Category Archives: Articles

Articles written by Sensei Eugene and others

Articles, Club, Competition

Tshwane Karate Championship 2019

Saturday 26 January 2019, Hall for the Disabled, Pretoria

The Solis Ortus team arrived at the hall bright and early, in good spirits and with lots of energy.  The Solis Ortus Coaches, Tiaan Uys, Jacques Steenkamp, PW Pentz and Darius Peenze, attended the 07h15 briefing session to learn the ins-and-outs of coaching our Team.

Isabel Esterhuizen opened the Solis Ortus leader board, taking gold in the Girls Kumite 8-9 years 30kg+ division. Ethan Brazelle and Jayden van der Merwe followed, taking medals in the Boys Kata 7-9 years and Boys Kumite 8-9 years divisions. Jean van der Westhuizen, Dawid Esterhuizen, Sammy Letsoalo and Liam Lotter who made up the Solis Ortus Boys 6-8 years Development Team made a clean sweep, taking all the medals in this division.

Our youngest karateka, four-year old little fire cracker Yanika van der Westhuizen, fought her heart out in the Girls Kumite 6-7 years division.  Thank you Coach Tiaan, you made Yanika fight like a champ!

The Boys 10-11 years had an exceptionally large division, with many first rounds for both kata and kumite.  The Solis Ortus champions, Pieter Jordaan, Strauss Vosser and Derik Esterhuizen, however, showed fellow karateka why they should take note of the Solis Ortus team members.  Boys, you can be very proud of your achievements and the medals you earned, you truly deserved them!

The Boys 12-13 years division was quite a spectacle! This is what karate is all about! Well done to our champions Thirq du Preez, Hein Dirkse van Schalkwyk, John-Henry du Toit and Theo Bezuidenhout.  Despite an enormous division you all pushed through with amazing spirit and determination.  Keep this up boys: you make Solis Ortus very proud!

Our young lady Carla Esterhuizen, what a champion!  You couldn’t wait for your division to finally happen.  When it did, you fought with urgency and accuracy!!

Boys 14-15 years – WOW! Great Karate! PW Pentz, Drian du Toit, Liam Snyman and Takgalo Letsoalo you were awesome!  Despite the very long day, you were committed to the end!  Hardus van Jaarsveld, we look forward to seeing you in action!

The Solis Ortus young guns, Christo Olivier, Darius Peenze and Aryn Maré who competed in the Men 16-17 years division, made other clubs take note!  Keep up the commitment and spirit!

The Solis Ortus Seniors Men 18+ years went all out, despite the long day.  Although for some the day already started way before 7h00 on Saturday morning, you all made us very, very proud!  Jacques Steenkamp proved that continuous training pulls you through during tough times!  Tiaan Uys, you really had a tough one.  Your focus and commitment made you a champ!  James van Zyl – WOW – your kata was amazing!  Keep it up!

The Solis Ortus Senior Women 18+ years saw Hannelore (Lollie) Constable transform from a Shark to a Bull!  Super proud of you Lollie.  You had quite a couple of tough rounds, but you fought like a real Solis Ortus champion!  Elmien Viljoen, we really do look forward seeing you in action again!

Karateka, coaches, parents and supporter friends all had a great day of competition.  Our Solis Ortus All Style karateka are on the right track!  Well done to every competitor! And, thank you for all the support and love shown by the Solis Ortus family.

Last, but not least, thank you to our dedicated coaches, Tiaan, Jacques, PW and Darius. Your commitment and endurance made this a memorable day for every Solis Ortus competitor!

Written by Leazill Peenze

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Articles, In the Dojo

Open day 2019

Solis Ortus will have its OPENDAY on Saturday, 19 January 2019. We envision this event to be as inspirational as 2018 and stand proud how we projects karate as a life sport but also as a lifestyle. Solis Ortus is a well-known, proud karate club with a rich history. We have celebrated our 40th birthday in 2018 and have accomplished our 80th successful grading on 1 December 2018.

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.

Although karate is a good overall body workout, there is also a lot of philosophy and precepts around it which forms the foundation of the art. The principles allude to notions of humility, respect, compassion, patience, and both an inward and outward calmness.

Many karate students excel in school as they stand out above the other kids with better concentration, focus capabilities, self-confidence and solving challenges. These qualities ensured better academic results, leadership, better friendships and of course a healthy lifestyle.

