| 1966 |
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| The Sri Lanka branch of the International Kyokushin kai Organization was started by the branch chief and former Director, the late Sensei D. A. Weilgama, who was the first Japanese qualified karate instructor in Sri Lanka. He was appointed Branch Chief of Kyokushin kai Sri Lanka by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. Sensei Weilgama established the “Koren Kai” - the first Kyokushin Dojo at the Girl Guides Head Quarters, Colombo. Mr. Malcom Atapattu who was a Judo coach was appointed as the Assistant Instructor. Mr. Atapattu, being a Royalist, was a peer amongst such personalities as the former President H. E. J. R. Jayawardana. He is accredited of being the first Karate Instructor in Sri Lanka and has commenced his career in 1934. Whilst being appointed as the official Judo instructor at the YMCA, Mr. Atapattu, in addition to Karate, was an expert in Judo, Jujutsu and Aikido. The present Branch Chief and Chief Instructor of Kyokushin kai Sri Lanka – Shihan Nanda Siriwardana was introduced into the art of Karate by Mr. Malcom Atapattu. He was also a student of Sensei D. A. Weilgama. |
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| 1969 |
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| The Kyokushin kai Organization was selected to the Board of control for Karate in Sri Lanka. |
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| 1975 |
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| The first world tournament was held on the 1st and 2nd of November at the Metropolitan Hall of Tokyo, Japan. Sensei D. A. Weilgama together with T. N. Sisiwardana, Susantha Amarasinghe. Ananda Abeynayake and D. Karunathilaka represented Sri Lanka in this tournament. Two photographs of T. N. Siriwardana were featured in the souvenir published after the tournament. |
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| 1978 |
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The first Kyokushinkai Karate tournament was held under the auspicious of Sensei D. A. Weilgama. Together with Sensei D. A. Weilgama, T. N. Siriwardana, Susantha Amarasingha, D. G. Kuruppu and Upali Balasooriya represented Sri Lanka at the All Indian Karate Tournament.
An open challenge put forward by Kung –Fu Organization of Nepal was accepted by T. N. Siriwardana who emerged victorious. At this tournament T. N. Siriwardana and Gamini Kuruppu gave a demonstration on self defense. |
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| 1979 |
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| The second World Open Karate Tournament was held at the Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Sri Lanka was amongst 69 countries which participated at this tournament and was represented by Sensei D. A. Weilgama with T. N. Siriwardana and D. N. Karunathilake. |
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| 1980 |
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| Sensei. T. N. Siriwardana was appointed as the new branch chief of the Sri Lanka Branch of the International Kyokushin kai Organization. Dr. Sarath Senevirathna was appointed as the President and Gamini Kuruppu was appointed as the official assistant Chief Instructor. The Sri Lanka Kyokushin kai Organization was appointed as the official organization for Karate training to the Sri Lanka Army. |
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| 1981 |
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Sensei T. N. Siriwardana underwent a special training under Shihan Peter Chong of Singapore.
The first South East Asian open tournament was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. At this tournament Sri Lanka was presented by T. N. Siriwardana as a judge, Gamini Kuruppu and Janaka Pussala as participants. Gamini Kuruppu was the team leader.
The second Kyokushin kai tournament was held at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall in Colombo.
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| 1983 |
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Mr. Munidasa Gunasingha, the Managing Director of Amila Photo Suppliers was appointed as the President of the organization, following Dr. Sarath Senevirathna who left the Island.
The first Sri Lanka Open Karate tournament was held at the Sri Lanka Army Gymnasium at Panagoda. The judges for the tournament were Shihan Peter Chong from Singapore, Shiojo Chin From Malaysia, Sensei J. B. Sujoto from Indonesia, Dadi Balsara from India, Sensei Akioshi Matsui and Sensei Toru Hirata from Japan.
The Chief Guest at this tournament was his excellency the President J. R. Jayawardana.
At this tournament all the places were secured by the members of the Kyokushin kai Organization. First place went to Gemunu Kuruppu, the second place went to Palitha Galappaththi and the third place went to Upali Balasooriya. After this tournament Sosai Oyama along with the other foreign experts conducted an out door coaching camp at the Mahameuna Uyana at Anuradhapura. This camp was organized by Mr, Piyaratna Muthukumarana.
Sosai Oyama honored Sri Lanka by presenting the President J. R. Jayawardana with a valuable book on Karate and an honorary 4th Dan Black Belt.
On this occasion he also presented the Hon. Prime – Minister R. Premadasa with a book on Karate and an honorary 3rd Dan Black Belt.
