Category Archives: Shotokan Karate

Articles and posts about Shotokan Karate

Articles, Competition, Events, KPC, KSA, Kumite

KPC at KSA Nationals in Durban

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

The following KPC athletes competed and medalled.

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

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

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

Eugene Oosthuizen, Events, Kata, KPC, KSA, Kumite, Techniques

Sensei Eugene attends KSA Team Building Camp in the Drakensberg

Karate South Africa held a Team Building Camp over the weekend of 4 June 2021 in the Drakensberg at the Drakensberg Gardens Golf and Leisure Resort, near Underberg and Sani Pass in freezing temperatures and snow-covered mountains.

The Training Camp provided standardisation to KSA athletes and coaches.

Eugene Oosthuizen sensei attended the camp as KSA National Coach. On Friday evening an energetic training session took place with everyone where Eugene sensei trained the U21, Senior, Vets and Master athletes. This was followed by a briefing session where the program and rules for the weekend were discussed.

On Saturday morning, there were separate kata and kumite training sessions. Athletes attended another training session and completed fitness tests just after lunch. Coaches and athletes then attended a referees course immediately following the fitness tests.

Michelle Singh sensei presented a psychology session after the course. A few coaches were afterwards selected to give motivational speeches,  where Eugene sensei was asked to give some inspiration to the athletes.

A mini-tournament was hosted on Sunday where the selection panel kept a watchful eye over the competitors, observing them for a possible chance to compete in the region 5 tournament.

Thank you to Eugene sensei for giving his time, yet again, to teach and inspire karateka from across South Africa!

Oss!

Competition, Kumite, Results

KPC karateka compete at KSA Seniors, Veterans and Masters Nationals, Secunda

Solis Ortus Karate Performance Centre (KPC) athletes again performed well at the Karate South Africa (KSA) Nationals for under-21s, Seniors, Veterans, and Masters, held in Secunda over the weekend of 19 to 21 March. Three KPC athletes competed.

Friday 19 March kicked off with co ach and referee training that Eugene Oosthuizen sensei attended. On Saturday morning, the under-21s (18-20 years), Veterans (35 to 49 years) and Masters (over 50 years) competed. Seniors (16+ years) competed on Sunday.

Eugene sensei with KSA president, Sonny Pillay sensei

Hardus van Jaarsveld competed in the under-21 division on Saturday where he took a gold for kumite. Also on Saturday, Ruan van der Westhuizen received a bronze in the men’s Veteran division. Elmien Viljoen competed in the Senior women’s division on Sunday, but unfortunately did not medal.

Hardus van Jaarsveld and Eugene sensei
Eugene sensei and Ruan van der Westhuizen

Yet again, well done to Eugene sensei and the KPC athletes!

Competition, Events, Kumite, Results

KPC athletes perform at KSA Nationals

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Solis Ortus Karate Performance Centre (KPC) athletes cleaned up the medals at the Karate South Africa (KSA) Nationals held in Durban over the weekend of 5 to 7 March.

Eugene Oosthuizen sensei arrived in Durban on Thursday to prepare. The KPC highlights started with the coaches and referees meeting and training course on Friday. He, along with other coaches and refs, wrote exams on kata and kumite. Eugene sensei once again excelled, passing the kumite exam with a 98% mark, and the kata exam with 92%.

Eugene sensei with other coaches

On Friday afternoon, Eugene sensei held an informal KPC training session on the beach at Umdloti. The athletes trained hard, yet got the chance to relax before the action on Saturday and Sunday. They even had a dip in the sea before and after each day’s training.

Thriq du Preez training with one of the KPC parents, Robbie Brazelle
Karate training KPC style – on the beach
Fun in the waves after training

KPC entered nine athletes in the children’s division (7-13 years) and cadette division (14-15 years) that took place on Saturday and Sunday respectively. All nine athletes medaled and became National Champions!

In the children’s division on Saturday (which continued on Sunday), Eben Millard, Franco Vertue, Shiloh Verreyne Roos, Anica Myburgh, Ethan Brazelle, and Isabelle Esterhuizen all received gold medals, Jean van der Westhuizen took a silver, and Pieter Jordaan came in with a bronze. In the cadette division on Sunday, Thirq du Preez took  gold.

