received their official JKA certificates from JKA headquarters in Japan.

Hardus van Jaarsveld, Christo Olivier, brothers Deepan and Veer Valla graded to shodan at JKA honbu in October 2020.

Tiaan Uys graded to his Shodan in March 2021

This was their crowning glory after months (and years) of intensive preparation and training. The five new shodans already received their black belts and endured their initiation into the senior class soon after grading.

However, the diploma, finely crafted on Japanese rice paper, serves as official recognition of their status as shodans. They can proudly display their diplomas when not in their gi and wearing their obi!

We hope the diplomas also serve as reminders that their karate journey has only just started.

Well done guys.
Solis Ortus is proud of you!

Oss!

Articles, Competition, Events, KPC, KSA, Kumite

KPC at KSA Nationals in Durban

The past weekend of 28 August saw Eugene Oosthuizen sensei and a number of Karate Performance Centre (KPC) athletes compete for Gauteng at the KSA Open & Elite Nationals in Durban. Eugene sensei attended as Gauteng coach.

The following KPC athletes competed and medalled.

Roos Shiloh Verreyne  Gold Girls Kumite 8/9 years U30kgs
Van Der Westhuizen Jean  Gold Boys Kumite 8/9 years U30kgs
Millard Eben  Gold Boys Kumite 8/9 years +30kgs
Vertue Franco Gold Boys Kumite 10/11 years U30kgs
Brazelle Ethan  Gold Boys Kumite 10/11 years U35kgs
Esterhuizen Isabel  Gold Girls Kumite 10/11 years +45kgs
Du Preez Thirq  Bronze Cadet Boys Kumite 14/15 years U57kgs
Viljoen Elmien  Silver Senior Female Kumite – 18+ yrs – 68kg+

On Sunday, some of our athletes participated in the SA Squad Training in preparation for the Region 5 Championship, UFAK Championship and other international competitions planned for the remainder of 2021, including the WKF World Champs to be held in Dubai.

Congratulations to all our star athletes! KPC and Solis Ortus is very proud of you.

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!

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!

Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, In the Dojo

KPC athletes attended GKF Squad training

Several Karate Performance Centre athletes that qualified for the Gauteng Karate Federation team took part in Squad training sessions on Saturday 8 May. The training catered for both online and in-class training with a jam-packed program. In-class training was presented in Morgan Moss sensei’s dojo in Krugersdorp.

The day kicked off with kumite training for children aged 7 to 11 from 8h00 to 10h00, followed by kumite training for cadets aged 12 to 13 that ended around 12h15. Kata training followed for children aged 7 to 13, then athletes aged 14 and older, which ended at around 14h30. Training of Junior and Master athletes took place in the afternoon from 14h45 to 17h30.

Our own Eugene Oosthuizen sensei is the GKF chief coach and did what he does best on the day: making champions of all the athletes.

KPC thanks sensei Morgan sensei for making his dojo available for the training. And, thanks to Eugene sensei for putting in all his time and effort. We wish all our athletes the best of luck: put your training into practice and make KPC proud!

 

Eugene Oosthuizen, Grading, SA JKA

SA JKA National Grading and Standardisation Seminar

On the weekend of 26 and 27 March 2021, 365 days after SA’s hard lockdown, SA JKA hosted another successful National Dan Grading and Standardisation Seminar.

Tiaan Uys successfully completed his Shodan grading (1st Dan), becoming Solis Ortus’ newest black belt.  We want to congratulate you on your achievement, as we know you have worked hard over the years and had to overcome a back injury too.

All black belts across SA were invited to attend the Standardisation Seminar.  Due to ever changing times, the Standardisation Seminar  for 2021 only hosted dojo heads. It is absolutely amazing to see how healthy SA JKA is.  The attendance from various dojo heads was mind blowing.

As always, our own dojo head, Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen, was in the front row to gather as much knowledge as possible which he in turn will bring back to his ever growing dojo and make the best of any potential karateka.

It was a great weekend compared to a year ago.  Staying fit and healthy through it all!

Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Grading, In the Dojo

Lockdown vs Solis Ortus students


THIS ARTICLE IS FOR ALL SOLIS ORTUS STUDENTS WHO SURVIVED THE 2020 LOCKDOWN AND CAME OUT STRONGER!!!

Early March 2020, and the world is buzzing amidst the new Covid-19 outbreak. Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen’s mind is in overdrive, thinking of ways to keep his students going strong in light of the very uncertain times heading our way. Sensei Eugene has discussions with fellow karateka and friends, both here and overseas. They all

start brain storming.

We know a hard lock down is coming and we follow news from around the world.

On 23 March 2020 President Cyril Ramaphosa announcesthe lockdown in South Africa for 21 days from 26 March 2020. However, we knew that this lockdown would last much longer.

When the announcement came our students were already introduced to Zoom training and so started our online training journey. With dedicated students and their parents, instructors and lots of Wifi data, we pulled our dojo through a time that will go down in the history books.

This time will forever become part of the rich history of Solis Ortus karate dojo.

We witnessed our students overcome a very tough time and bettered themselves in more ways than one.

We hosted the first ever online grading which was a HUGE success.

We helped our karate family members where help was asked for and we only came back stronger.

Solis Ortus students – this message is for you!

Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for training in very difficult times. Thank you for remaining disciplined and respectful over a screen.

With the online training, we invited you into our home and you invited us into yours. The Solis Ortus family is one of greatness, strength and unity and we appreciate each and every one.

We know that Solis Ortus students are destined for greatness. And, if 2020 was the year to measure greatness, it is evident that we have the best in our dojo.

Each student, each parent, each family member and every dog, cat and lovebird that joined in on the online training – WE BOW and say “OSS”!

 

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events

Solis Ortus Ninja Theme

“They may take our freedom but they will never take away our FUN!!”😁😁   

Even during lockdown we continue with our various planned themes for our online classes.

It may be because our students train from home, but this year the ninja dress up was fierce and on point. It was OSS-ame to see all the “ninjas” pop up on the screen and if not for the name on the bottom of the screen some were unrecognizable.

Thank Solis Ortus family for continuing to have fun with us and still training hard. We see you! We appreciate you! We miss you all!

Much love!!!!

The Solis Ortus Team

Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen

Gauteng Karate Champs – 29&30 November 2020

A man with a dream can accomplish it once he wakes up and executes it with a plan.

The dream was always to develop young karatekas with a certain program and have them excel on the karate stage.

On Friday and Saturday (29 & 30 November 2019) the Solis Ortus competition group attended the GKF tournament. The students have been preparing hard at the Solis Ortus dojo and KPC (Karate Performance Centre).

Out of 22 competitors, 19 karatekas medaled and will travel to Durban in March 2020. These 19 medalists also receive their Gauteng colours. SO VERY PROUD!

As always the Solis Ortus support group was in full force cheering on our team.

Thank you for a great year guys. Thank you for putting the students first and for helping Eugene bring put the best in our karatekas.

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Visitors

Invited Instructor – Sensei Bernard Buys

On Wednesday night, 6 November 2019, the senior class enjoyed a training session with Sensei Bernard Buys. Sensei Bernard is no stranger to Solis Ortus.

He started the class by teaching us how to speed up our punches. A simple technique actually. So, instead of thinking about the hand having to do the punch, think of the hand which will become your next Hikite (put back hand).

After this great eye opener we moved on to hips. If you have ever had the pleasure of watching (martial) art in motion and seeing Sensei Bernard on the tatami, you will know that HIPS and the use thereof is Bernard Sensei’s forte.

The Japanese are very good with the use of their lower body. We are very good in using our upper body strength. We all need to figure the glue between the lower and upper body. HIPS HIPS HIPS!

We do Heian Shodan with zenkutsu dachis and xhosa dachis. The xhosa dachi forces you to squeeze your hip muscles and go down into deep solid stances. These moves ties in beautifully with Empi. The session moves onto Jion and one can see the karatekas getting faster the more they apply Sensei Bernard’s teaching and tips.