Toru Hirata of the Japanese Consignment remained in Sri Lanka for a period of 4 months to give a special training to the members of the Sri Lanka Kyokushin kai Organization
Sensei T. N. Siriwardana was promoted to 2nd Dan Black Belt by Sosai Oyama. |
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| 1984 |
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The third World Open Karate Tournament was held at the Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan.. Sri Lanka was represented by Sensei T. N. Siriwardana along with Gemunu Kuruppu, Palitha Galapaththi and Upali Balasooriya.
A special message of greeting was sent by H. E. the President J. R. Jayawardana fro this tournament.
Gemunu Kuruppu brought credit to Sri Lanka by putting a brave fight against the famous Black American Willie Williams who was at this tournament. Sosai Oyama gave Sensei T. N. Siriwardana of Sri Lanka a gold plated award to be presented to H. E. the President J. R. Jayawardana. The presentation was made by Sensei T. N. Siriwardana and the President of the organization Mr. Munidasa Gunasinghe at the residence of H. E. the President J. R. Jayawardana, Ward Place, Colombo 07.
Sensei T. N. Siriwardana underwent three months training at the International Kyokushin kai Head Quarters in Tokyo, Japan. While staying in Japan, he was given a special residential training called Uchideshi under the supervision of Sosai Oyama and Shihan Royama.
The third South Asian Tournament was held in Jakarta. Indonesia. Sri Lanka was represented by Mr. Munidasa Gunasinghe, President of the organization, Sensei T. N. Siriwardana as a Judge and Susil Perera as a participant.
Former Director and the Chief Instructor Sensei D. A .Weilgama passed away. As a mark of respect for the late Sensei D. A. Weilgama, a letter of appreciation was published in the news papers and an alms giving was held. |
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| 1985 |
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| The organization held many exhibitions in various parts of the island. |
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| 1986 |
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| The fourth Asian Open Tournament which was to be held at the Army Gymnasium at Panagoda was cancelled due to the situation that prevailed in the country. A delegation comprising of Sensei T. N. Siriwardana and Ajith Gunathilaka flew to the Asian Head Quarters at Singapore and having explained the difficulties in holding the tournament in Sri Lanka, handed over the organizing of the tournament to the Kyokushin kai Branch in Nepal. |
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| 1987 |
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The fourth World Open Tournament was held at the Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Sri Lanka was represented by Sensei T. N. Siriwardana along with Ajith Gunathilaka, K. W. Shantha and Srilal Abeykoon. Ajith Gunathilaka brought credit to Sri Lanka by winning several fights.
For this tournament H. E. the President J. R. Jayawardana sent his personal greetings.
Nandasena Maligaspe and Channa Maligaspe extended an invitation to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Anura Bandaranayake to be the Chief Guest at the exhibition held at Ananda College. Colombo
The International Kyokushin kai Head Quarters sent a special award to H. E. the President J. R. Jayawardana.
The fourth Sri Lanka Kyokushin kai Tournament was held on the 8th of October at the National Youth Center, Maharagama In spite of the disturbances in the country, there was a large gathering for the tournament which ended very successfully.
The first place went to Ajith Gunathilaka, the second place to Ajith Kumara and the third place to Nihal Balasuriya. Highlights of the tournament were telecast on Rupavahini as a news item.
Ajith Gunathilaka who won the first place represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth open Karate Tournament held in Sydney, Australia. Sensei T. N. siriwardana officiated as a judge at this tournament. |
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| 1988 |
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The fifth Kyokushin kai Tournament was held on the 5th of May at the National Youth Center, Maharagama. The Chief Guests were the former Minister of Education Mr. Lalith Athulathmudali and the Minister of Environment and Policy Planning Dr. Wimal Wickramasinghe. The first place went to Ajith Gunathilaka. The second place went to Shantha Kongahage and the third place to C. P. Hettiarachchi.
The fourth Asian Tournament was held at the Nakajima Stadium at Sapporo, Japan. Sri Lanka was represented by Ajith Gunathilaka, Shantha Kongahage, Chandana Jayakody and Wijaya Bandara. Ajith Gunathilaka was placed 8th in this tournament and brought credit to Sri Lanka. He was awarded presents and certificates by Sosai Oyama.
The fourth Asian Tournament was held at the Nakajima Stadium at Sapporo, Japan. Sri Lanka was represented by Ajith Gunathilaka, Shantha Kongahage, Chandana Jayakody and Wijaya Bandara. Ajith Gunathilaka was placed 8th in this tournament and brought credit to Sri Lanka. He was awarded presents and certificates by Sosai Oyama.
