Category Archives: Club

Articles and posts about our club, the dojo, rules and etiquette.

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

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events

4th ANNUAL COEN MEMORIAL CHALLENGE

4th ANNUAL COEN MEMORIAL CHALLENGE

In 2014 the idea was born to celebrate the legacy of Coen Oosthuizen, founder of Solis Ortus and late father of Eugene Oosthuizen.

Fast forward to 2019 and on Saturday 14 September we hosted the 4th annual Coen Memorial Tournament for all Solis Ortus students. Our minis and youngest karatekas opened the day with all the seniors starting with an official bow.

First up was the obstacle course. Because we focus tremendously on fundamental skills of our youngsters, we also give them an opportunity to compete on this level and show us all how awesome they are. It is amazing to see how bright a star can shine when placed under some pressure. Next time we will have to wear sunglasses, cause Solis Ortus youngsters shines SUPERNOVA. This was followed by our awesome group of special needs students. What a joy it is to watch them compete under pressure but never losing their sense of self!

The remainder of day was filled with competitors of all ages, all belts doing kata, 3 step and 1 step kumite, semi-free fighting and also free fighting. Our youngest free fighting competitors were 5 years old and our youngterans (Veterans) between the ages of 43 – 49 (ladies and gents).

Karate is a technical sport, a sport of discipline and respect. Our students strive to fulfil the 5 maxims of karate and in turn we are rewarded with hugs, smiles that stretch from ear to ear, happy and confident kids, proud parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Our students work hard within themselves to be better and achieve their own personal goals. They respect their competitors, they respect the technique and the instructors.

Thank you to all who was part of this day. All who enjoyed the day with us, learned with us all, smiled with us and laughed with us.

Hope to see you all again next year.

OneWayJKA, SolisOrtusAllTheWAY!!!!

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events

Bring a Friend and Spring Day Theme

On 28 and 29 August we enjoyed showing off at bring-a-friend class. The classes were jam-packed with friend and family members who got to witness first hand how awesome Solis Ortus students are. Our students are an excellent example of how well play learning works.

On Wednesday and Thursday, 4 and 5 September, we celebrated spring with colorful t-shirt and yummy donuts. The spirit was through the roof. The laughter and chatter was heard from far and the students enjoyed their training with gusto and determination.

Thank you all for always participating wit a smile.

At Solis Ortus we work hard and play hard.

Love our dojo!!!

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Results

KSA Womans Cup and Development Championships

This past weekend the Womens Cup and Development Championships were held in Durban.

Solis Ortus was represented by
Isabel Esterhuizen
Fransume Prins
Carla Esterhuizen
Hardus van Jaarsveld
Christo Olivier

Collectively they brought back home
🥇 – 5
🥉 – 1

This is the beginning of great things to come. Keep up the hard work and dedication and you will be awarded for your passion.

Great seeing Solis Ortus students smile from ear to ear and being great sportsmen and women and a role model for our up and coming youngsters.

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Results

Dojo Cup Challenge – 3 August

Solis Ortus competitors entered for the dojo cup challenge to improve their skills and obtain valuable tatami time. The Dojo Cup Challange was hosted by Sensei Takis and held at Curro Serengeti.

Every tournament is a learning curve where some try out new techniques, others improve their existing talent and some try out the tournament scene.  Every students walk away a learner and some adds a medal to collection.  One of our students informed me prior to his fight that today is the day he will try a few kicks.  Low and behold he scored with a beautiful executed kick.  I don’t know who was prouder, me or him.

It is such a pleasure witnessing the Solis Ortus parents blend and becoming a karate family.  Everybody rooting and encouraging each Solis Ortus competitor.  So blessed to have these families in our dojo.

It is a greater pleasure to witness the friendships and bonds forged between the karatekas and how they grow into their own.

Great talent at Solis Ortus.

15 competitors

Gold:  9

Silver : 6

Bronze: 8

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Results

KSA Protea Awards and KSA Open & Elite Championships

Dear karatekas and parents

A few Solis Ortus students travelled to Durban this past weekend for the KSA Protea Awards and KSA open & elite championships.

Congratulations to Thirq du Preez and PW Pentz whom received recognition for their Protea Colours. Well done boys!

Out of 10 Solis Ortus students they bring back a total of 9 medals:

GOLD🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇
SILVER 🥈
BRONZE 🥉🥉🥉

Extremely proud of each and every student’s hard work and dedication. With hard work dreams can become reality.

Keep up the great work!!!

Oss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, In the Dojo

Parents and Kids Theme 2019

Parent and kids training together

With life’s fast pace and demanding deadlines, spending quality time with our kids is a luxury these days.

For this reason Solis Ortus has a kids and parent evening once a year.

A picture tells a thousand words. Our parents tried everything with a smile. They found new respects for their karatekas and now know how hard their child(ren) works in the dojo.

Solis Ortus parents are OSS-some. Thank you for making quality time for your children and making ever lasting memories.

Oss

Eugene and the Solis Ortus team

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Kata, Kumite, Results

SA JKA Nationals 2019

Congratulations on making the Gauteng team and keeping the Solis Ortus name high! Was once again a major success for Solis Ortus Students.

The Gauteng team included 78 Solis Ortus Students. They represented our Province on 24 & 25 May 2019 at the SA JKA Nationals event held at the Standard Bank Sports Arena in Johannesburg. The team was assisted by four Solis Ortus coaches – Veronica Myburg, Beatrix Lötter-Moolman, Johan de Witt and Ruan van der Westhuizen.