Eugene sensei and Thriq du Preez
Eugene sensei and Pieter Jordaan
Eugene sensei and Eben Millard
Eugene sensei and Anika Myburg (left) and Shiloh Verreyne Roos (right)
From left – Juan van der Westhuizen, Isabelle Esterhuizen, Eben Millard
Eugene sensei and Franco Vertue

Well done to Eugene sensei and all the KPC athletes. You made us proud yet again. Shows that dedication, effort, and great teachers pays!

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!

 

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!

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

KSA Bloemfontein League 2019

KSA League at Bloemfontein, Tempe Indoor sport Centre, 12, 13 and 14 April 2019.

Over the weekend, Solis Ortus karateka represented Gauteng at the KSA League in Bloemfontein.  As always, our athletes made sure we enjoyed some nail biting action!

Our students arrived in Bloem on Friday for the weigh in.  Because of their dedication to the sport everybody weighed into their respective categories without needing to lose or gain weight in a short period of time.

As with all KSA Events, the competition was fierce and our students all brought their A-game.  It was an absolute pleasure seeing you all do your best on the tatami.  We know very well how exhausting the travelling is, yet you were all energetic and positive in your respective divisions.

For the time that our students are on the tatami, we rally behind them and cheer them on like the champions they are.  Our youngsters showed us that their extra competition class trainings and dedication allows them to reap the benefits of their hard work.  We kicked of the day with Gold and it was the first of many to come!

On Sunday, just before lunch time, the organisers of the tournament brought it all to a halt to make some important announcements.  We are pleased to share the wonderful news, that after many years of hard work and dedication to all karatekas (not just Solis Ortus students), our Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen was chosen as a coach for the senior South African karate team!

We are tremendously proud of our Sensei and honoured to have him, his knowledge and his dedication for our own selfish taking!

Congratulations to all medal winners, as well as to all those who did not medal, but gained valuable experience!

Always a pleasure to share in all emotions with our parents and competitors.  The Solis Ortus family bond is strong and true!

Oss

 

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

Solis Ortus at Dragon’s Challenge

On Saturday, 6 April 2019 Solis Ortus karateka supported Sensei Michelle Singh at her annual Dragon’s Challenge. The tournament was held at the Mandeville Sports Centre in Johannesburg and provided an interesting change in seating arrangements.

The Solis Ortus team and supporters (also known as parents) arrived in high spirits and occupied the first floor with chairs, blankets, pillows and karate gear all over. To say the least, we made ourselves at home and owned the place.

All Solis Ortus competitors had an awesome tournament and made their time count on the tatami. Katas were strong and the kumite was fierce. The whole team rallied behind each other. Everyone had an exhilarating day.

The tournament ended with the highlight fights of the day – the team event for the Dragon’s Cup. Our Solis Ortus team was ready that consisted of age divisions 9 to 16. The Kumite Team fought their hearts out with some nail biting moments, when they executed the most incredible take downs and ura-mawashis! We took the Dragon’s Cup home, which will be shared by each Solis Ortus team member during the year.

Thank you Solis Ortus karateka and supporters for making every tournament a memorable one.

 

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

Solis Ortus shines at KSA Nationals Elite Event

Solis Ortus shines at KSA Nationals Elite Event

The past weekend seven Solis Ortus karateka competed at the KSA Nationals Elite held in Cape Town. We took five medals – an exceptional achievement at an elite event such as this!

The event kicked off on Friday with a coaching course attended by Sensei Eugene, an exam and the weigh-in of competitors. On Saturday the competition started with all karetaka up to 11 years, but due to load shedding some divisions could only compete on Sunday.

Solis Ortus athletes who competed on Saturday were Isabel Esterhuizen and Ethan Brazelle in the 8-9 years division. Pieter Jordaan also started in the 10-11 year division on Saturday, but was shifted to Sunday, thanks to Eskom! Yet, all three still took bronze medals – well done guys and girl!

On Sunday, another four Solis Ortus chaps competed: Thirq du Preez and John-Henry du Toit in the 12-13 years division, PW Pentz in the 14-15 division and Drian du Toit in the 16-17 division. Competition was tough, but both Thirq and PW walked away with gold!