Solis Ortus strives to be the extension from home in a sporty environment. Many of our students excel not only in karate as a sport, but also on a personal level. Karate can be an additional sport towards a sport you are currently doing. Karate can be a family sport, it doesn’t matter how old you are. Karate can be a lifestyle or can be competitive….your choice. Karate takes time, but so does anything that is worthwhile. Karate is FUN, rewarding and challenging.

Many adults also start karate as a sport. It is an incredible stress reliever. It has unbelievable health benefits. Karate increases your flexibility, balance, hand-eye coordination and your natural strength without weights. Building strength without weights decrease the risk of injuries.  Karate uses principles of isometrics and plyometrics to increase natural strength and power. It prolongs your fitness levels. The long term health benefits of a proper karate program is immeasurable as it is not uncommon to see excellent karate students practicing well into their 70’s or even their 80’s! How is that for motivation?

Above being a Karateka/student, Solis Ortus rewards everyone by grading twice a year to achieve their higher belts and become the best karateka they can be. Karatekas are well mannered and have immaculate etiquette, and therefore excel in society.

You are invited to our open day to experience these principles first hand. Come and enjoy the morning with us….

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles

2018 Yearend Function

“Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.” (Thomas Carlyle)

 With prize giving done and dusted, the holiday season begins. For some it means the amount of time left for working in 2018 is minimal. We find this to be a great time of reflection on the events of the year so far. For Solis Ortus, it has come with many accomplishments, surprises and the year turned out to be the highlight of our 40 year celebration. Happily, some of us experienced few disappointments but without disappointments there are no learning curve.

Prize giving at Solis Ortus is a big event. It is a prestigious event to acknowledge and recognise our karatekas for their accomplishments. Accomplishments in tournaments, but also for those who are doing karate for enjoyment and or lifestyle. What a year we have had at Solis Ortus.

To spice up our prize giving function, we invited two karatekas, who not only excel in karate, but also as “artists” outside karate. Our own drummer boy Wihan Vermeulen, who was recently awarded the highest mark in a Level 1 Rock school Exam for drumming in South Africa with 96 percent, had our audience clapping along to a Justin Timberlake song. This Red Belt drumming sensation (age 11) is set to take Pretoria by storm.

To uplift our evening, we also had a WX Street and Hip-Hop dancer. This talented lady is a 16 year old junior brown 1 belt, Roanne Koudstaal. kykNET presented an all styles dance competition, and Roannes’ dance group won best hip-hip dance group in South Africa. This event will also be broadcasted on kykNET January 2019. She also excelled as a karateka and have won JKA Nationals twice in kata and kumite.

Solis Ortus has more hidden talents and we would like to hear more from them.

2018 Delivered four Protea colour members; PW Pentz, Thirq du Preez, Hannelore Constable and Savannah Hauser. What an honour and accomplishment. Their achievements are an inspiration to other karatekas of the dojo and Solis Ortus cannot wait to see who will achieve their Protea colours next year.

This past year, we had 88 medallists who received a total of 299 medals in all tournaments participated. A total of 202 KSA and JKA colours were achieved. Solis Ortus is so proud of each and every one of you.

At prize giving we also acknowledged our karatekas whom do not compete in tournaments. Most of them were awarded with the 5 maxims of karate, perseverance, loyalty, good progress and best grader. Other floating trophies awarded were Best Kata, Best Kumite, Veteran of the Year and Karateka Male/Female of the Year.

Congratulations to all our karatekas who have been awarded. Thank you to all our children, juniors and seniors who make karate a blessing to teach. Thank you to your little smiles, your love and appreciation. Thank you for being part in building a rich karate history with Solis Ortus. Thank you to our parents who are always willing to turn up for classes, for your dedication and encouragement and of course your participation in all Solis Ortus events. Without you, we can never be such a successful club. Thank you…. thank you!

Solis Ortus also had to say goodbye to one of our beloved Instructors, Lilian Mynhardt. She taught our kids for the past 10 years and saw many of our kids becoming higher belts and black belts. Her contribution to Solis Ortus is unmeasurable and words cannot describe what she has done for the club, kids and parents. It was a sad moment for everyone. To give her appreciation of all her hard work, love, sweat and tears, the whole hall gave her a standing ovation. What a breath-taking moment. We salute you Lilian Mynhardt and wishing you all the success for your new journey.

Reflecting on the year that has been, it is a great way to access new experiences and hold onto learnings we have picked up.

