Category Archives: Events

Club Ninja Theme

May 7, 2018 Eugene Oosthuizen

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 While some aspects of the ninja way may be outdated, the principles and techniques remain valuable.”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

May 7, 2018 Eugene Oosthuizen

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, Events

Preparation for JKA Gauteng 2018

March 14, 2018 Eugene Oosthuizen

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

Events

Bring a friend to class

February 22, 2018 Eugene Oosthuizen

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

February 22, 2018 Eugene Oosthuizen

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

February 22, 2018 Eugene Oosthuizen

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

February 22, 2018 Eugene Oosthuizen

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

November 22, 2017 Eugene Oosthuizen

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

Events

THINK PINK

November 6, 2017 Eugene Oosthuizen

Think PINK – Solis Ortus supports the fight

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)

Events

Coen memorial Challenge

Image October 3, 2017 Eugene Oosthuizen

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

Events, Visitors

WSKF – Sensei Stephan visits Solis Ortus

March 8, 2017 Eugene Oosthuizen

It is always a privilege and honour when people from other Dojo’s visit our Dojo. Last night was no exception on the rule.

Sensei Stephan and two of his students from Steyn Dojo in
Potchefstroom did us the honour to come and train with the best kumite Sensei in South Africa; Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen.

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The Solis Ortus students welcomed them with great expectation and trained hard with them. Sensei Eugene presented an incredible kumite class with lots of defending and attacking techniques. The class was vibrant, enthusiastic and energetic.

After a great class full of new knowledge and hard work, we can just say thank you to Sensei Eugene and wish our guests a save trip back home and an open invitation to visit again.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Club, Events

OPEN DAY 2017

March 7, 2017 Eugene Oosthuizen

A very famous Chinese proverb says:

“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.”

2017 is exactly the year where Solis Ortus wants to prosper in growing people. With all the great qualities karate gives to an individual it is hard not to feel proud to be a Karateka at this dojo.

With hard work and proper planning Solis Ortus reaps the rewards of a very successful first Open Day for 2017. The team invested their time and envisioned with their creativity a master plan to ensure that Solis Ortus grows into the dojo in Pretoria.

At the Open Day event it was such a goose bump moment to see all the Black Belts doing their special routine to make everyone feel welcome and put them at awe. Sensei Eugene introduced what karate was all about and explained what exactly karate can do for an individual; whether it is Fostering Self-Discipline; Boosting Socialization; Skills Encouragement; Physical Activity; Learning to Set and Achieve Goals or to Increase Self-Esteem; Instilling a Sense of Respect; Encouraging Non-Violent Conflict Resolution; Improving Listening Skills; Developing Teamwork Skills or Improvement in Other Areas of Life.

All these skills can be enriched, improved or developed by just doing karate. Karate can be a sport or can become a lifestyle….your choice.

After the introduction every age group from the youngest (4 years old) to the oldest (55 years old) showed their skills in plyometrics, katas and kumite. The audience had the opportunity to see how each belt group developed their skills from the beginning to where they are today. Solis Ortus also has specific training methods to enhance focus, speed and power to improve karate skills as the karateka succeeded to the higher belts. These training methods are in a more fun way.

After all the interest and questions answered, Solis Ortus can feel proud to introduce 50 more karatekas into the dojo. Most of them are white belts….and oh boy….they enjoy every moment of it.

2017 is going to be a mammoth year for Solis Ortus.

Welcome to all the new karatekas of 2017!!! May your karate path be prosperous and your expectations glorious. May you all grow into the best you can be; some of you will succeed as Black belts, some of you may not. But always remember “a Black Belt is a White Belt that never gave up.”

“Will it be easy? NOPE! Worth it? ABSOLUTELY

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

2016 Year End

December 7, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

And so 2016 has come to an end.

The year-end function and prize giving was held on 2 December at the Magister hall. And what an evening it was. The hall was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, flowing drapes hanging from the ceiling and even a lovely Christmas tree in the foyer. A flower arrangement (made by the dojo moms) was placed on each of the tables which added to the festive cheer of the evening.

