This year, the Open Day exceeded all expectations and left many people with goose bumps whilst
others felt inspirational about the way Solis Ortus projects karate as a life sport but also as a lifestyle.
It is amazing to see how our parents’ family values blend in with the way we teach karate to our
students. As a responsible parent we teach our kids to respond to their ability which defines
responsibility; to be respectful to yourself and others, to always tell the truth and be sincere in
everything, to always do things right, put effort in what you do, and to have self-control. All these
principles form the basis in all human beings which defines their character, a person's essential
qualities. That is the 5 basic principles in life, but also the 5 basic principles in karate. How awesome
is that? You train your brain and get a full body conditioning session with it.
Solis Ortus strives to be the extension from home in a sporty environment.
We started the Open Day with our senior class and Black belts to show the public the growth,
passion and ethics of karate. The hall echoed with the traditional foot stamping and clap ritual and
the roar of “one way JKA, JKA one way”. A performance of a kata presented a plethora of close
combat techniques, which required an advanced understanding of body dynamics to perform their
small movements effectively. The Black belts concluded with kumite, free fighting. The children
applaud verbally “wow, that’s so cool”; “oooh….awesome.”
The minis, all dressed up in their little karate suits (Gi) looked so proud and ready for the day. This
moment was so precious and captured in everyone’s heart when the Black belts walked into the
dojo, hand-in- hand, each with a mini karateka (3-5 years of age). To envision it in your mind gives
you goose bumps. They bravely went through an obstacle course to demonstrate how important
fundamental skills are for karate. With a huge bow to their sensei, they left the dojo with memories
of immaculate promise to become whatever their minds perceived them to be.
The next group worked in belt levels to show the growth between the levels and what fundamental
skills we teach in the dojo to improve balance, core, fast feet, hands, basics and the combination
thereof to eventually perform the 3K’s (Kata, Kihon and Kumite) in karate.
Amongst the group, many of our karatekas achieved Tshwane, Gauteng and National colours. Some
of them also received their Protea colours and had the opportunity to travel overseas. Solis Ortus is
immensely proud of each and every karateka in the dojo and enjoys teaching them not only to be a
good sportsman, but to be an exceptional human being; to become a leader and to excel in their
school work or workplace; to rise above all circumstances; and to be the best they can be.
Open day was a huge success. Everyone who contributed did it with pride and honour. What a
privilege to be part of this incredible karate dojo.

Written by: Heilethe Calitz