“By taking the time to stop and appreciate who you are and what you’ve achieved—and perhaps learned through a few mistakes, stumbles and losses—you actually can enhance everything about you. Self-acknowledgment and appreciation are what give you the insights and awareness to move forward toward higher goals and accomplishments.”
—Jack Canfield 

Now that we conclude 2018, Solis Ortus wishing you a fantastic festive season. If you are travelling, drive safely.

Until 2019!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Grading

Solis Ortus’ 80th Grading

Solis Ortus had their 80th Grading on Saturday, 1 December 2018.

Traditionally, Solis Ortus always starts with the Minis graders. Too cute for words they conquered the morning with loud kiai’s, precision and incredible spirit. The mini grading is always a good introduction to the rest of the days’ events. We adore the minis; each one equipped in their own right with the 5 maxims of karate. We are so proud of each and every one of you.

The rest of our grading day was per belt and age group succeeding to higher belts. The standard was high. Some students experienced grading for the first time. For them it was more intense and stressful. For our more experienced grading students, stress will always be a factor, but their experience pulled them through. Like they say, the harder you work the luckier you get. In this case the harder you have worked the easier it will be.

To all our 80th graders of Solis Ortus. Well done. Our panels in kata, kumite and kihon congratulate you all in a successful grading. You have grown so much as karatekas. Some of us improved a lot and others just excelled in their karate.

It is amazing to see how each karateka in their own character have excelled as a person. Some have shown more leadership, others improved in their school work or workplace, most of us learnt how to handle our stress levels and everybody showed the joy they experienced in their karate.

To our more senior group, not in belts, but in years…..well done. Grading is not for the weak. You all have conquered your fear and spread your wings to successfully graded to your next belt.

To our senior belts, not in age…what a fantastic grading. It is amazing to have seen you grow from white to where you are now. WELL DONE…FANTASTIC…keep up the standard! Sensei Eugene and the grading panel are extremely proud of you all.

Wear your belt with pride, frame your certificate, hang all your medals, but most of all be an ambassador wherever you may go. Keep on training, work hard and excel in life.

Well done to everyone, relax and we cannot wait to see you all at prize giving 7 December 2018.

Witten by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Events, Visitors

Sensei Bernard Buys (JKA 5th Dan Instructor)

Solis Ortus has an invited instructor evening, 3 to 4 times a year, in our senior class.  This time around we were invited Sensei Bernard Buys on 7 November 2018.

Just to give a short introduction to this 44 year old sensei, who briefly pursued a lawyer career and soon realized that karate was his true passion, who swapped his suit and tie for his karate gi. Today, he is a full time JKA karate instructor to almost 200 students in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, and declared: “I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for anything. I find it incredibly rewarding to teach JKA karate to students, see them grow and love to pass on my knowledge.”

His motto in life is to maintain a disciplined and focused outlook on life; and his quest is: to become fitter, faster, better, stronger and leaner each year.

Sensei Bernard presented a very traditional, down to the point basic class to teach us how to improve our kicks. Although basic….basics are the foundation of traditional karate….he broke it down into building blocks and then combined it to execute with speed, control and precision.

Sensei Bernard also concentrated how to loosen up the hips and stated that hips play an enormous roll in executing an effective kick. Traditional JKA karate depends on hip movement and that makes our karate more effective and different from other styles.

Hip movement, contraction and expansion was of the basics he concentrated on and made us realized how important it is to grade to higher gradings. In line with sensei Bernard’s training session, Solis Ortus is currently preparing for Shodan and up gradings in 2019.

After a hard session, Solis Ortus stood proud to know that our training in the dojo is on par with our current Veteran South African grand champion in both Kata and Kumite, sensei Bernard Buys. Thank you sensei for a great informative session you have presented. We wish you all the best for all your future endeavours and cannot wait to train with you again.

Thank you to Sensei Eugene who always go the extra mile to help us improve our karate. Thank you to the late class who always absorbs every little bit of extra information to excel and improve themselves. Also no one can make someone feel more welcome than a Solis Ortus Welcome….one way JKA, JKA one way….Solis Ortus!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Competition, Events, Kata, Kumite

JKA Gauteng North Qualification 2019

This weekend Solis Ortus hosted the JKA GN trials. The Tshwane region entered 180 entries of which Solis Ortus consisted of 110 karatekas of all ages. With a team like that we can only stand proud to announce that most of our athletes medalled and have the opportunity to compete in the JKA GN tournament to receive their colours.

