29th SAMURAI CAMP: Within 10 months, the journey went to the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka. After May 2024 and December 2024, the third Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido Camp took place. The Samurai camp lasted four days from 13 to 16 March 2025. Due to the airport strike in Germany, the Tatsu-Ryu delegation’s adventure trip began as early as 9 March 2025, making the reunion in Ragama (Sri Lanka) all the more beautiful. Thanks to the successful fundraising, an important event was on the programme on the first day: the purchase of 50 tatami mats from Waseem Sports Colombo. Furthermore, the travellers from Germany traditionally visit the trainings in Ragama. After the mats were laid, yoga and Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido courses took place on the first day. Since three yoga classes and the Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido training were taking place in Ragama at the same time, the Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido beginners’ training was moved from the TRB dojo to the boxing room next door because the hall was so full.

The tatami were procured on Monday, so Tuesday, 11 March 2025 was available off schedule. Now the fishing village of Negombo should be explored. On the way there, the many fishing boats could already be admired during the journey. A few hundred metres from our first accommodation, we found the restaurant and hotel ‘Dark Sea Beach Club Uswetakeiyawa’. It was a hidden restaurant with a great pirate theme, spread over three floors, right on the beach with a great view of the capital, Colombo. We had only seen the capital of Sri Lanka from the airport or briefly on Monday when we bought the tatami mats. On Wednesday night, they stayed overnight in Colombo, right by the sea in the Radisson Hotel Colombo, which has a breathtaking view from the rooftop lounge. A swimming pool right on the roof of the 13-storey hotel with a view of the sea and Colombo. After that, they explored Colombo by tuk-tuk. After dinner at the hotel, they ended the evening in a beach bar by night, right by the sea.

The 3rd Samurai Camp traditionally starts on Thursday morning. Alongside 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 there to film. The groups were divided into two training groups: the beginners’ group, white belts and green belts were instructed by Sensei-Ho (junior teacher) Fabian Birkle in the basic techniques and stances of unarmed combat, fall school, short stick techniques (Tanbo) and bokken techniques (Japanese wooden sword). The advanced group was taught by Saiko-Shihan (Supreme Instructor) Christian Wiederanders in advanced techniques such as long stick, sword catching ‘Jitte’, knife defence and shuriken (throwing weapons). Once again, four successful days. On Saturday, 15 March 2025, the German delegation of Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido was invited to a special ceremony at the National Museum in the capital Colombo. In the auditorium of the museum, a high national honour of Sri Lanka was bestowed on persons who have made significant contributions to the citizens.

The National Honor Ceremony Certificates from the Sri Lanka Royal Foundation and London University are awarded for outstanding service and noble conduct. Renil Fernando was honoured on Saturday, 15 March 2025 for establishing and promoting Muay Thai in Sri Lanka since 1987, as well as founding the Kick Boxing Federation in Sri Lanka. His wife Nilangika Fernando was honoured for her commitment to yoga. Kaushalya Nirmana, son of Renil Fernando, was honoured for his work as founder and director of Lions Studios (Danger Zone), as well as his achievements as a singer, actor, martial artist, stuntman and director of stunt scenes in Sri Lankan films. These state awards from the Sri Lanka Royal Foundation are intended for locals, but on this day a special award was to be given to non-residents of Sri Lanka. Saiko-Shihan Christian Wiederanders was honoured with the royal award for his collaboration with Renil Fernando since 2006 and the opportunity to offer and teach his Japanese Samurai martial art Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido to the people of Sri Lanka free of charge.

The 17th of March is considered the international Muay Thai holiday. This day was celebrated extensively in Renil Fernando’s dojo. The dojo with the boxing ring was eagerly prepared and illuminated by the students the day before. The Muay Thai known today means ‘free boxing’ and has its roots in Muay Boran, which means ‘old boxing’. They receive the blessing of their trainers Renil Fernando and Kaushalya Nirmana. For this, all candidates prepare a plate with incense sticks, coconut oil candles and a total of seven different types of flowers, with which they ask for the blessings of their last seven generations. After the candidates have been traditionally anointed, they prepare their illuminated plates and ceremoniously enter the dojo. There they receive the blessings of their trainers one after the other and receive the ritual headdress, the Mongkon – a very beautiful tradition.

On Tuesday, 18 March, a special excursion was planned: Renil Fernando wanted to take us to climb Sri Lanka’s second highest mountain, Adam’s Peak, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims. To avoid the midday heat, the 2243-metre-high mountain is usually climbed at night. In the evening, they met with Renil, who has already climbed the peak three times, and waited for a group of 30 people from his course, whom he had encouraged to take the trip and for whom he had organised a bus. Then they drove for four hours to the mountain region. Once there, they set out to climb the last 1000 metres of altitude on a 7-8 kilometre path with 5,500 steps.

As a certified DOSB trainer, one is constantly striving to broaden one’s horizons, improve one’s portfolio and further educate oneself. So Fabian Birkle did not miss the opportunity to take part in yoga training in Ragama after the official Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido sessions, alongside his work as a speaker at the Samurai Camp. Fabian was also taught techniques of the Filipino stick fighting Kali by Renil. The last Thursday before the return flight was again spent at the Jetwing Beach Negombo, enjoying the beach and sea in great weather. Before the departure, all officials met again for a summary and outlook. A visit to Germany is also planned for 2026. It remains exciting.