On Friday, 24 May 2019 the day started early with our junior White to Purple belt competitors, who already arrived at 06h30. They collected their tags and took their places with the rest of the Gauteng team. The march-on was magnificent. Gauteng rolled in on like a blue tsunami. The vibe was infectious! The tournament officially kicked off at 8h00 and the fun and games started. Two of our senior karateka – Sandy Oosthuizen and Marx van Eeden – officiated at the tables.

We were back for more on Saturday, 25 May 2019 when it was our senior Red to Black belts’ turn to enter the arena with tight nerves and high hopes. The top four in each division were chosen for the SA team that will travel to Germany at the end of year to prepare for the 15th Gichin Funakoshi Cup in 2020, which will be held in Japan.

Although not all Solis Ortus students received medals on the day, our karateka luckily know that no one is ever a loser: without a medal you become a learner!

From Solis Ortus’ side we want to thank all the parents, students, coaches, instructors and officials for your time, effort, energy, dedication and support leading up the SA JKA Nationals. It is a pleasure working with a positive team. Our students, from the youngest to the eldest, are absolutely awesome. You worked so hard, and hard work never goes unnoticed. If it was not your time to shine – never give up!

 

Articles, Club, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Grading

18 May 2019 SAJKA Pre-grading, National Gradings and International Qualifications

18 May 2019 SAJKA Pre-grading, National Gradings and International Qualifications

Senior Solis Ortus karateka have been preparing over several months for their Shodan and Nidan gradings. Some will attempt grading in October 2019, whilst others will have their opportunity in 2020. However, most of them attended the three hour pre-grading session at JKA HQ at th Wanderers in Jo’burg, as additional preparation for their Dan gradings.

Veronica Myburgh was the only senior karateka who attended the pre-grading as warm up for her Shodan grading on the same day. Veronica has walked a very long and sometimes painful road to grade to her first Dan. She attempted her Shodan 19 years ago, but unfortunately did not make it. Veronica though never forgot her true karate spirit and after life happened (work, marriage, children), she returned to the dojo again to work towards her Shodan dream. Sprained ankles, broken ribs and a low immune system never stopped Veronica from preparing well, training hard, learning non-stop and always bettering herself to such a point that she received her Shodan on 18 May 2019.

Congratulations Veronica on receiving your Shodan. Solis Ortus is tremendously proud of you. Enjoy this moment and wear your black belt with pride!

To all those continuing with their Dan preparations, work hard and never give up!

Oss

 

Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Kata, Kumite, Results

2019 Region 5 Championship in Swakopmund

Region 5 Championship in Namibia Swakopmund

Karate South Africa appointed Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen as Head Coach for the SA u21 and Senior Protea Teams that competed at the Region 5 event in Swakopmund, Namibia.

Sensei Eugene arrived in Swakopmund on Monday 20 May. 
The protea students arrived on Wednesday
On Wednesday he attended a course and seminar along with other referees and coaches. World Karate Federation Chief Referee presented the course and seminar, followed by a hour long exam to qualify as Region 5 Coach for kata and kumite. Sensei Eugene received the highest results, both for Kata and Kumite! Well done, Sensei! This is why Solis Ortus is one of the best karate dojos!

Kata eliminations and finals took place on Thursday, followed by Kumite eliminations on Friday and Kumite finals on Saturday. South Africa won the tournament, taking 31 gold, 25 silver and 21 bronze medals under Sensei Eugene’s coaching! We now rank 1st in the Region 5 list, followed by Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola.

From Solis Ortus’ and Sensei Eugene’s side – a big thank you to KSA for providing this opportunity to South African karateka, coaches and referees. Also, a big thank you to the organisers. And, most especially, the biggest thank you to all the parents, karateka and fellow coaches! Sensei Eugene said that this was one of the most memorable tours in his career so far.

South Africa is indeed fortunate to have such an OSS-some team showing their dedication to and love for karate! Go, Green and Gold!!

Articles, Club, Competition, Eugene Oosthuizen, Kata, Kumite, Results

Arnold Classic Event 2019

Arnold Classic Event 2019 at the Sandton Convention Centre

The Arnold Classic Africa event is an annual event that exhibits

different sports, including the main body building event and karate. Ten of our Solis Ortus athletes again competed in the All Styles karateka events from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May. A highlight was when Arnold Schwarzenegger himself came to watch karateka doing their stuff.

On Friday, the athletes weighed in and participated in the Kata eliminations. Kumite eliminations took place on Saturday. Those that qualified competed on Sunday in the Finals for both Kata and Kumite.

Solis Ortus took eight medals! Well done to Ethan Brazelle (Finals, silver), Pieter Jordaan (bronze), Elmien Viljoen (Finals, gold), Thirq du Preez (Finals, gold), PW Pentz (Finals, gold), Hannelore Constable (Finals u21 and seniors, silver for both) and Savannah Hauser (bronze). Tiaan Uys received 5th place and John-Henry du Toit unfortunately fell out. Drian du Toit was injured and rushed to hospital, but was thankfully discharged later on Sunday.

As always, our Solis Ortus karateka showed how karate should be done – with spirit, discipline, humility and respect! Well done everyone, we are proud!