As host, Solis Ortus strives to be on time with the events as scheduled and wrote a new page in their rich history of 40 years. New champions in the making couldn’t hide their overjoyed excitement of the medals and places they have achieved. Parents were ecstatic….and definitely indulged in the joy for their young champions with a treat afterwards. We as instructors, stand proud and wish each athlete only the best in their new karate journey.

In total Solis Ortus achieved 208 medals; 118 gold, 48 silver and 42 bronze medals. Awesome…awesome….oss-some!

For our more frequent and more experienced competitors, well done. Remember to take the hands of our new champions in the making, and help them grow the same love for the sport. Encourage them, praise them and be an ambassador for your club, your region, and your province…..and of course the ultimate, your country.

As the year reaches its end, we are busy preparing for grading the 1st December 2018, and wishing you all a fantastic and successful grading. For those who are preparing for exams, stay focused, breath, drink a lot of water, eat healthy and keep on training.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier

Congratulations and good luck to all your endeavours this month….see you all on grading day!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Events

Solis Ortus Super Hero Theme

This week we invited all super heroes to Solis Ortus, not to reveal their identities but to come show off their abilities and strengths, mentally and physical.

And so we came to the conclusion that if we have so many super heroes in our dojo we MUST have a ton of super parents backing (and funding) all these heroes.

Quotes from famous superheroes

BATMAN – it’s not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me!

SPIDERMAN – with great power comes great responsibility

WONDER WOMAN – it’s about what you believe

Thank you for participating in this theme.

Articles, Club, Competition, Events

3rd Annual Coen Memorial Challenge

Wow, what an awesome event it was!  The day was filled with love and laughter, excitement and pride as our students from as little as 3 years old to much older, took part in the 3rd Annual Coen Memorial Challenge.

As commemoration to our late Sensei Coen, who started this extraordinary karate club 40 years ago, we can just stand in awe and celebrate our incredible history.

The Coen Memorial Challenge is a highlight in Solis Ortus’s calendar, where all our students take part to compete against each other.  At this tournament some students compete for the first time.

The day kicked off with our little ones doing an obstacle course and ended on a high note where our black belts concluded the day in outstanding karate.

It was amazing, overwhelming and too adorable to see how much raw talent there is in our club. Many students surprised our Instructors and showed unbelievable talent from normal class work to competitor.

Solis Ortus is extremely proud to have such amazing parents and awesome students. We are enormously proud to be part of such an amazing club full of raw talent and history. We are honoured to be part in the growth, development and character building in each student.

After a successful tournament we wish all our students good luck for the upcoming exams and of course prepare for our grading exam on the 1st December 2018. Stay focused! Work hard, but work smart! Keep on training!

Looking forward to see you all this week.

One way…JKA…ONE CLUB…Solis Ortus!

Thank you sensei Eugene for an awesome tournament…..

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Competition

The past three tournament successes

2nd Samurai Cup

Six Solis Ortus athletes competed in the 2nd Samurai Cup on Saturday 15 September 2018 at the Beaulieu College School Hall, Kyalami. This tournament was hosted and particularly well organized by The Russell Sim Karate Academy and Midrand Martial Arts Academy.

With no exception we stand proud yet again in our young athletes’ performances and achievements this past weekend. Solis Ortus brought home 11 medals in total. Our young athletes achieved double medals in both events; kata and kumite; 4 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze; and unfortunately 1 student missed out on a double medal.

Well done to our stars Ethan Brazille; Pieter Jordaan; John-Henry du Toit; Drian du Toit; Drew Dupuy and Darius Peenze. We are tremendously delighted in your karate journey and cannot wait to see what happens next.

“Every day focus on your purpose.

Remember why you do what you do.

We don’t get burned out because of what we do.

We get burned out because we forget why we do it.” 

jongordon11

 

GKF Development and Development Opens

Eight Solis Ortus karatekas arrived bright and early at the Portuguese Hall in Johannesburg on Saturday morning, ready to ensure their place in the KSA Development team, competing in Durban early October 2018.

From our youngest, 4 years old to our oldest 23 years old, we only expected great results. As always our karatekas surprised us, and we can only stand in admiration how they have grown as athletes, to withstand the pressure they experience by stepping onto the tatami’s and only give their best.

There were two divisions; Development where children of the same belt and age competed against each other; and the Development Opens, where all belts of same ages competed.