Many, many thanks to the moms and students who spent the entire day breaking their backs and working their fingers to the bone in order to give the hall a magical makeover. A huge thanks also to Pieter for making us a lovely trophy cabinet as well as a stage this year. Solis Ortus is very grateful to have parents who are willing to step up and get involved and contribute towards making our year end function memorable and enjoyable each year. Thank you!

It was a very busy year at Solis Ortus this year. Two very successful club grading’s, 11 successful Shodan grading karate-ka and the first ever Coen Memorial Challenge, are to name but a few of the highlights of the year. During the prize giving, each and every student was recognised for their efforts during the year. Not everyone may have received a medal or a trophy, but each student was awarded a certificate acknowledging either their progress and/or their perseverance and/or their loyalty throughout the year.

Recognition was also given to those students who participated in competitions throughout the year, be they JKA or KSA. Floating trophy’s were handed over to the top achievers in the various categories.

Of course there are also the Solis Ortus awards such as “Most improved Junior” and “Karateka of the Year”. As a Sensei, I am somewhat proud to say that selecting a “winner” for each category becomes more and more difficult each year, as the number of students and the standard of karate at our club increases each year too!! Fortunately, I have fantastic instructors who with their opinions and input, assist me in making these difficult choices.

The complete list of awards and the respective winners will be posted on the web-site shortly. Congratulations to each and every student who achieved success in some form or another this year – hard work and perseverance always pays off!!

Thanks again to each and every student of Solis Ortus for making 2016 a very successful year. May you all have a well-deserved break over the festive season. Travel safe and I look forward to seeing you all in the dojo again on the 9^th of January 2017.

OSS!!

Events, Grading

2016 November Grading

December 7, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

“Grading, 26 November. Remember to practice your kata’s at home and good luck for your grading! Oss!!” These were Sensei Eugene and Sempai Lilian’s final words of advice to each class, over the last few weeks or so.

Well grading day, 26 November, has come and gone and all indications are that the students took Sensei’s advice and practiced, practiced, practiced!!

Each and every student, from the young to the ‘no so young’, from the junior belts to the senior belts, gave their best effort on the day! More than that, could not be asked for and the proof is in the grading results! Congratulations to each and every student who passed their grading and have now moved on to the next chapter of their Karate experience. It is important to continue to enjoy your karate and to still “practice your kata’s at home”!!

As we all know, Sensei Eugene runs a tight ship and true to form, grading day ran smoothly and as per the time schedule communicated to all students and parents. This is by no means an easy feat as the various grading groups are becoming larger with each grading.

Thank you to each and every parent and student alike for ensuring that they arrived at the Dojo on time and dressed in the correct grading attire. It was only with the co-operation of our students and parent alike that grading day ran as smoothly and as successfully it did.

A word of thanks too to the Solis Ortus Grading panel. The panel consists of the senior Karateka (black belts) of the club and we appreciate their time and effort spent in helping, guiding and encouraging the students on the day.

To each of Sensei Eugene’s assistant instructors ….. a heartfelt “thank you!” The amount of effort, dedication, attention to detail and patience you put in to preparing the students for their grading does not go unnoticed. Your commitment to each and every class for the sake of the students is highly appreciated! Thank you for ‘giving back’ to the club, and for all your efforts towards molding the youngsters into becoming the club’s future top class seniors!

Just as Sensei is very proud of all his students, each student can stand tall and say that earned their belt by means of hard work, sweat and lots of practice (and sometimes tears too). Solis Ortus is indeed the best club in the province and we have the students to prove it!!

OSS!!

Articles, Competition, Events

JKA Gauteng North Tournament

November 8, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

JKA Gauteng North Tournament
(Written by Sandy Verreyne)

There is just no rest for all our champion karatekas. As we finish one tournament we start preparing for the next.

On Saturday, 5 November 2016 we competed in the Gauteng North JKA Tournament as qualifying tournament for all SA JKA 2017 tournaments.

The tournament was attended by 6 dojos. Solis Ortus students pitch in the majority and most of our students qualified for SA JKA 2017! Our sensei and our instructors are very proud of each competitor.

