Category Archives: Club

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

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, 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

Grading

78th Solis Ortus Grading – 25 November 2017

This weekend Solis Ortus celebrated its 78th grading, since 1978, and carved a new chapter in its history book. Grading day was a successful, positive and fruitful experience for our karatekas. We had 189 graders who succeeded their grading to the next belt level. Solis Ortus stand proud to acknowledge each individual exceled in their karate, but also how abundantly they enjoy their karate.

For some karatekas it was their first grading, for others the experience was more nerve wrecking, and of course for our senior belts, grading was an emotional roller coaster.

We started bright and early with our Mini graders (3-5 years old). They looked too cute in their karate Gi’s (suits). The minis outshined themselves in their grading course and did everything with precision, determination, loud kiais and good spirit. Oh my goodness, did they know their terminology! It is so adorable to hear them count and repeat the Japanese terminology. We are so proud of our little ninjas growing up to become great karate stars one day.  The minis are developing in a strong and well-designed karate foundation to eventually support their abilities in their karate journeys. With bliss they graded to mini yellow, mini orange and mini blue.

Our junior gradings, Yellow 1 to Blue, showed good progress and express a promising individual succeeding to higher belts. It was impressive to observe some of our white belts showing great potential as newbies on their new karate journey. Well done to all our junior graders, you have shown great growth and good spirit. Keep on growing but above all keep on enjoying your karate!

The standard of our more senior belt levels, Purple 1 to Brown, were exceptionally high. They showed more power, strength, precision and understanding what karate is all about. The 3K’s are forming a well-developed foundation as you are becoming more mature and understand the why of karate. This group have great form and stances. Well done, we are immensely proud of you all.

And then, the emotional roller coaster of nerves, excitement and pride step onto the floor. Eight karatekas graded to Kuy 3 and Kuy 2; Junior Black 2 and Junior Black 1. This grading was tough and the graders needed to prove their character and spirit to be able to pass this grading. With persistence, they all persevered. It was incredible to be an observer on the panel, as it reminded us how intense and privileged it was to grade in this group. The cream of the crop emerging to become the next Black Belt generation in Solis Ortus. Two karatekas graded to Junior Black 1 and had their last grading in the dojo and achieved the status of our next generation. We have four new Junior Black 2 karatekas. Remember: “A black belt is a white belt who never gave up!”

To all our karatekas we congratulate you on a well-deserved and brilliant grading. Without you, Solis Ortus cannot build a heritage and we are extremely proud to have you part of our club.

Thank you to our parents who dedicated their time to our karate students, who helped them to enjoy and love karate as a sport. To all our Instructors and assistant Instructors, thank you for your dedication in teaching our karatekas. Thank you to Sensei Eugene for being our role model, we look up to you and will follow your lead. There is only ONE WAY, JKA! JKA, ONE WAY!

Solis Ortus sending warm wishes to you and your family during this Christmas Season. May your home be blessed with love and happiness. If you are going away, please drive safely. See you all 8 January 2018!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

First Grading at Solis Ortus 2018

First Grading at Solis Ortus 2018

Congratulations to all our karatekas who graded this weekend. It is extremely rewarding to see how our karatekas improved and succeeded to their next belt level. Our karate standard is high and Solis Ortus stand proud to each and every one of you.

Traditionally we always start with our mini karatekas. All dressed up like little polar bears they arrived bright and early to come and show their skills to our grading panel. Adorable, sweet and with great spirit they concurred their fundamental skills examination with loud kiais and immense pride.

Well done to our future little champions, we are so proud of you!

After intense and hard training preparing for the grading, you all arose from all your fears and came prepared with determination to earn your next belt. To all our white belts who graded for the first time; well done! You all came with the utmost karate etiquette and perseverance to overcome your uncertainty of what is expected. With goose bumps and awe we solute you all. Keep up the good work, always remember the basics of your karate and you will grow into a good karateka as you grade to higher belts.

Our coloured belt groups also accomplished a higher standard in their grading and presented their karate skills with flying colours. Grading is a good measurement to improve yourself and to understand that karate basics; Kihon (basics), Kata (form) and Kumite (sparring) are the foundation of good karate in the future. During grading you get measured of how you have developed in your current belt, and then be recognised for your progress, and the reward is to succeed to the next belt level.