Only the first 4 places in the Opens division that qualified will compete in KSA Development in Durban on 6th October 2018. We are proud to announce that 3 of our karatekas achieved their places: Jayden van der Merwe (7 years old), Strauss Vosser (9 years old) and Tiaan Uys (23 years old).

Always remember that winning is about attitude. A winner is a person who goes out today and every day and attempts to be the best athlete and best person he or she can be. Winning is about determination, effort and self-assurance, and to never, ever, ever giving up.

Well done to all our competitors. Solis Ortus is extremely proud of you all and cannot wait to see how you all develop in great sport men and sport women one day. We are especially proud of our 3 athletes who qualified for the KSA Development team.

In total Solis Ortus achieved 9 medals of which 3 are gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze.

“If you dream and you allow yourself to dream you can do anything.”

Clara Hughes

Gauteng League 3 Championship

We would like to congratulate 5 Solis Ortus (SO) athletes who competed this weekend at the Portuguese Hall, Turffontein. They are PW Pentz, Drew Dupuy, Lolly Constable, Thirq du Preez and Pieter Jordaan. Yet again you accomplished your milestones and arose with 4 medals; 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze.

Weigh in took place on the Friday and the competition commenced on Saturday morning. As always we had a formidable SO team who came out tops with hardship, bruises, shiners and other small injuries. Well done everyone, we are proud of our young athletes who are stepping into a fantastic karate journey, full of good memories and phenomenal experience.

The KSA Selection Panel will select athletes to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games after the final KSA League this weekend. They stated that it is not necessarily the top 4 ranked athletes that will be selected for the team. It will be used as a guideline together with other factors will be taken into consideration to select the final team.

Good luck to all our SO athletes, we cannot wait to see how many club karatekas will be honoured with the selection to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games.

You all have shown good character and the ability to rise above adversity. Keep on doing what you’re doing and you will become the best of best in what you do.

Well done to all our champions, we are extremely proud of you all.

Written by:  Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Events

Africa Training with JKA WF senseis

Africa Training with JKA WF senseis

When sensei Okuma visits South Africa, we cannot wait to attend at least one of his sessions. We had the privilege to have trained with the best; Chief Instructor of JKA/WF: Shuseki Shihan Masaaki Ueki Sensei (9th Dan) and International Affairs Division JKA/WF: Shihan Koichiro Okuma Sensei (6th Dan). Both senseis’ presented morning and evening sessions at the Mandeville Sports Complex in Johannesburg, 28 – 31 August 2018.

As this was part of JKA’s 2nd Africa Cup for the Junior and Senior Karate Championship Tournament, on 1st September 2018, we had visitors from Mauritius, DRC, Angola, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar and Reunion. JKA also held a Technical seminar, Judge seminar, Dan examination and Qualification exam before the championship.

We are exceptionally proud of Sensei Eugene who was part of those who did the ABC international exam and passed all three (judge, examiner and instructor) and is now proudly on BCB level. Well done sensei. We are proud of you. You are really an inspiration for Solis Ortus and especially a role model to our young athletes.

Shuseki Shihan Masaaki Ueki Sensei and Shihan Koichiro Okuma Sensei were present at the Dan gradings as well.

The training with Masaaki Ueki Sensei and Okuma Sensei was well presented and concentrated on fundamentals such as hip movement, axis centre line, weight distribution, expansion and contraction, turning on the heel, turns and bunkais in katas Jion, Bassai Dai and Kanku Dai.

Solis Ortus was well represented at the seminars and we are definitely on par with JKA International. Thank you SAJKA HQ for the opportunity to have trained with the best.

“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained in sudden flight.
But, they, while their companions slept, they, were toiling upwards in the night”.
Longfellow

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Competition

JKA AFRICA CUP

Extraordinary karate at the Africa Shoto Cup the past weekend with our honourable Japanese senseis; Chief Instructor of JKA/WK: Shuseki Shihan Masaaki Ueki Sensei (9th Dan) and JKA HQ Instructor International Affairs: Shihan Koichiro Okuma Sensei (6th Dan).

Walking into the arena early Saturday morning was overwhelming yet intimidating out of a competitors’ point of view. Again Solis Ortus was well represented as Table officials, judges and referees on this prestigious event. Solis Ortus sat at the main table and did an excellent job. Thank you Sandy – as always a pleasure working with you…..and having fun on the side line of course, never a dull moment.