From the photos it is clear that Solis Ortus is a close knit family and without the assistance of everybody, we will not be the best dojo! This was a serious tournament, but nothing can ever stop us from having loads of fun while we compete.

Looking forward to seeing everybody, including our fellow JKA Dojos at the 2017 SA JKA Nationals.

Club, Events

Cansa Club Event – October 2016

November 2, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

In 2013 Solis Ortus started wearing pink karate belts during the months of October in support of breast cancer. It is excellent to see that a few dojos have now followed in our footsteps for this worthy cause.

This year was no exception and the students of Solis Ortus wore their pink belt with pride.

It is such a great feeling when young and old unite for the something that so many struggle with.

Solis Ortus is proud to make another donation to CANSA this year. This will not be possible without the students and the parents.

THANK YOU!

Club, Competition, Events

1st Coen Memorial Challenge

November 2, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

The hosting of the Coen Memorial Challenge has been a dream of Sensei Eugene’s for many years. His dream came to fruition this year on the 22^nd of October 2016. The inaugural event was held at the Magister Hall, the hall which the late Sensei Coen built and at which the Solis Ortus Karate Club has been growing from strength to strength ever since.

The intention of the Memorial Challenge was not only to honour the memory of the late Sensei Coen but also to afford each Solis Ortus karate-ka some exposure to the competitive side of karate, whilst ensuring the environment was safe, controlled and fun.

There was a total of 149 competitors and for many it was the first time they had taken part in any form of competition. Judging by the broad smiles on the competitors faces at the end of the day, as well as the positive feedback received from participants and parents alike, I think it is safe to say that everyone enjoyed the day and so walked away with a new and better understanding of Karate tournaments.

Even the mini karateka had the opportunity to shine on the day. The group was well represented, with a total of 14 mini karateka showing off their skills which they have learnt from Sempai Sandy during the course of year. They all proved to be quite agile and determined and of course the cuteness overflowed. Many thanks to Sempai Sandy and the “Mini’s” parents alike.

From start to finish, the day ran like a well-oiled machine. Very few karate-ka are aware of what goes on behind the scenes in order to make such a day as successful as this day was, and it is only with the assistance of dedicated students and parents, that this was possible. Thank you to each and every volunteer who gave of their time and effort.

Thank you Sensei Eugene for affording all your students the opportunity to participate and we look forward to seeing the Coen Memorial Challenge as an annual event on the Solis Ortus calendar.

OSS!

Written by Cathy Van Onselen (currently purple belt)

Events, Grading

National Grading – 15 October 2016

November 2, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

The Journey to Shodan; 1^st Dan; Black Belt

(written by Sandy Verreyne)

You walk into this dojo, everything is strange and you are in awe of the black belts, the seniors, the “giants” who teach you how to move, how to stand, discipline, respect and ethics. Your jaw is on the ground and you wonder if and when you will be where they are now. You put your white belt on and your karate journey starts!

Each of our journeys are different. Some of us started karate at a young age, stopped mid-teens and only returned to the dojo many years later. Some started karate in their mid-teens and have persevered through all the obstacles you face as a teenager. A few came from other dojos seeking something else, something better and others only started in their thirties, or forties and are now the inspiration to so many of us.

2016 delivered the first ever group of 10 Solis Ortus students to attempt their Shodan grading. Grading is scheduled for Saturday, 15 October 2016. As the group is too big to train during our normal class times, our sensei graciously gives up his time to teach us at his home. And so the Saturday morning early trainings sessions are booked and we get split into 2 groups.

Saturday, 2 July 2016 is a cold, very cold, winter’s morning. The sun is out at 7 when the first group starts with their intense technical training and preparations for Shodan. We start with the technicalities of a kekomi geri. We concentrate more on the cold that cuts through our gis and jackets than we do on the kick itself. The whole group spent about 2 months perfecting the kekomi geri and it was worth every pick up, butt cramp and tired legs!!!

Two weeks prior to grading we dig deep and we put all our efforts into perfecting everything. We train 4 times a week and we work together as a group. We are united in our effort to make it to the top and make our dojo and sensei proud.