The higher belt groups, brown and up gradings are much more intense and on a different level as for the coloured belts. Endurance, competence, technique, fitness and perseverance are key to this level grading. Solis Ortus is immeasurably proud of the standard of our senior belt groups. You earned every stripe on your belt and deserved to be promoted to your next level. Solis Ortus is building a strong history in developing good karatekas for the future.

This year Solis Ortus is celebrating a rich history of 40 years. We have added to this history the first free fighting event in our Special needs division at SA JKA Nationals. To top this achievement we have graded one of our special needs karatekas, James van Zyl, for the last time in the dojo to Junior Black. His next grading will be Shodan. James, we are extremely proud of you. You have excelled in so many ways as a karateka, and achieved the highest ranking in Solis Ortus history. We wish you all the best and luck on your karate journey and are looking forward to celebrate with you your Shodan grading.

As always, Sensei Eugene and his team of instructors and assistance were well prepared and on schedule with the grading program. Thank you to all our parents for your support and to all our karatekas for your loyalty, etiquette and performance on grading day.

Be proud, frame your achievements, not everyone has a karate belt. Never ever give up. The more we learn, the more I realize how much we have to learn. Remember karate is a journey, black belt is not the destination, it is the start.

Karate builds our character, and with a strong character you can achieve anything in life.

We cannot wait to see you all in your new belts!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

SA JKA Nationals 2018

What a weekend. Solis Ortus competed at SA JKA Nationals in Johannesburg, and at the Africa Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 karate championships in Gaborone, Botswana.

This year’s SA JKA Nationals competition, featuring karatekas from all the Provinces in South Africa, was held at the Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena on 25 – 26 May 2018. All our karate athletes prepared well over the past months, and showed up in their masses to achieve greatness. SA JKA Nationals is a huge event every year, but this year it was massive with plus minus 3500 competitors.

The arena was vibrant with songs of the nation and provincial teams rivalling against the other in their numbers. The mornings were extremely early for our early birds attending meetings and to get ready before the masses arrive. Gauteng was well organised with their team sitting ready in their categories on the arena.

Expectations ran high for the day while watching the demonstration from our black belts from the Honbu, performing an immaculate Tekki Sandan, synchronized as one person. The kumite routine was coordinated to show the stages of a black belt. We all stood in awe and with goose bumps all over.

We as Solis Ortus karatekas, representing our provincial team Gauteng, are overwhelmed with excitement, enthusiasm, nerves and an expectancy to achieve our National colours and to qualify for the Africa Cup in September. For some of us, this will be the first time to represent our country on an International level.

As always, our club was well represented as coaches, referees, judges and table officials at this prestigious event. Solis Ortus entered into 153 events where some of our students qualified for their National colours in both kata and kumite, and others, one of the two.

On Friday our Novice team, White to Red belts, competed in their divisions where most of our karatekas medalled and achieved their National colours. Medal or not, you are a winner! You worked hard, walked the extra mile, by training week after week and came prepared for the battle. You showed your karate spirit on the floor and still persevered. That makes you a WINNER. Always remember what defines a winner.

“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve ever done before.” —Bonnie Blair

For the first time in the history of SA JKA Nationals, our Special Needs division announced a free fighting division. With pride Solis Ortus also made history on the day as the only 2 karatekas in that division, was from our dojo. What a fight guys….well done! Click on the link to watch the fight.

“Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.” Dan Gable

On Saturday our Elite team competed to be selected into the Africa Cup in September. This category was intensely huge and the competition extremely competitive. Most categories contained 3-5 different belt levels in one group for the selection. Some categories took hours to finish; and yet, we all waited with determination and good spirit our turn. Solis Ortus did extremely well and most of our students got selected to represent South Africa in the Africa Cup. Congratulations to those who got selected.

To all our medallists, well done and well deserved. Some of your categories exceeded 20 competitors and more. Yet, you prevailed and accomplished your dream to become a winner.