African countries such as Mauritius, DRC, Angola, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar and Reunion came to participate against the cream of South Africa. South Africa was a formidable opponent and arose as the winner of the tournament.

Solis Ortus had 8 athletes who competed for the day, Sandra Erasmus (Kata & Kumite), Cathy van Onselen (Kata & Kumite), Karin du Plessis (Kata & Kumite), Heilethe Calitz (Kata & Kumite), Lilian Mynhardt (Kumite), PW Pentz (Kumite), Fernando da Rosa (Kata & Kumite) and Suandri Esterhuizen (Kata).

Most of them medalled for the day and brought home 9 medals; 4 gold and 5 bronze. Solis Ortus is extremely proud of each and everyone’s achievement for the day. Even if you have not medalled, just to be there was an honour and a great accomplishment.

“True strength is in the soul and spirit, not in the muscles”. – Unknown

So, congratulations to all of you! You came to accomplish and you did. Sensei Eugene is tremendously proud of you all.

One way – JKA, JKA – Solis Ortus.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Competition, Kata, Kumite, Results

Spartan and Lions Challenge

Solis Ortus conquered the Spartan and Lions Challenge at the Portuguese Hall, Turffontein, Johannesburg; the past two weekends.

The Club entered a team of 18 karatekas to compete in the Spartan All Styles event. A total of 9 karatekas competed in their first All Styles event. Solis Ortus was also represented by 2 team Kumite groups who fought like champions. The junior team just missed the gold medal. The cadets came out on top in their group with a deserving gold! The team earned 12 gold, 9 silver, 2 bronze and 8 participation medals = 31 in total (excluding the team events).

Savannah Hauser had tough a few ladies competing against her, but did not stand back and took the punches (and gave a few strong one’s) like a champ! Well-deserved gold in Kata and silver for Kumite.

Tiaan Uys fought like a warrior in the senior male division. Not only did he crush his competitors, he had the whole Solis Ortus club behind him during each fight. First fight in 10 years, Tiaan, well done!!! Your silver medal was well deserved.

The Solis Ortus team walked away proudly and this event is surely one to remember!

New to the coaching team with Sensei Lillian was Savannah Hauser and Darius Peenze who had their first coaching opportunities. Still lots to learn, but enjoying every moment of being with the kids!!

At the Lions Challenge, a variety of competitors entered. Some newbies who competed for the first time, some with more experience and then our frequent competitors. Solis Ortus made history and entered the youngest competitor of the tournament; our very own 4 year old tigress who competed in a division where her competition was much older. She stood her ground and bravely won a gold medal in kata.

Competition in the more elite divisions is getting tougher. Most of our karatekas medalled and out of 13 competitors we achieved 13 medals; 5 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze medals.

Solis Ortus is overjoyed to see how the youngsters grow and succeed in their karate journey. Solis Ortus stand proud to witness each karateka grow as an athlete and also as an individual.

With the outstanding support from the Solis Ortus parents and our Sensei and coach, we had a very successful Spartan and Lions Challenge.

Solis Ortus came out victoriously with a total of 17 gold, 12 silver and 7 bronze medals; a total of 36 medals out of 26 participants in both tournaments.

Congratulations to all of you….well done!!!

Written by: Leazill Peenze & Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Competition, Kumite

A champion in the making – Hannelore Constable

Hannalore Constable, Lolly as we know her in class has been selected to be part of the National karate team of University Sports South Africa (USSA).

Lolly was preliminary selected for the National team in October 2017 at the USSA competition held at the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT’s) Shoshanguve campus. The final selection took place on 17 February 2018 at TUT’s campus in Pretoria.

The USSA National team participated in the 2018 International University Sports Federation World University Karate Championship, 19 – 22 July in Kobe, Japan.

She competed in the U61 kg’s Female kumite category and was the only South African who made it through to the second round. Winning the first fight 4-1 to Switzerland and losing the second fight to France by only one point, gave her the lifelong experience to excel and focus on her strengths. The standard of karate at the tournament was unbelievably high.

She stated that Japan is a beautiful country and the people are very polite and friendly. She also mentioned that the trip would have not been the same without her fellow team mates. They had loads of fun together and even got lost in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, for 3 hours.

Solis Ortus congratulate Lolly for her achievement and wishing her all the best of luck for her future karate endeavours. We are extremely proud of her, train hard, stay focussed and believe in yourself.

“All women were created equal,

then some learn

KARATE.”