Sri Lanka was greatly honored when the organization of the 5th Asian Karate Tournament was entrusted to Sensei T. N. Siriwardana by Sosai Oyama. Sosai presented Sri Lanka with a donation of Rs. 100,000 for the construction of a new training hall.
In the month of December a training program for Kyokushin kai Instructors was held in Colombo and certificates were awarded to all the participants by the advisor Dr. Wimal Wickramasinghe. |
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| 1991 |
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| The 5th World Open Tournament was held in Tokyo. Japan. Sri Lanka was represented by Ajith Gunathilaka and Rohan Perera. Ajith Gunathilaka gave a very good performance by winning several fights. |
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| 1992 |
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Ajith Gunathilake and Rohan Perera remained in Japan after the tournament for further training. Within one month of their training they received the 2nd Dan Black Belt.
Erangi Batugahage was the first lady to be awarded the Black Belt by the Kyokushin kai Organisation of Sri Lanka. She was also a brilliant student of Museaus College. Colombo 07.
Erangi Batugahage was the first lady to be awarded the Black Belt by the Kyokushin kai Organisation of Sri Lanka. She was also a brilliant student of Museaus College. Colombo 07.
On the Invitation extended by Sensei T. N. Siriwardana, Sosai Oyama also participated at this tournament.
Mr. Ananda Abeynayke was appointed as new President of the Sri Lanka Kyokushin kai Karate Organisation.
The 5th Kyokushin kai Karate Tournament organised by Sensei T. N. Sisiwardana was held in July 1992. The members including the Secretary of the organization helped to make it a success. Nine Asian countries participated at the tournament. Sri Lanka was represented by W. K. Shantha, Oswald Karunarathna, Lalith Egodawala, and Lakmal Fonseka. Lakmal Fonseka became runner up of the tourmanet. Sosai Oyama arrived from Japan for this tournament. The Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka and Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs participated as special guests. It was a special occasion written in golden letters in the history of Karate in Sri Lanka. |
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| 1993 |
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| Numerous outdoor training camps, tournaments and exhibitions were held in Colombo during the year. |
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| 1994 |
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The 6th Asian Karate Tournament was held in Nepal. Oswald Karunarathne and Sanjeewa Jayathilake represented Sri Lanka. Mr .Lasantha Kalyanarathna of 505 Motors was the team Manager.
The world famous, greatest teacher Sosai Oyama passed away on the 26th of April. It was a great loss to the whole Karate world. This news was broadcasted by the state media as a special news item. Articles appeared on every leading newspaper as a tribute to this exceptional world figure. |
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| 1995 |
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8th Kyokushin Karate Tournament was held on the 26th of May 1995. The Chief Guest at the prize giving was the Hon. Lakshman Senevirathne – Member of Parliament. The first place was awarded to Madhawa Atapattu while second place went to T. Ratiyala and the third place went to Ganga Kumara respectively.
We are pleased to record the achievement of Shihan Nanda Siriwardana who participated in the Branch Chief Training Program as well as the Referees and Judges seminar held in Singapore during the year. The program was conducted by Kancho Matsui, Shihan Peter Chong and Shihan Bobby Lowe. The seminar was well represented by numerous representatives from all over the world.
We are also pleased to record the achievement of Ajith Gunathilaka who represented the country at the 6th World Open Karate Tournament which was held in Tokyo, Japan. During the tournament, he gave a good performance of himself and won two of his bouts. The Secretary of the Kyokushin kai Organisation, Mr. Kariyawasam and Mr. P. Muthukumarana accompanied the Branch Chief Shihan Siriwardana on the tour. Shihan Siriwardana was a judge at this tournament |
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| 1996 |
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In 1996 the North Central Open tournament was held in the City of Anuradhapura. The winner of this tournament was Ganga Kumara while the second and third places went to T. Ratiyala and Jayampathi Chandrasiri respectively. The Chief Judge at this tournament was Shihan T. Nanda Siriwardana and the other judges were from Colombo. This was organized by Mr. P. Muthukumarana.
A grand exhibition was held at Nawa Rangahala Hall in aid of a Maternity Hospital. Here too, a large and appreciative gathering was present.
The 9th Kyokushin kai Tournament was held on the 28th of September at the Youth Center Maharagama. The first place was won by Ganga Kumara. The second and third places were won by Oswald Karunarathna and Jayampathi Chandrasiri respectively
The 7th Asian Tournament was held on 7th October in India and Ganga Kumara, Oswald Karunarathna and Navin Perera represented Sri Lanka.
Ganga Kumara performed well and came within the best eight in the tournament. |
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| 1997 |
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The President Mr. Ananda Abeynayake vacated from his post and Mr. Nalin De Fonseka was appointed as the new President of the Sri Lanka Kyokushin kai Karate Organisation.
