About

MAIN MEMBER

Dr. (hc) Saman Kapila Wijenayake

World Champion

Dr. (hc) Saman Kapila Wijenayake (Saman K. Wijenayake) was born in February  on the 27 in 1977, in Hettipola City Matale in Sri Lanka. He established Seishin Karate School & Seishin Mixed Martial Arts Club UAE. Saman K. Wijenayake started his carrier in Sports Martial Arts in March 1988. He Practiced Kyokushin Karate. Further he improved his style with Ashihara Karate (NIKO) for 4 years from 1994 under Sensei D. C. M. Karunathilake.

Dr. (hc) Saman Kapila Wijenayake, PhD of martial arts science form Washington University

Then he was appointed as a Branch Chief and Chief instructor from  2003 to 2008 for Ashihara Karate (NIKO) in Italy. Saman won the Kick Boxing Championship in Europe in 2004 under the weight category of 70kg which was held in Belgium. He learned Mumonkai Budo Karate in France from the Founder Kaicho Togashi Yoshimoto with 2008 Uchi-deshi (3 Month in Japan) and achieved the 3rd DAN Black belt level. Saman went to Japan in 2010 and reached the 4th DAN Black belt in “50 men Kumite” and then was appointed as an Asian Leader of Mumonkai Budo Karate for South Asian Region in 2009. In addition to that he was appointed as the Branch Chief instructor for Sri Lanka, Dubai and Italy for the style of Toshin Kaikan Karate and Toshin Kickboxing. He learned Yoga in India and achieved the level of  Yoga Instructor in 2008.
He was appointed as International Japan Karate Organization Josui Kai East and South Asian Chief and  the Chief Instructor in 2012.

Saman won the 42 All Japan Budo Karate Championship & World Championship Mumonkai MMA in 2012 under the weight category of 70kg which was held in Japan. He was appointed  as International Kyonewaza Federation (Submission Techniques) group leader and Sri Lanka chief instructor in 2014.

Seishin Budo Karate

Sensin Bodo Karate is a modern full contact street karate developed from Kyokushin karate by Saman K with influences from various martial arts including Muay Thai, Pankration, and Jujutsu with an emphasis on Sabaki, using footwork and techniques to turn an opponent’s power and momentum against them and to reposition oneself to the opponent’s “blind” spot. The style is focused on practical application in a real fight including multiple attackers.

GRADING

While popular culture misinterprets the attainment of a Black Belt as the ultimate goal in martial arts, the study of Ashihara Karate should be thought of as a lifetime pursuit of personal well-being and discovery. Every stage of a student’s life brings a different appreciation for Seishin Budo Karate, thus making it a relevant lifetime endeavor. Grading is an optional evaluation process to assess a participant’s readiness for the next phase of practice.
To be eligible for Grading, applicants must fulfill the relevant pre-requsites that among others, include a minimum practice period, membership validity, and technical competency in the syllabus.

When is Grading?

Typically 3 times a year, in late March, July and November.

What is Assessed in Grading?

​*Sparring component is assessed from Intermediate level onwards

> Basics
> Movement
​> Form & Application> Impact
> Fight Control & *Sparring
​> Personal Conduct

Following a successful attempt at Grading, a participant will be awarded the proceeding grade (kyu) or degree (dan) with the corresponding belt color or stripe.
All grades and degrees (except Junior Black Belt) are awarded by NIKO, the world governing body for Seishin Budo Karate.

Belt Level Guidelines for Promotion Exams (Instructor Reference)

White Belt (No Rank):
Represents a blank slate, full of potential. Students should practice speaking clearly and confidently. This builds the foundation for strong expression and technique.
Instructor Notes: Evaluate voice projection, spirit, and willingness to learn basics.

Purple Belt (10th & 9th Kyu):
A color of virtue, symbolizing manners and respect. Focus on proper greetings and etiquette. These habits support both technique and character.
Instructor Notes: Check manners, respectful behavior, and proper greetings.

Blue Belt (8th & 7th Kyu):
Represents the vast ocean — calm yet powerful. Emphasize defensive skills and self-control. Stay composed and mindful in training and evaluation.
Instructor Notes: Observe defensive posture, stability, and ability to remain calm.

 

Yellow Belt (6th & 5th Kyu):
Symbolizes sunlight and leadership. Begin setting an example for others. Pay close attention to posture and movement consistency.
Instructor Notes: Assess balance, consistent footwork, and leadership behavior.

Green Belt (4th & 3rd Kyu):
The color of growth and nature. Start learning offensive techniques while staying rooted in basics. Sharpen your strengths and maintain balance.
Instructor Notes: Evaluate offensive techniques rooted in fundamentals and control.

Brown Belt (2nd & 1st Kyu):
Represents solid earth and foundation. Lead others with confidence and clarity. Demonstrate complete, well-grounded technique in all areas.
Instructor Notes: Check command of kihon, ability to lead, and comprehensive technical skill.

Seishin Budo Karate

black belt represents the culmination of years of dedicated training and the attainment of a high level of skill and understanding in the martial art. It signifies not just technical proficiency but also a deep commitment to the principles and philosophy of Seishin Budo. Black belts are expected to embody self-discipline, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility

Progression from here onwards are referred to as ‘levels’ (dan).

Here training focuses on the in-depth study of Ashihara Karate, covering advanced concepts and techniques, while being appointed with teaching responsibilities to further solidify the accumulated knowledge.
Unlike in the grade stages however, Black Belt levels in Ashihara Karate are not conferred to mark the completion of a training phase.
Rather, NIKO typically award these degrees as leadership appointments within the organisation.
Therefore, a practitioner’s mastery of Ashihara Karate is not marked by the number of stripes he has on the belt, but rather by their own demonstration of skill, and attitude!

 

 Above: Black Belts with stripes, denoting degrees in Ashihara Karate,  from 1st dan to 4th dan

 The following is referenced from the June 2000 newsletter by Kancho (organisation chief), regarding NIKO’s policy of avoiding the over-inflation of black belt degrees:

1st – 2nd dan
Newly conferred Black Belts participants that include non-position holders and new Instructors typically hold these degrees.
They are formally addressed as senpai or “senior”.

3rd – 4th dan
Regarded as high-position holders within the organisation and are generally formally addressed with the honorific tile of sensei.
The honorific title of shihan or ‘master teacher’ is not tied to any degrees and is only appointed by the NIKO Chief himself.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai, sometimes referred to as Thai boxing, is a combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as the “art of eight limbs”, as it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins.
The International Federation of Muaythai Associations, or IFMA, called the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur until 27 July 2019, is the sole recognized sport governing body of amateur and professional Muay Thai and Muay boran consisting of 140 member countries worldwide with 5 continental federations after unification of International Federation of Muaythai Amateur and World Muaythai Council. IFMA is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International World Games Association (IWGA), and Trim and Fitness International Sport for All Association (TAFISA). Muaythai has been included in many official sport programs such as the World Games, World Combat Games, Arafura Games, TAFISA Games, SEA Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Asian Beach Games, Demonstration Sport in the Asian Games.