Ditto sensei Sandy; quote un-quote: “Our dearest students, how awesome are you all. You are all champions because you showed up for extra classes, you are all champions because you entered the arena with fear, nerves and excitement and you are all champions because you stepped onto the tatami  and you did YOUR best.

Congratulations for making us all tremendously proud!!!!!

Next year we do it again!”

Yes, yes and yes!

But first, we wish all our students the best of luck for grading on Saturday, 2nd June 2018. You worked hard to receive your next belt level. Stay focussed and do your best.

To all our students who are writing exams, best of luck for your exams. Stay focused, prepare in advance, sleep well, practice and stay healthy.

After all is done, rest well and get ready to start preparing for the Africa Cup in September.

One way, JKA! JKA, one way!

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 
Events

AUSC Region 5 Karate Championship

Gaborone is an energetic and inviting city that is bursting out of a nutshell. The tolerant mind-set of Gaborone originated from the gathering of the many different cultures and the thousands strong individual minds. The beautification of the edginess inspires, provokes opportunities and creates an intersection where two extremes meet each other and therefore become inexpressible.

Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia and Mozambique were the invited countries who participated in the AUSC Region 5 Karate Championship. Gaborone, capital city of Botswana, hosted the tournament on 24 – 26 May 2018 at the Boipuso Hall, Fairgrounds. The Boipuso Hall, also known as Botswana International Conference and Exhibitions Centre, is a multi-purpose arena and can accommodate 12 000 spectators. The Boipuso Hall can accommodate 2000 spectators.

Overall South Africa did extremely well. South African karate shone in Gaborone as our participants displayed a high standard, good karate and competitiveness throughout the tournament.

South Africa was represented by 51 competitors all over the country, and received a total of 6 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals in the kata division. In the kumite division we received 12 gold, 17 silver and 4 bronze medals. Overall South Africa received 44 medals and placed third in the AUSC Region 5 Karate Championship. Botswana, the overall winner won 95 medals and Namibia, who came second won 68 medals in total.

Out of the 51 competitors, Solis Ortus had 2 participants who represented South Africa in Gaborone. After getting on the City Liner on Wednesday late morning, they left for the border and got safe and sound in Gaborone after a long 9 hour trip.

Solis Ortus is extremely proud of Savannah Hauser who received a silver medal and Thirq du Preez who received a bronze medal in kumite. These two karatekas showed exceptional sportsmanship and good karate etiquette. This trip developed your character as karatekas, introduced you to the virtues of team spirit and teaches you to be humble in victory. All your hard work paid off and you came home victoriously.

Celebrate your successes, embrace it and grow into it as humble karatekas.

“Competing at the highest level is not about winning. It’s about preparation, courage, understanding and nurturing your people, and heart. Winning is the result.” —Joe Torre

You both reflected this quote excellently. Well done, and good luck for your next tournament.

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

Events

Arnold Classic 2018

The Arnold Classic sport and fitness extravaganza returns to South Africa for the third time and it promises to be an even more spectacular expression of the vision of its co-founder, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It is an opportunity to participate, spectate or compete, with over 50 sports and their organising federations showcasing their top talent and creating opportunity for public participation across three energy-filled days; from Friday, 18 May to Sunday 20 May 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Interestingly Sandton is known as the wealthiest square mile in Africa. The Sandton Convention Centre is the leading, most esteemed convention centre and exhibition resource in South Africa.

With 12 floors and over 22 000 square metres of space available, the Sandton Convention Centre has a gigantic capacity to be the supreme hosting place for such a respected event as the ACA.

In a cold Johannesburg, Solis Ortus came prepared with our KSA athletes to participate in the prestigious Arnold Classic Sports Festival 2018. Our karatekas are passionate about their karate and without knowing it, are actually the leaders in creating a karate platform that can have a great influence in our country and the world to be a better place. Although karate is a global sport, over 200 countries, and affiliated to World Karate Federation (WKF); it finally is elevated to OLYMPIC status – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018. What an honour and privilege to be part of such an opportunity.

On Friday our Solis Ortus champs weighed-in for their kumite divisions on Saturday. On Friday Solis Ortus received 2 bronze medals in the kata divisions.

