The third Samurai Camp in Sri Lanka from 13 to 16 March 2025 was eagerly awaited. In Dojo 1 in Ragama, the new tatami mats were already laid out and invited us to the Samurai Camp. During the traditional opening ceremony, which, according to Buddhist tradition, is supposed to bring enlightenment, wicks were lit on a large brass chandelier. After that, the practical part of the camp began each day with a warm-up kata. In addition to familiar faces from the last two camps, there were also many new faces. A total of over 80 participants were on the mat to learn the techniques of the samurai. A delegation of 18 Muay Thai fighters from Sri Lanka travelled to Thailand to compete, and another group was on hand to film. Unfortunately, other participants were unable to attend because they had been banned from attending by another organiser, or were no longer allowed to attend the event in question. But this year there were further training sessions that took place outside of pictures and videos. The groups were divided into two training groups: the beginners’ group, white belts and green belts were instructed by Sensei-Ho (junior instructor) Fabian Birkle in the basic techniques and stances of unarmed combat, falling school, short stick techniques (Tanbo) and bokken techniques (Japanese wooden sword). The advanced group was instructed by Saiko-Shihan (Supreme Instructor) in advanced techniques such as long staff, sword catching ‘Jitte’, knife defence and shuriken (throwing weapons). The dangers of a knife attack were also explained and the fact that this conflict should always be avoided if possible. A special highlight here was training with the yari (long spear) and naginata (sword-lance). These techniques were practised for four days for beginners and advanced students. In addition to Renil Fernando and Kaushalya Nirmana, the training team from Limburgerhof was supported by the two dedicated junior trainers Dilnika Ashna D’Souza and Suvindu Nileka Thilakarathne, who were available to the participants for four days. Even after the daily training was over, the prospective trainers continued to train with the participants eagerly, especially in view of the upcoming belt examinations.

# All reports and videos here: https://tatsu-ryu-bushido.com/samurai-camp-2025-srilanka-en