Gamini Rupasinghe’s advice:‘Use Karate as a way of discipline’

Srian Obeyesekere

KARATE: Gamini Rupasinghe, one of Sri Lanka’s pioneer karatekas, who has been in the field for the last 45 years, has used his vast knowledge in the field to modifying combat patterns known as katas to better use.

60-year-old Rupasinghe, a 6th Dan Black Belt holder and chief instructor of the Garu Karate School affiliated to the Sports Ministry controlled body, said that he had modified techniques of kicking, punching and blocking to better use.

“I have taken basic patterns of fighting techniques of the Japanese master Ginchin Gunakoshi and developed a formula of my own where I have been successfully able to evolve these into two or three fold attacks and counter attacks which inculcates a strong body balance,” explained Rupasinghe who is known for his contribution in the field in coaching many pupils from the Armed Forces.

Rupasinghe said that what he had done was something in the footsteps of Bruce Lee who had studied kung-fu, judo and karate and evolved his own style called jutekindo. “Garu karate is a creation of my own,” said Rupasinghe who has a large number of students in Colombo and the outstations.

From his longstanding experience the word of advice that Rupasinghe has to offer to young aspiring karatekas is always to observe it as a way of discipline.

“Beginners should be careful about body contact because it could be injurious health-wise. Combatants need to always avoid hurting the other. Importantly, karate means `empty hands’ and therefore weapons should not be used when practising the art,” advised Rupasinghe who emphasised that there is nothing called secret in karate.

“It is all about sheer practice and developing your katas,” he added.

Rupasinghe, who is now based in Panadura, will be opening a branch in Panadura shortly and those interested in making use of his knowledge could contact him on 0777-287859.