Most of our karatekas competed on Saturday. “The kumite divisions were lethal, fast and furious”, as one parent described the event. Solis Ortus prevailed and achieved 4 medals; 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.

Congratulations to two Solis Ortus karatekas who qualified for the finals on Sunday. Sunday started off with a training session where the top four KSA athletes and international athletes trained together. With the help of our coaches, sensei Eugene and other top coaches trained with the team and represented South Africa on an International level. Solis Ortus is proud of sensei Eugene and wish him all the success in his karate endeavours.

After a long, hard and competitive weekend, we can celebrate with our 7 champs a total of 6 medals.

Congratulations to all our karatekas. Solis Ortus is extremely proud and wishing you all a prosperous karate journey. You all worked so hard for this moment, embrace it, enjoy it and learn from tournament to tournament. Improve yourself to become the best of the best.

We salute you all!

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Events, Uncategorized

Solis Ortus Road To Nationals 2018

Solis Ortus is in the process preparing for the SA JKA Nationals, 25th and 26th May 2018. Frequent practice during the past 4 weeks leading up to the event, greatly improved our karatekas’ abilities, form, skills, and confidence.

SA JKA karatekas will march up from all corners of South Africa to represent their Province. This week it will be our last training session as a dojo team to go out and represent our Province at Nationals.

Our karatekas revealed defined character practising every week improving themselves for the greatest upcoming event; SA JKA Nationals.

Remember what you have practiced over the past weeks and especially what sensei has taught us. Stay focussed and calm, but with determination.

Remember, when performing your kata, you need to demonstrate good technique, good stances and rhythm. Don’t rush to finish, show the judges you have good form and resonance in you kata. Slow is slow, and fast is fast. Kiai loudly.

Good technique is also required in kumite when trying to score against your opponent. Initiating the attack allows you to take control of the fight and is intimidating to your opponent. Take control and keep it. Also have a good guard. Don’t leave yourself open. Correct distancing enables you to attack your opponent, but also allows you to be just out of range of your opponent’s attacks.

Thank you to sensei Eugene who invested in us his time, knowledge and methodology in becoming a winner. Thank you to our parents believing in our karatekas, who consistently bring them every Friday afternoon to practice; and supporting our Solis Ortus Team preparing for the big day. Thank you to our students who persevered through the training, who gave their all to improve themselves, who sweat together and encouraged each other, and above all, who believed in themselves.

Sensei Eugene feel honoured to be able to have such a positive and stable club; and in reverse, us as karatekas are honoured to learn from the best.

You are ready, go out and do your best, never give up. Always push yourself a little further. If you keep going – you always have a chance to win.

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

So, we have come this far…preparation, done…prepared, YES!

On your marks, get set….GO!!!!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events, Uncategorized

Solis Ortus out of TOWN

This weekend Solis Ortus karatekas represented the dojo all over Gauteng, attending the JKA Table Officiating Course, Dragon Warriors tournament and the Coloured belt seminar.

Three of our Black belt students attended the JKA Table Officiating Course with Sensei Karyn. At first everybody attending was unfamiliar with each other and sat quietly.  When the course started everybody listened attentively and had to determine in which category they see themselves (runner, scorekeeper, draws keeper).

Then sensei Karyn had the draws keepers “audition” for their roles.  The whole room was in stiches with the funny shenanigans and role plays various people embodied. After a whole lot of fun, each senior is happy with his or her respective position and cannot wait to give their time and effort back to JKA and be ready for the African Cup in September.

The Dragon Warriors tournament was hosted by Sensei Michelle Singh (4th Dan SKIF – Japan) at the Alberton Action Sport Centre. Some competed for the first time, others came to sharpen their skills, and some came to try out their higher katas for the first time.

The day was long but full of excitement especially the Team events. It was with awe to watch one of our youngest (6 years old) performing Jion for the first time. Too cute for words.

Solis Ortus did very well and everyone medalled. From 8 competitors we have received 16 medals; 8 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze.

A special thanks to Sensei Lilian, our coach, for all her help and especially keeping our karatekas intact and ready for every event.

