Our individual member, Prasanna Fernando, in Sri Lanka provides martial art therapy for people facing substance use disorders, especially focusing on young people. He trains Karate, Kobudo, Ju-Jitsu, Laido, and self-defence. Dojo Kun and Shoto Niju Kun play a key role in karate and practices meditation to support and develops people’s minds. Prasanna Fernando took the time to elaborate on the various theories and list down the practices.

Dojo Kun (Theory)

1. Seek perfection of character
2. Be faithful
3. Endavour
4. Respect others
5. Refrain from violent behaviour

Shoto Niju Kun (Sub-Theory)

1. Karate Begins with a bow and finishes with a bow
2. In karate, you never attack first
3. One who practices karate, must follow the way of justice
4. Know yourself first before you can know others
5. Spirit and mind is more important than technique
6. Be ready to release your mind
7. Misfortunate comes out of idleness
8. What you learn from Karate can be used outside the dojo
9. It will take your entire life to learn Karate
10. Integrate Karate into your everyday live; then you will see its true beatury
11. Karate is just like hot water; if you do not give it continuous heat, it will become cold
12. Do not think that you have to win; rather think that you don’t have to lose
13. Move according to your opponent
14. In conflict, you must discern the vulnerable from invulnerable points
15. Consider your opponent’s legs and arms as you would lethal swords
16. Be aware at all times that you have millioins of potential opponent
17. For full awareness in natural stance, you must practice the ‘ready’ position as a beginner
18. Practicing Karate is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another
19. Do not forget the:
    • Strength and weakness of power
    • Contraction and expansion of body, and;
    • Slowness and speed of technique
20. Always create and devise

These steps can help to rehabilitate young people that face substance use disorders.