As always, Sensei Eugene and the whole of Solis Ortus are extremely proud of all our karateka!

Keep it up!

Oss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

JKA GAUTENG 15 & 16 March 2019

Solis Ortus students attended extra training on Friday afternoons to sharpen their karate skills and technique to prepare for JKA Gauteng. This tournament was held over two days and our youngsters who participated on the Friday were all too happy to miss the last day of school.

On Friday, Solis Ortus had a total of 145 entries!!! The day started off with our young white, yellow and orange belts. Some students competed for the first time, showing immense control over their emotions and their ability to shine was super nova bright. The Solis Ortus parents made sure that the karatekas were at the hall in time; everybody was relaxed and ready to do what they trained for. The whole Solis Ortus family sat together and helped to get everybody ready. It so great to see how we rally behind our students, it gives you a sense of pride and a sense of belonging. To all the students who participated on Friday – Well done guys. You were absolutely awesome!!!! We hope you continue working for what you want to achieve!!

On Saturday, Solis Ortus seniors were part of 36 entries. Competition was tough and the divisions were strong. Some of our Seniors medalled, others qualified for Nationals and a few obtained the experience needed to grow and better themselves.

A huge thank you to Annschen van Zyl (Mother of Brown belt Winette van Zyl), Andre Myburgh (Father of mini Adriaan Myburgh and orange belt Anica Myburgh) and Ruan van der Westhuizen (father to white belt Yanika van der Westhuizen and Yellow Juan van der Westhuizen) who assisted as Managers for the Solis Ortus team. Without your assistance it would be a near impossible mammoth task to get our students to the floor, keep them calm and collected. To Veronica Myburgh (main Coach), Beatrix Lotter-Moolman, Johan de Wit, Savannah Hauser and Winette Van Zyl, thank you for coaching the Solis Ortus Team, for being the familiar face next to the floor and offering the necessary motivational words when needed. Your time and assistance is appreciated beyond measure.

Now we start preparations for Nationals.

OneWayJKA, SolisOrtusAllTheWay!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oss

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

Gauteng Karate Federation Championship 2019

GKF Championships – Friday 8 February and Saturday 9 February 2019.

The program started at 11:00 on Friday morning and by 19:00 that evening we were all done.  The day was filled with katas from various styles and kumite divisions for 8 to 9 year olds, Veterans and Masters.  The whole day was very laid back, as the majority of the competitors were reserving their energy for Saturday.  Solis Ortus karateka sparkled like diamonds.  Some landed in huge divisions, but still did their absolute best.  Our students never faltered and did exactly as they practiced.

Saturday morning kicked-off at 9:00 with the hall abuzz with energy as male and female, young and old kareteka, geared up for the kumite day to make their mark as the best fighters in Gauteng.  The Children category (age 7 to 13)   inspired us with their tenacity and ability to overcome the “newness” of the compulsory protective gear they had to wear.  Our Solis Ortus students were on fire: they were fast and fierce, keeping the adrenaline coursing through the crowd.  It was an absolute pleasure cheering for Solis Ortus.

All and all, 15 Solis Ortus kareteka competed at the GKF Championships, taking 12 medals in total: 3 Bronze, 3 Silver, and 6 Gold!  What an awesome achievement for all who competed, even those that did not medal.  Any time spent on the tatami is invaluable, as each time provides a new experience.

SAs will take place in Cape Town on 15 and 16 March for all children, and on 1 and 2 March in Durban for all Seniors. We wish all those who qualified only the best.  Train hard and believe in your own abilities.  Be awesome! (OSS-some)

Articles, Competition, Events, Kata, Kumite

JKA Gauteng North Qualification 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Competition, Kata, Kumite, Results

Spartan and Lions Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by: Leazill Peenze & Heilethe Calitz

Articles, Club, Competition, Kumite

A champion in the making – Hannelore Constable

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

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

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

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

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

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

“All women were created equal,

then some learn

KARATE.”

Written by: Heilethe Calitz

 

 

Articles, Events, Kata, Visitors

Sensei Marina Valassopoulos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by: Heilethe Calitz