The class is finished off with a fun way in which to use your hips. Loosen the little side strings on your gi, now karate your heart out. If the strings did not move, you have not used your hips.

Looking forward to implementing this technique with our youngsters.

Work hard on staying fast on your hips, push and never give up!

Article written by Sandy Oosthuizen

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events

Tshwane Trials – 2 November 2019

Tshwane Championship – Saturday 2 November 2019.

Not only did the Springboks win the William Web Ellis Cup, our Solis Ortus Students palmed in the medals for their respective divisions.

Again the Solis Ortus supporters and karate family rallied together to cheer for the students, wipe the tears and celebrate all achievements together.

Congratulations to all who qualified. Now we continue the hard work, dream bigger and move mountains!!

Articles, Eugene Oosthuizen, Grading

Solis Ortus 4 black belts “richer”

“Richness is not only measured in Money…….you can also be rich by your Habits, Values, Vision & Discipline.”

Solis Ortus became 4 black belts “richer” on Saturday during the National Dan Gradings held at SAJKA headquarters in Johannesburg.

We are super proud of each and every one of them.

The Pre-grading session was represented by 12 Solis Ortus students. Sandra Erasmus, Rudolf Steyn and Nick Vergitsis aren’t on the photo as they trained in a different hall.

Gary McKerr, Cathy van Onselen, Dawie Reyneke and Zak Snyman all received their 1st Dan (Shodan) on Saturday. We are so proud of you!!!! Now your karate journey starts.

Oss

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Visitors

Taniyama Sensei and Okuma Sensei visiting South Africa

It is not always possible for JKA students to travel to Japan and train with our masters and share in their knowledge.

SAJKA bridges this gap by bringing our Japanese Instructors to our doorstep.

Taniyama Sensei (7th Dan) and Okuma Sensei (6th Dan) visited SA from 1 October – 7 October 2019 and hosted a few seminars for SAJKA Karatekas.

On Tuesday, 1 October 2019 3 sessions were presented followed by another two on the Wednesday. The weekend was jam-packed with further interesting classes.

Sensei Eugene and other Solis Ortus karatekas attended the Tuesday session where they did top training session with Okuma Sensei, working on Hangetsu and the bunkai.

On Saturday, Sensei Eugene accompanied more Solis Ortus students. Okuma Sensei went through Jitte and broke it down into smaller parts explaining the bunkai and techniques.

Sunday’s sessions was filled with valuable JKA judging and refereeing by Okuma Sensei and Taniyama Sensei gave a fantastic class on distributing of weight and how to use is in Basai-Dai

Thank you SA JKA for providing us all with the opportunity to train with our masters.

Oss

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events

Violence against women and children

Violence against women and children are in the spotlight at the moment and is a headline near and dear too many.

At SAJKA HQ we dedicated our park training on 10 September to this cause.

All senior members of SAJKA has special women in their lives (mothers, wives, girlfriends, children, aunts etc) whom they love dearly and fiercely.

It is against our morals to inflict any kind of abuse on any women or child.

Our Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen and Sensei Rudolf Steyn dedicated their training to the women in their lives. They trained their hearts out and they did it with love and dedication.

Thank you SAJKA for for giving us this oppurtunity

Real men loves unconditionally
🌹❤🌹❤

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events

Solis Ortus Standardisation Seminar

On Saturday, 7 September, Solis Ortus instructors and assistant instructors got together for a Solis Ortus standardisation seminar.

During the seminar we discuss the way the classes are presented and determine new ways of keeping things fun and interesting.

We also standardise our way of teaching to ensure that all those teaching students do things the same way. This way we are ensured that all students receive the same level of training irrespective of the instructor they work with.

Solis Ortus have many up and coming assistant instructors who are eager to learn and start giving back. It’s such an honour to see our youngsters grow into these position. Thank you to our main instructors who teach the assistants to one day becoming the best.

Oss