Sensei Eugene was also out of town and was invited by JKA to be an Instructor at the Coloured belt seminar, held at the Honbu Dojo, Wanderers Club, Johannesburg. SA JKA members from various dojos attended the seminar and trained together. It was packed with tons of fun and a great deal of information to improve our karate.

After a long successful day, Solis Ortus once again can celebrate victoriously and Sensei Eugene is immensely proud of everyone. It is remarkable to see how our karate kids grow and develop in their karate journey not only in the dojo, but in a competitive way as well.

It is also with pride to acknowledge our seniors for being involved with SA JKA courses and seminars to improve themselves and to be an asset to Solis Ortus and SA JKA.

Thank you to sensei Eugene who is always there to share his knowledge with the youth and help them to become great karatekas one day.

WELL DONE SOLIS ORTUS!!! This year is the year to celebrate our successes to excel into a professional yet BEST KARATE CLUB IN GAUTENG.

 

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 
Competition

Boemfontein League Championship 2018

This prestigious event is the National League Championship Event for 2018, primarily to maintain KSA National Ranking, and to assist in selecting the National Team.

In a cold Bloemfontein, at the Tempe Indoor Sports Hall, Solis Ortus arrived with a positive winning spirit to face their rivals and to achieve their place in the National Team. What an honour and privilege to be able to represent your beautiful country on international level.

Competition was extremely tough and all came prepared to qualify. Our competitor’s spirit was with expectation and went in with their all. Solis Ortus did extremely well and received 1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze and 2 fifth places.

Well done to all our competitors. You train hard and we are extremely proud of you all.

Sensei Eugene, our National coach selected for KSA, worked hard and came home with laryngitis. Thank you sensei Eugene for all your help and dedication to help our karatekas succeed as competitive individuals. We as parents appreciate your effort and dedication.

To complete a very successful weekend, South Africa’s top 4 karatekas (12 years and above) had the honour to train with the National Coaches on Sunday morning, before departing to their destinations. The training camp was of utmost value to our new champs.

Always remember “To stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. Work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not clichés but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path.” Phillip Sweet

What type of fighter are you? How will you excel against your opponents?

There are three kinds of fighters:

“The AGGRESSIVE fighter who charges in blindly trying to get the upper hand;

The DEFENSIVE fighter who blocks and evades until his opponent is tired; and then……

The MOST DANGEROUS fighter, the one who waits for his opponent to make a mistake.” Southern Mantis

The President of KSA, Sonny Pillay Hanshi was very excited about the Championship and stated, “I am absolutely delighted at the huge turnout of our karate youth from throughout the Republic, moreover the high standard of karate on display by the participants throughout the weekend certainly augurs well for the future of KSA“.

The success of the just concluded Nationals predicts excitement for the ARNOLD CLASSIC SPORTS FESTIVAL 18-20 MAY 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre, as the TEAM SELECTION will be done afterwards.

Good luck to all our KSA champs, you are all winners! Be always prepared, stay prepared and excel in your karate journey!

“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.” – Walt Disney

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Events

Club Ninja Theme

Solis Ortus Ninjas

Yes, you’ve seen them in movies and Japanese animation. But what exactly are ninjas? “A true ninja is not just someone who wears black, drops down from the ceiling and slices everything into pieces. Ninjas have been around since at least the 14th century, when guerrilla warfare in feudal Japan called for subterfuge and assassination – activities which samurai would not perform because they were  forbidden by Bushido, the samurai code. Ninja were employed as master spies, assassins, and specialist warriors. While some aspects of the ninja way may be outdated, the principles and techniques remain valuable.”

Being a ninja is extremely hard work, but to be a Solis Ortus Ninja for a night was of a much different interpretation. Karate Kid was for some a real inspiration for the evening, while others were fascinated by the legendary tales of being a Ninja; the stealth and calculations of secrecy…..and then, every boys dream climb out with the weapons and warfare of Ninja. They say that true ninjas are always outnumbered, because they are individuals.

All these facets were interpreted flawlessly and adorably by our little ninjas in the mini class. They all were determined to look like little ninjas and were unrecognisable in their masks and outfits. Some brought some serious “weapons” with, ready for the battle.