At the 3rd year commemoration of Sosai Oyama, a weight category tournament was organized in Japan. Only selected countries were invited to take part and Gemunu Kuruppu represented Sri Lanka. Shihan Nanda Siriwardana participated as a judge.
The first karate instructor of Sri Lanka and the first karate instructor of Shihan T. N. Siriwardana, Mr, Malcom Atapattu passed away. We owe him very much for his dedication in promoting martial arts in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka was invited for the Australian National Tournament but was unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances.
The 10th annual Kyokushin kai Karate Tournament was held under the distinguished patronage of Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, Mister of Sports, the President and the Director of the organization. Mr. Hemasiri Fernando, the Hon. President of the Olympic Committee also graced the occasion. At this competition, Jayampathi Chandrasiri was adjudged the winner and the runner up was T. Ganga Kumara while Asanka Fernando was placed third. |
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| 1998 |
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Many sports functions and festivals were held in France to celebrate her victory in the World Cup final – 1998. One of the prominent functions to celebrate the victory was the staging of all forms of Martial Arts organized by International Kyokushin Organisation. The venue was Paris. All the outstanding exponents of Martial Arts took part in this display. Shihan Nanda Siriwardana who is the Director of Kyokushin form of Martial Art in Sri Lanka was invited to participate. He was accompanied by Mr. Gemunu Kuruppu, who represented the Asian Region.
Shihan Nanda Siriwardana went to Australia and underwent a hard training course with Shihan Cameron Quinn.
Shihan Nanda Siriwardana was invited to officiate in the American Championship Tournament.
The organization was invited to participate in the Pakistan Championship Tournament. Shihan Nanda Siriwardana and his students T. Ganga Kumara, Jayampathi Chandrasiri were due to participate. This tournament was subsequently cancelled due to civil unrest in Pakistan.
The organization was invited to participate in the Pakistan Championship Tournament. Shihan Nanda Siriwardana and his students T. Ganga Kumara, Jayampathi Chandrasiri were due to participate. This tournament was subsequently cancelled due to civil unrest in Pakistan. |
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| 1999 |
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On the 25th of June 1999 for the first time in Sri Lankan History, a fully equipped Karate Gymnasium was opened at Thimbirigasyaya by Shihan Nanda Siriwardana with the objective of strengthening the presence of Kyokushin Karate within the Island.
It was decided to hold the 12th Kyokushin Tournament at Royal College Hall, Nawarangahala, Colombo on the 24th of September 1999.
The winners of this tournament were T. Ganga Kumara – 1st place, Jayampathi Chandrasiri – 2nd place, Asanka Fernando - 3rd place and Shan Karawita – 4th place.
Shihan Nanda Siriwardana and two participants were invited to take part in the 7th World Open Karate Tournament which was held in Tokyo, Japan, on the 5th of November 1999.
T, Ganga Kumara and Jayampathi Chandrasiri were selected to take part in the 7th World Open Tournament but due to ruling given against the entire South East Asia region by the Foreign Ministry of Japan, they were unable to take part. As a result, only Shihan Nanda Siriwardana participated as a judge at this tournament.
Asanka Fernando and Shan Karawita took part in the 8th Asian Open Tournament held in the Philippines in October and both participants brought credit to our motherland by putting a commendable display. |
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| 2000 |
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The organization was invited to take part in the Mini World Russian Tournament in May. Shihan Nanda Siriwardana was accompanied by Sanjeewa Jayathilake who took part in the Men’s Tournament and Milshani Perera who took part in the Women’s Tournament. Milshani Perera brought credit to Sri Lanka by being placed 2nd in the Women’s Middle Weight Category and won a cash price of US$ 1,000. Participants from European, Middle Eastern, African, American - both Northern and Southern countries took part in this event.
Shihan Peter Chong, on a special invitation made by Shihan Nanda Siriwardana visited Sri Lanka in December. A special training session was carried out at the main dojo for both Seniors and Juniors. |
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| 2001 |
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A Special Training Camp was carried out in Nuwara Eliya in February. A large number of participants took part and the team resided at the Grand Hotel – Nuwara Eliya for 2 days. Participants were able to gain valuable experience from this training camp and it was decided to hold such training sessions on an annual basis. The Chief Organiser of the camp was Mr. Navin Perera.
The 2nd Weight Category Tournament and 3rd World Open Women’s Tournament was held in Osaka, Japan on the 9th and 10th of June. Oswald Karunarathna took part in the Men’s heavy weight category. Oswald fought bravely with a Japanese 2nd Dan Black Belter during his qualifying rounds.
