Dojo Cho Promotion to 5th Dan
- Neville Kroon
- Jan 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Our Gentle Guardian of the Way
In the 2023 Kagami Biraki Promotion List issued by Doshu, the name Ajith Goonetilleke radiates with quiet brilliance, celebrating his elevation to 5th Dan in Aikido —a milestone that reflects not only technical mastery but also decades of unwavering dedication to the art and its spirit.
Before Aikido called him, Sensei Ajith carved his path through the rigorous world of Kyokushin full-contact Karate, representing Sri Lanka with courage and grit. His journey through the striking arts forged a foundation of discipline and resilience—qualities that would later find new expression in the flowing, harmonious movements of Aikido.
It was during his time training in Japan that Sensei Ajith encountered Aikido—a discovery that would transform his martial path and, in time, the lives of countless students. With characteristic humility and precision, he immersed himself in the art, eventually becoming President and Dojo Cho of the Sri Lanka Aikido Association-Sri Lanka Aikikai.
Today, Sensei Ajith is known not for flamboyance or force, but for his mild manner, refined technique, and unshakable commitment to teaching. He is the quiet center of our dojo—the one who guides with patience, corrects with care, and inspires through example. Most of us owe our Aikido journeys to his gentle encouragement and steady presence.
From the moment Sensei Ajith joined our dojo, his passion for Aikido was as evident as his quiet determination. His path has been one of constant growth and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the martial art while upholding its deepest principles. It is not merely his technical proficiency that makes him extraordinary, but his compassionate mentorship. Who among us could forget the time he patiently guided a group of beginners during their first test, transforming nervous energy into confidence? Many of us credit his steady hand and insightful teaching for our own successes.
When recognized in Doshu’s 2023 New Year Honours List, it was a proud moment—not just for Sensei Ajith but for the legacy he continues to build for our club. His promotion to 5th Dan is not merely a personal achievement—it is a celebration of a teacher who has shaped a community, nurtured a lineage, and upheld the values of Aikido with grace and integrity.
We bow in gratitude, Sensei. May your path continue to illuminate ours.
“From fists of fire to flowing form,
He walked the arc from conflict to calm.
Now with each step,
each gentle throw,
He teaches us the way to grow.”
“He teaches not to conquer,
but to harmonize—
Each movement, a lesson,
each silence a guide.”
🌿 Nature-Inspired
“A branch once shaped
by storm and flame
Now bends with grace,
and teaches the same.”
🧘♂️ Student’s Perspective
“He never raised his voice—
Yet raised us all.
With each quiet correction,