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

Articles, Events, Kata, Visitors

Sensei Marina Valassopoulos

She is an elite athlete, 6th Dan, a Podiatrist, devoted about helping and healing people, a perfectionist and passionate about her karate.

She also had the honour and privilege to grade in Japan.

Solis Ortus had the pleasure to train with Sensei Marina in the beginning of August.

Her focus was plyometric drills, strength, endurance, muscle fatigue, legs and speed. Muscle fatigue is mostly our enemy. She focused on low stances and how to overcome weaknesses and replace it with endurance. Her philosophy is not to give up when your legs are tired but to overcome it with endurance and built strength into your legs. She cleverly combined plyometric and kata training to build strength and speed. Most of her techniques were built around Empi.

Because her passion resides more to kata, she especially helped the older generation to improve their way of applying their kata with more meaning. She indicated that if you are not fast, at least do your kata with feeling….fast is fast and slow is slow…do not rush.

Her patient, methodical, helpful way of teaching was an inspiration to improve ourselves in our karate journey. Class was hard and we definitely received a full body workout. Our senior class really appreciated and enjoyed a well-planned, hard class with Sensei Marina and we look forward to inviting her for another training session.

She admired Sensei Eugene as a top athlete and as an enthusiastic instructor; and complemented Solis Ortus as a well-organised dojo with good vibes.

We, as Solis Ortus karatekas, want to thank Sensei Marina for her dedication and contagious love for karate, and the honour to have trained with her. Thank you to Sensei Eugene for the opportunity to train with such incredible senseis.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles

Solis Ortus and the Voortrekker Monument

This year the Voortrekker Monument commemorate the 80th year of laying the cornerstone of the monument. Solis Ortus took part in this celebration at Woodlands 18-hole Peter Matkovich designed golf course, where several businesses and organizations took part to contribute to the restoration of the Monument.

Solis Ortus setup banners and distributed pamphlets at the club house and sponsored the 9th hole. The person who managed to land their ball closest to the 9th hole won a free month karate for a family of four.

There were 80-90 players of which one of our Solis Ortus fathers from Solidarity also participated. Mr JG de Waal from MVB Registered Accountants & Auditors won the bet closest to the 9th hole and will shortly join a free month of karate for his family.

How fortunate are we to form part in such a countless endeavour to help renovating our National Heritage Site, the Voortrekker Monument. As we are on the brink of celebrating our own 40th year legacy of Solis Ortus, we can only appreciate the efforts of the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park and the Department of Arts and Culture to conserve the beautiful heritage sites in Tshwane by involving communities in a sustainable manner.

Solis Ortus would like to thank management of the Voortrekker Monument for the opportunity to be part of such a historic moment.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Events

Solis Ortus Parents-Kid Training

Kids are blessings, they are our future and everyone have unconditional love for kids because of their innocence and cuteness. All this is so true in our dojo. They are tomorrow’s treasures.

Solis Ortus parents are the greatest. As we all know, children are great imitators, so give them something to imitate. Last night roles changed.

Solis Ortus hosted a fun training session where kids invited their parents to train with them from the minis up to our senior belt group. How great is that! The atmosphere in the dojo was vibrant, full of joy and laughter. Both parents and kids had so much fun. It was so precious to experience the little ones trying to tell mom or dad how to stand, how to oss and of course to kiai. It’s adorable to see the unconditional love between parents and their kids. To experience how obedient the parent is in their kid’s territory and of course to the sensei. Precious moments!

Today we are living in the fast lane and this opportunity formed new memories and bonds of love, mutual respect and most of all positive involvement and time invested in their lives. Times like this are the ultimate joy of play in a child’s life.

Solis Ortus will definitely repeat this successful event in future. Both parents, kids and instructors enjoyed it immensely. We all trained hard, built positive new memories and shared with our children what they enjoy.

We salute all our brave parents who joined us, and invite all other parents who missed out to watch this space and join us next time.

“Your children only gets one childhood. Make it MEMORABLE.”
Regina Brett

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club

Instructors Meeting 21 July 2018

Solis Ortus Instructors ROCK!

It is our mission to always be:

R – Ready

O – Optimistic

C – Caring

K – Kinetic

To enable us all to ROCK we have regular meetings and standardization seminars to equip us to teach karate on a high standard. As karate is for most of us a passion, it is almost second nature to teach and share the skill to our students.

