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| Sunday, 4 August 2002 |
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by Srian Obeyesekere
Today, the scenario has changed. If Lee's generation has given way to Hong Kong's Jackie Chang in catering to the cinema, two of the foremost countries where the martial arts was evolved - Japan and China are stressing the need to observe the arts more as a way of living than combat. Embraced by almost every country, the Chinese and Japanese masters, said to have developed the arts into what it is today shy away from its commercial uses and believe the art should not be distorted. They believe it is not a way of violence but a way to bettering one's self; a way discipline and character building. A way to tranquillity in fact. At the forefront of this new social order in Sri Lanka is a karateka named H.T. Douglas Peiris from Moratuwa, who drives home the message that this ancient art which originated from Buddhist monks in Okinawa is essentially a way of disciplining one's self. A way to tranquillity.
Said Peiris, "These undergrads have been influenced by its good effects and I'm happy to say that it should help inculcate discipline among undergrads. He said most karatekas had got the wrong concept adding, " I am an advocate of the Japanese system for local competitions where competitors are not allowed to harm each other where the criteria of judging should be based on knowledge and stamina.
Ruwan Thanuja Thotawatte (23), "It has helped in making us understand values through its disciplines". Peiris has an islandwide following with some 2000 strong students at his main dojo where not only the young but even elders call over to discover the good effects of what he calls `breathing exercises' for better health. It has helped cure patients stricken with various illnesses and Peiris says he has cured even diabetics. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
The martial arts rage first struck Sri Lanka some three decades ago
with the advent of box office sensation Bruce Lee who took the film world
by storm. That was when every starry eyed teenager strived to ape their
hero. To be able to fight was the thing.
Peiris, a 3rd dan black belt holder, who trained in Japan, has set up
what is called the International Federation of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do
Organisation Josuikai Sri Lanka Branch and taken the message of
disciplining one's self to undergrads at the Moratuwa University. Over 200
undergrads, influenced by it, have set up the `Karate Club' and Peiris
believes that it should help eradicate student unrest in universities,
with more showing interest in the near future.
This is what some undergrads had to say. A.P. Dinusha Prabath (25) a
final year BSC Engineering student, " It has helped to develop
student ability as much as our spiritual and physical lives."
