Shihan Jeewantha Kariyawasam

Representative of DMASS in Sri Lanka

As the representative of DMASS in Sri Lanka, Shihan Jeewantha Kariyawasam is a distinguished martial artist with a lifelong dedication to Traditional Karate. He established the Neko Do Goju Karate System and founded the International Neko Do Goju Karate Association (INGKA), which adheres to a traditional full-contact Kakutogi style combining the techniques and philosophies of Goju Ryu. This comprehensive approach also incorporates Military Self Defence and Okinawa Kobudo. Neko Do Goju Karate has been officially recognized as an independent Karate style by Soke Yoshimoto Tanaka, the President of All Japan Martial Art Organization.

Shihan Jeewantha Kariyawasam holds memberships and recognition from various prestigious organizations:

•  World Kobudo Martial Art Federation, recognized by the International Olympic Committee and International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education
•  Asian Goju Ryu Federation
•  International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF)
•  World Martial Art Federation - Karate Do Federation (Japan)
•  International Karate Shotokan Shorin Ryu Kabudo Federation (USA)
•  World Martial Art Federation (Spain)
•  Sri Lanka Karate Do Federation, the national body affiliated with WKF

From a very young age, Shihan Jeewantha Kariyawasam exhibited a profound passion for martial arts. He began his Karate training at the age of 13 in 1999 under Hanshi Ashoka Nisshanka, a disciple of the late Shihan Omae Tako, the Founder of Kakutogi Kenshinkai Karate, and Shihan Ajith Susantha, a disciple of Hanshi Ashoka Nisshanka. This set the foundation for a lifetime of disciplined practice and continuous learning. His relentless pursuit of excellence led him to train in countries renowned for their martial arts traditions, including Japan, USA, Egypt, UK, Italy, and Spain. This extensive international training enriched his skills and broadened his understanding of various martial arts forms.

Throughout his career, Shihan Jeewantha Kariyawasam has achieved numerous accolades. His unique style of Karate, which skillfully blends traditional elements with innovative techniques, has garnered significant admiration from peers and masters worldwide. This distinctive approach to martial arts played a key role in his recognition, culminating in his receipt of the Rokudan as per the international Dan grading rules and regulations of the World Martial Art Federation - Karate Association (Japan) and the Academy of Martial Art Science International (USA).

As a Major in the Sri Lankan Army, he is considered one of the most esteemed Karate Masters in the Sri Lankan military. His influence extends beyond his own achievements in Martial Arts, including the following:

•  Awarded the title of Kyoshi by Grandmaster Orlando Soto (USA)
•  Awarded the title of Renshi by Soke Yoshimoto Tanaka (Japan)
•  Sri Lankan Representative of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF)
•  Sri Lankan Representative of the World Kobudo Federation
•  Chief Instructor at the Sri Lanka Karate Do Federation
•  Member of the South Asian All Sport Federation
•  Member of the World Gojuryu Federation

As the founder and Chief Instructor of the International Neko Do Goju Karate Association, Shihan Jeewantha Kariyawasam has mentored a select group of highly skilled students, instilling in them the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance. Under his guidance, the organization continues to uphold the rich traditions of Karate, fostering a new generation of martial artists committed to excellence in both practice and character.

In addition to his contributions to the martial arts community, Shihan Jeewantha Kariyawasam proudly represents DMASS in Sri Lanka. DMASS is dedicated to promoting martial arts and self-defense training, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and others. Through his work with DMASS, Shihan Kariyawasam is helping to spread the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance to an even wider audience, contributing to a safer, more resilient, and empowered community.