Mixed Martial Arts

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Email : rds@romeshdesilva.com

Switching from keyboards to kickpads – IT by day, MMA by night

I am an IT professional with over 11 years of experience, having grown from help desk operator to Head of IT, where I have managed infrastructure, logistics, technical operations, and policy development for organizations serving more than 10,000 users.

Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Networking with First Class Honours and a Master’s degree in Networking and Information Security, completed with Distinction. To complement this foundation, I have also earned my ISO 27001:2022 Lead Auditor qualification from CQI IRCA, equipping me with advanced expertise in information security, compliance, and governance. Together, these achievements and experiences have enabled me to design and deliver secure, scalable, and cost-optimized technology solutions across infrastructure, networking, cyber security, adaptive AI, cloud services, and ISO frameworks.

Beyond technology, I have devoted over a decade to martial arts training, which has become an integral part of who I am. For 10 years, I trained under the banner of Total Extreme Budo Academy in the disciplines of Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In addition, I spent 2 years training under the banner of Makoto Juko, specializing in Full Contact Karate. These experiences have not only sharpened my physical skills but also instilled in me the values of discipline, resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking qualities that I carry into my professional life as well.

For me, technology and martial arts are two sides of the same coin. Both demand precision, creativity, discipline, and the ability to adapt under pressure. Whether I am researching innovations, architecting secure systems, leading ISO initiatives, or training on the mats, I approach every challenge with focus, curiosity, and a forward-thinking mindset.

This site reflects my career journey, academic and professional milestones, martial arts training, and the path I continue to shape both in technology and in life.

Mixed Martial Arts

When the pandemic struck, I was at a loss for words. The world as we knew it had changed, and a new reality was beginning to emerge. Interestingly, this was also a peak period for MMA in Sri Lanka, with several promoters organizing events in Colombo. My passion for MMA was reignited, but I faced a challenge my current dojo did not have an established MMA team.

Motivated by this gap, I proposed forming an MMA team in early 2020. After undergoing several rounds of scrutiny to ensure the initiative was structured properly, the proposal was approved. With the limited knowledge I had at the time, I reached out to a few of my sparring partners who shared a similar interest, and we organized what would become our first session.

This inaugural session was officiated by Sri Lanka’s number one Muay Thai fighter, Kumudu Prasanna, and Sensei Thushara Rathnayaka, founder of TEBA. They closely observed all participants to identify potential team members. The four-hour session focused on evaluating striking, grappling, and scrambling abilities. Fighters from various backgrounds including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga joined in, making it a diverse and enriching experience.

First MMA Session at TEBA

In the beginning, it was a challenge, as we lacked experience in understanding the flow and dynamics of the game. To assess our current skill level and gain practical exposure, we decided to participate in a few local tournaments.

First MMA Victory of TEBA MMA by Shiranga Dissanayake

We went on to participate in a wide range of events including boxing, Muay Thai, grappling, and MMA with the primary goal of gaining experience. Over the course of several years, consistent competition allowed us to achieve just that. While our accomplishments may seem modest in a global context, we understood that every journey has a beginning. With that mindset, we took a leap of faith and committed ourselves fully to the process.

What began as a passion project gradually evolved into a dedicated team that has achieved numerous victories across various local platforms. More importantly, it has made a meaningful impact on the lives of many young men, instilling discipline, confidence, and purpose through martial arts.

I am currently serving as the Head Coach of TEBA MMA since its inception and intend to take a back seat in few years to hand over the coaching to more qualified and experienced coach who shall take this to the next level

My passion for exploring and deepening my knowledge of martial arts is a lifelong journey one I intend to pursue for as long as nature permits. Beyond my roles as a coach and dedicated student of martial arts, I have also organized multiple events to support and provide a platform for emerging fighters to showcase their talent. These efforts have been made possible through the invaluable support of the Founder and Head Instructor of TEBA.

My true calling lies in teaching others the deeper philosophy and rationale behind martial arts. While I do not consider myself a great fighter, I take pride in being a dedicated mentor and coach. Along this journey, I have actively competed in MMA, boxing, and submission grappling. In addition to my experience as a practitioner, I have contributed to the sport as an MMA commentator, judge, referee, and amateur event organizer, further strengthening my commitment to the growth and integrity of the martial arts community.