As a Solis Ortus tradition, we, as karatekas/instructors, endeavor to attend as many events as possible, especially pre-grading. We are highly motivated to grow, expanding our knowledge, thus enhancing our teaching abilities within our dojo. Five Solis Ortus Shodan karatekas, Lilian Mynhardt, Sandy Verreyne, Stephanie Kugel, Heilethe Calitz and Liam van Rooyen, led by the ever present and instructing on the day, Sensei Eugene Oosthuizen(5th Dan, Godan), did exactly that, braving the cold to assimilate knowledge.
On arrival at the Mandeville Sports Complex, Johannesburg, we realized that the butterflies in our stomachs were not as intense as on arrival to actual grading. Although pre-grading is mandatory to grade to the next level, we at Solis Ortus attend these to be on the cutting edge of what’s hot and what’s not.
The training was led by the ever so captivating, Sensei Wendy Wannenburg, Rokudan(6th Dan). Her imposing knowledge and execution of karate techniques are inspirational and mind-boggling at the same time. With the ability to demonstrate any kick, holding said kick while continuing to instruct.
We at Solis Ortus believes to prepare ourselves until it becomes second nature and can almost execute techniques with perfection. We also do understand that hard work and a lot of sweat will determine our fate the day of grading. As part of a dojo with great history and champs, we strive to be proud of our heritage and will always aim to do our best.
We also would like our Sensei Eugene to be proud of us after the long and hard hours of work he invested in us. As the saying goes: “Practice makes perfect”.
Pre-grading on Saturday only consisted out of the Shodan syllabus no matter to what black belt level you will grade. The reason for that was that the Shodan grading syllabus forms the basis of all gradings above and needs to be executed with the correct techniques, form, stances, effort and strength. Every category Kata, Kihon and Kumite need to be performed exceptionally.
At Solis Ortus we believe in preparing ourselves to the point of it becoming second nature, always striving to perfect techniques. We understand that hard work and effort will determine our fate on the day of grading. As part of a dojo with a great history, producing many champions, we are extremely proud of our heritage and will always aim to do our best, doing justice to our dojo and validating the heart and soul invested by our Sensei, Eugene. “Practise makes perfect.”
Pre-grading on Saturday consisted of Shodan syllabus, regardless of what black belt level you will grade to. Reason being that the Shodan grading syllabus forms the basis of all higher gradings and need to be executed with the correct techniques, ie. form, stances, effort and strength. Every category, Kata, Kihon and Kumite need to be performed exceptionally.
Sensei Johan le Grange, Rokudan (6th Dan) and the Chief Instructor of SA JKA, wants South Africa to be of the highest quality, with gradings being strict as these gradings produce future instructors.
Lilian Mynhardt and Liam van Rooyen, have six months to their proposed 2nd Dan (Nidan) grading, May 2018. The rest of us, Sandy Verreyne, Heilethe Calitz & Stephanie Kugel, propose to do said grading towards end 2018. To achieve our individual goals we realise that extensive and intensive training of all that we have learnt, old and new, will have to be undertaken.
By extending our knowledge and qualifications we aim to enhance the training given to all our students.
Remember:
• Be proud, but be humble
• Work on your strengths, but be aware of your weaknesses
• Stay motivated
• Stay focusses
• Be fit
• Enjoy
• Never give up
Good luck to everyone preparing for their Black belt grading.
“Don’t fear moving slowly forward. Fear standing still.” USSD Woodbridge
Written by: Heilethe Calitz