In our other classes we had various interpretations, from Ninja Turtles to proper “assassins” with proper karate etiquette. Some weapons were on the side while we are busy teaching them that karate is an empty hand sport, and your body is your weapon. Even our seniors were not shy showing off their Ninja “skills”.

Integrating the Ninja theme with our JKA tradition was enormous fun. Karate ruled the evening with serious preparation for our club grading 2 June 2018.

Masashi Kishimoto said: “I never go back on my word! That’s my nindo, my ninja way!”

Lord Ozunu a Ninja Assassin said: “Wherever you are, wherever you may go, you must never forget who you are. You are part of me, as I am part of you. This is the truth of your lives, and it will remain true after death.”

What an event…..until next time!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Events

Think PINK – Solis Ortus supports the fight

The history of using a ribbon as a token of remembrance can be traced back to the 19th century. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, red ribbons began appearing to support AIDS awareness, and other charitable organizations and endeavors began following suit. In 1992, according to the breast cancer guide on About.com, Alexandra Penney (then the editor-in-chief of Self magazine) and Evelyn Lauder (breast cancer survivor and senior corporate vice president of Estée Lauder)

“teamed up to create a pink ribbon. … The Estée Lauder Company went directly to their makeup counters with 1.5 million ribbons. Along with those pink ribbons, each woman was given a breast self-exam card, and in return, the company collected more than 200,000 pink ribbon petitions aimed at the White House asking for increased funding for breast cancer research.”

The pink ribbon, the feminine colour so chosen means health, vitality and empowerment of women. Wear it with pride. The global awareness that has been raised through the pink ribbon has helped increase early detection of breast cancer, make women more aware of the importance of doing regular breast self-examinations, and increase funds directed toward finding a cure.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, and the colour pink in general, identify the wearer or promoter with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women with breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer is something that affects friends, families, and loved ones. To support the awareness of breast cancer, Solis Ortus started the pink karate belt tradition about 3 – 4 years back during the month of October. We have marched throughout the night, sing, doing katas as a symbol of fighting against cancer and breaking “walls”. This tradition will carry on in our dojo every year where every karateka of all ages in the dojo will show how they can help kick and punch breast cancer by wearing pink belts in class during the month of October. This symbolises not only our support to Breast cancer but also has become synonymous with karate strength, technique, and empowerment. By introducing this tradition, Solis Ortus also empowers their karatekas to understand the 5 principles in karate. Always have the right attitude, frame of mind and virtues to strive for both within the dojo, and outside.

In addition to shining a light on the importance of annual screenings, breast cancer awareness month also generates funding for breast cancer research. With every new belt bought and a training pink belt fee of previously bought pink belts, Solis Ortus have donated R1 500 to support the cause of Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women, and the second main cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. In 2017, around 252 710 new diagnoses of breast cancer are expected in women, and around 40 610 women are likely to die from the disease.

Breast cancer can also affect men although a rare disease. Less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men. In 2017, about 2, 470 men are expected to be diagnosed with the disease. For men, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is about 1 in 1 000.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Resources: (https://www.google.co.za/search?rlz=1T4AVNH_enZA767ZA768&q=breast+cancer+definition&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnlsfTx5rXAhUDI8AKHfOtBtAQ1QIInAEoAg&biw=1778&bih=859)

(https://www.google.co.za/search?q=Slogan+for+breast+cancer+awareness&rlz=1T4AVNH_enZA767ZA768&tbm=isch&source=iu&pf=m&ictx=1&fir=KuCp_5EPd-9k_M%253A%252CayhEokLghtPquM%252C_&usg=__QM4bxsEcqA95mDARtOnsvfx0jq0%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqtKLK2ZrXAhUIAcAKHSUoC7UQ9QEIQjAF#imgrc=n7MmQMmg5KaV9M:&spf=1509447560688)

Competition

KSA Durban – 23-24 March 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition

JKA Gauteng Trials – 23-24 March 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition, Events

Preparation for JKA Gauteng 2018

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

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition

KSA Coaches 2018

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

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

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

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Competition

Tournament News 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work hard, but smart!

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

Bring a friend to class

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

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

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

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

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


Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Events

Valentines Theme 2018

Valentine’s Day

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


Written by: Heilethe Calitz