Solis Ortus is proud to say that we have 9 active, dedicated, and passionate Instructors and a team of Assistant Instructors and helpers. Our Instructors range from Purple, Kuy 1, Shodan, Sandan and Yondan. Some will definitely grade for Nidan in August 2018 and May 2019. Our Assistant Instructors range from Brown belt (3) and Orange – Blue belt (11). These helpers are allocated into the Menlyn and Faerie Glen dojos.

Sensei Eugene is extremely proud of this team as it only measured a solid and precise team for the past 3 – 4 years.

On Saturday we all came together to brainstorm, develop and maintain our karate philosophy for the next term to ensure that it is loaded with fun functional karate. Our Instructors will take the time to start preparing for their individual belt groups which will split up mid-August.

How fortunate are we to train and receive from a master as sensei Eugene. We all came together at his beautiful new home, prepared on purpose.

Our Instructors work as a well-oiled machine and are well equipped to teach the students on any belt level. In all seriousness we can laugh, enjoy and overcome all challenges regarding teaching, and feel fortunate to have such a great team of friends.

After our meeting we had a braai as friends and cannot wait to start preparing for our 2nd grading 1 December 2018.

We as Solis Ortus Instructors want to thank sensei Eugene for his guidance, patience and roll he plays in each and everyone’s karate journey to create a love and lifestyle in karate.

As they say: “Actions prove who someone is, words just proves who someone wants to be.” Inspirational / Motivational Quotes…with Martial Arts

 

There is nothing more rewarding to see how our students grow as individuals, improve themselves, achieve their ranking in competitions, achieve high marks in school, develop their characters, get confidence and excel in life. To see all the laughter and enjoyment of each kid doing karate is thrilling. Special hugs from our students makes our hearts explode and then….the little hand taking yours to show you something or just to stand next to you…..all this make instructing and teaching worth the effort.

Thank you to Solis Ortus and sensei Eugene to be part of such and amazing club and team; and to be able to express all the emotions and pride into our karate students.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, In the Dojo

GET HOOKED ON KARATE IN PRETORIA !!!!

Are your kid struggling with self-esteem, to focus or with coordination or needs more interaction with other kids to improve social skills? Is he/she too bossy, too shy, or perhaps just a little hyper, karate classes can help your child learn many important life skills to improve certain skills or aspects of life.

Solis Ortus Karate Club can help you to help your child to improve in exactly that. Our kids are more on the phones these days and what better way to help them by attending a good workout, get fit, improve their concentration skills, build their self-esteem, teach them respect for others and themselves, improve their behaviour and above all their grades.

Solis Ortus provides classes from as young as 4 years old. We have four class time schedules on a Monday and Wednesday starting with the Minis (45 minutes), White to Yellow (1 hour), orange to Blue (1 hour), Purple to Junior Black (1 hour) and Seniors Brown – Black (1.30 hours). We also have classes on a Tuesday and Thursday.

You are welcome to attend two classes for free and get hooked on karate. We are looking forward to meet you all. One way JKA, JKA one way!

Articles

Self-Defense Course for Remax Agents

Sensei Eugene traveled to Harties on the 16th of May during the morning to teach some brave agents from Remax a few self defense moves. We are blindly unaware of the dangers each agent face when showing a house to potential buyers. You never know who the “client” may be and it’s best to know how to protect yourself, or at least, get away unharmed!!

Articles

WHY MUST YOU DO KARATE

Apart from all the answers you can find on the Internet, we as parents can find the WHY factor in so many Sport diversities that we end up complaining more then having the joy of sharing a sport with our kids that is effortless and fun; good exercise and a fantastic tool for self-defense.

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That is why KARATE is the WHY factor.

Karate is a fun way, for both boys and girls, to achieve fitness and focus. It actually help teach self-discipline and socialization skills. In fact, many parents whose children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success with these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills underdeveloped in ADHD kids.

In addition of helping kids to all of the physical benefits of exercise, including improved cardiovascular health and better strength and flexibility; it also emphasize self-control, including self-discipline and respect for yourself and others.

Many kids who started karate excel in school as they standout above the other kids with better concentration, focus capabilities, self-confidence and solving challenges. These qualities ensured better academic results, leadership, better friendships and of course a healthy lifestyle.

Above being a Karate Kid, Solis Ortus reward these kids by grading twice a year to achieve their higher belts and become the best kids they can be. Karate kids are well mannered and have immaculate etiquette, and therefore excel in society.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz