By Ravi Nagahawatte
Thirty eight-year old Ashoka Peiris is in possession of a martial art which brings into use one's bodily strengths as well as love and compassion. The professional photographer, who commenced his first lessons in this field with a style named karate, is today a transformed individual having taken up Shoringi Kempo. This art, which reveals the "soft" side of martial arts, virtually took the macho image out of Peiris and has made him a person who does not even dream of showing off that he knows to fight.

Peiris, who deviated from the "hard" aspect of martial arts training, is much into using pressure points in a body to overcome an opponent rather than use heavy blows. He would do nothing more than just rotate his wrist to undo a bone crunching grip, quickly reducing the assailant to a helpless individual. And what's fascinating in this style is that it includes a series of first aid treatment - Seho - apart from the two other main aspects of the art which is blocking and punching (Goho) along with gripping, throwing and undoing (Juho).

Like all other individuals, Ashoka had his own reasons for taking up martial arts. As in his case, the whole idea behind learning self defence was to help him in his stand in not giving into people who wanted to dominate society to their liking. However, today, he sees developing one's self in all aspects the best way to striking an opponent and not by causing physical harm. "This is enough for your enemy to have a sick mind," reflected Ashoka.

This ancient art, with a history of over two thousand and five hundred years, had originated in India. It had been then known as 'Kalari' and came under a main category of arts called Vajira Mushti. It is said that a Japanese martial arts enthusiast, Kaiso Doshinso, had learned that art in India and had been instrumental in introducing it to the citizens of his own country.

In an era where a spiritual awakening is very much visible in society, Peiris too practised forms of meditation in a temple close by to his residence. It was these regular visits to the temple which gave him the opportunity to meet Sensei Kenji Yamada - a Japanese martial artist and businessman who was residing close to the temple. "I became a close associate of his since he was staying next door to the temple which I was visiting regularly. We even went on trips together and on one occasion I saw him gain control over a drunkard who was harassing him. I was simply amazed by how he did it with a simple touch. That was when I asked him to teach me this art," reminisced Ashoka. Not only did Peiris receive training, but also the representation of the art in Sri Lanka - the representation, however, had been granted to him after a successful coaching stint in Japan under a Sensei named Arai.

ASHOKA PEIRIS - delving into the softer side of martial arts. (PICTURE BY KAMAL WANNIARACHCHI)

Today, apart from his official duties as a photographer, he teaches this martial art to those who are interested and also offers his services to a non-governmental organisation as an adviser. Ashoka is presently married and a proud father of a one and a half-year old son. But what's fascinating about his marriage is that his wife, Shamalee Rajakaruna, is also into martial arts. According to Ashoka, his wife has studied the art of Tai Chi and is the Secretary of the Canadian Tai Chi Association in Sri Lanka.

Life has been a 'song' for Ashoka having had all his ambitions fulfilled, and looking back into this great art of Sorenji Kempo, he has this to say, "If someone wants to learn an art which does not destroy his opponent, but gives life, its Sorenji Kempo."