The winners of this tournament were Madhawa Attapattu- 1st place, G.Aminda.D.Perem- 2"d place and Ananda Rajakaruna- 3rd place
Shihan Peter Chong visited Sri Lanka again in October and gave a special training at the main dojo for both juniors and seniors. |
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| 2002 |
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In April Shihan Nanda Siriwardana and two contestants took part in the 9th Asian Tournament held in Fukuoka, Japan on 19th of April 2002. Madawa Attapattu and Aminda Perera were selected for this tournament and miss Dineshani Hettiarachchi was selected for the women's Asian tournament. After the Asian tournament Shihan Nanda Siriwardana participated in a special training camp conducted by Kancho Shokei Matsui, Shihan Royama, Shihan Yuso Goda, Shihan Peter Chong and Shihan Gorai at mount Hiko, Fukuoka.
Shihan Nanda Siriwardana completed this training session successfully. After this training camp Shihan Nanda Siriwardana attended the 5th dan test conducte1st place - Jude Pererad under a special panel of judges headed by Kancho Shokei Matsui.
Shihan Nanda Siriwardana completed this grading test successfully. In July this year Shihan Nanda Siriwardana was promoted to the 5th dan Black belt Nanda Siriwardana is the 1st person in Sri Lanka to receive such a higher dan in Kyokushin style and in Kyokushin history.
It has been decided to hold the 2nd under 10, 12, and 15 tournament on the 2nd of October 2002 at the Jayasinghe Memorial hall, Dehiwala.
It has been decided to hold the 12th Kyokushin Kai Kan tournament on the 24th of November 2002 at the main kyokushin gymnasium.
Winners of the tournament were
1st place - Jude Perera
2nd place -Vijaya Prakrama
3rd place - Suranga Perera
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| 2003 |
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Shihan Nanda Siriwardana gave a special demonstration to mark his receiving of the 5th Dan Black Belt. (Master Degree), at the Sasakawa Hall Colombo.
The chief guest was Mr. Yasuda - the second secretary of the embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka. The 5th Dan Bleck Belt was presented by him.
The chief guest was Mr. Yasuda - the second secretary of the embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka. The 5th Dan Bleck Belt was presented by him.
After these items a special Japanese film of late Sosai Oyama was shown.
The show was highly successful.
The 15th Kyokushin tournament was held in headquarters.
1st place - Aminda Perera
2nd place - Jude Perera
3rd place - Suranga Perera
The 8th world tournament was held in Japan. Sri Lanka was represented by Shihan T. Nanda Siriwardana as the coach and branch chief. Navin De Perera and Madava Attapattu as participants. Among those two Navin De Perera gave good performances. |
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| 2004 |
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Sri Lanka was invited for the 3rd liberation tournament held in Kuwait on 19th and 20 th of Feb. Shihan Nanda Siriwardana and students, Aminda Perera and Anthony Perera took part.
Sri Lanka was invited for the 8th Asian Tournament, Barly, Indonesia, November.
Shihan Nanda Siriwardana and students, Jude Perera, Harsha took part.
The 10th Asian Open karate tournament was held in Barly, Indonesia on 27th November 2004. Sri Lanka was represented by Shihan T.N. Sririwardana along with Jude Perera and Wijaya Parakrama. |
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| 2005 |
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Outdoor training at Madurwa.
Many senior students and juniors took part in this event. Sensei Navin Perera was the chief organiser of the event.
Shihan Nanda Siriwardana went to India for a special Yoga course at Prof. Iyengar Institute. |
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| 2006 |
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There was an out door training at Mt.Lavinia beach.
Many students took part in this event. After this, there was a special seminar on food/diet for sports by Prof.T.G.Siriwrdena. |
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| 2007 |
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| The 9th World Open Karate tournament was held on 16th, 17th and 18th November in Tokyo Japan. Sri Lanka was represented by Shihan T. N Siriwardsana alonge with Pasindu Makaranda. |
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| 2008 |
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| The 11th Asia Full contact Championship 2008 was held at Jurong East sports Hall in Singapore on 25th Octomber 2008. Sri Lanka was represented by Shihan T. N. Sriwardana along with Yasitha Sakmal Kariyawasam, dinoosh de Livera and Lakmal Cooray. |
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| 2009 |
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| The 15th Kyokushin Tournement was held on 20th September 2009 at the S. De. S. Jayasinge Hall, Dehiwala. The First place was awarded to Nuwan Darsana, while the second place went to Vismika Dahanayake and the third place went to wijaya Parakrama respectively. |