This group of 10 consists of a variety of people. 4 females and 6 males. The females range from 15 to 52 years of age and the males 15 – 54 years of age. We all have the same collective goal that we are working for, but for each this goal means something else. We all deal with different life issues and we do the best we can to prepare for grading.

Saturday 15 October 2016 came way too soon. Are we ready? Yes we are! Are we nervous? You can bet your auntie we are! We start the day with a 3 hour pre-grading course from 09:00 – 12:00. We have a 45 minute lunch and then we start the grading. A group of approximately 50 student from all over the country are grading to shodan and get called out in groups of 4. They start with the youngest and work their way up from there. On the panel is some of our idols and our own Sensei Eugene is leading the grading, so you definitely want to give it more than your absolute best.

Out of our group of 10, three of our fellow karatekas sadly did not pass the grading. Luckily, the door to your shodan never closes after a fail because we will all stand behind them again when they attempt the grading in May 2017. And their silver lining in this situation is that they already know it all and they know what is expected of them, now they have ample time to perfect every movement, placing of the foot and distance of the punch!

Out of our group of 10, seven successfully graded to Shodan. Congratulations guys, now our real training starts.

When you put on your white belt your journey starts, yet, so we all thought. But then we get to wear our black belts and we know that the journey only starts now. All that we thought we knew, we now know that it was only the tip of an enormous ice berg. Now we have the opportunity to really learn, to be taught by our countries best and occasionally attend a seminar hosted by Japan’s best.

Thank you Solis Ortus for providing the space to grow. Thank you Sensei Eugene for sharing all your knowledge with us and giving us the tools to succeed. Thank you to our families and friends and fellow karatekas for motivating us, believing in us and supporting us.

ONE WAY ….JKA!!!!!

Events

Haldun Alagas

October 13, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

Training with sensei Haldun Alagas was, as usual, hard but very rewarding and very inspiring. It is a privilege to have a world champion give class here right in our dojo, something not many dojos can say. Sensei Eugene spent an entire week in Bloemfontein training with this phenomenal fighter for approximately 4 hours a day. Haldun Alagas comes from Turkey, and was world champion 3 times. There were two classes, the first for beginners and intermediate, and the second was for the more advanced students, who already have a career in tournament fighting. Classes were given by both Alagas, and by Bahattin Kandaz, and the translator was Sait Ucan.

Haldun Alagaş (November 16, 1970 in Izmit, Turkey) is a Turkish karateka competing in the kumite -70 kg division. He is multiple world and European champion and ranks first at world list in his weight division Inspired by the martial art scenes in Battal Gazi films of Turkish actor Cüneyt Arkın and films of Bruce Lee, he began with karate sport in Izmit in 1982. His first official fight was at the 1986 Turkish Karate Championships, where he became champion in the youth category.

He had the red belt.

With gaining success in sports at international level, karate became a lifelong passion and a life style for him.Alagaş competed between 1994 and 2005 for Istanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor‘s newly formed karate team. In 2006, Alagaş transferred to Kocaeli Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kağıt Spor Kulübü in his hometown, where he was until 2010.

Currently, he is coaching karateka in the Kayseri Büyükşehir Belediyespor

All three Instructors have beem doing karate and competing for about 35 years or more, and are brilliant teachers. Bahattin Kandaz is 48 years old but can still deliver a potent kick to the face with incredible speed and presision that made the students gasp in awe. Sensei Alagas gave a lot of individual attention which was an honour to all who received it. Thank you to sensei Eugene for organising this very exciting event.

Events

Creches to Dojo visits

September 27, 2016 Eugene Oosthuizen

Creches to Dojo Visits

If one looks carefully, once a month there are the pitter patter of new little feet running around with the Solis Ortus Minis. These are the the Karate Kids from the 5 creches we are currently teaching at.

This new move is to show these little upcoming karatekas who exactly they belong to..the family of Solis Ortus.

We have had a total of 3 visits so far, with another one planned for the month of October. The Karate Kids will also be joining the Solis Ortus Minins in the Coen Memorial challenge. This should be a lot of fun, both for the officials and the students alike.

The creche kiddies really enjoyed the activities, and many returned for more.

Here are some of the faces one will be seeing:

Creches to Dojo Visits

Est telum se defendere