Ōkukō Ryū
Japanese foundations. A living practice.
Ōkukō Ryū Aikijitsu continues a rich Japanese martial tradition. Earlier generations established its essential principles; the next developed and enriched that inheritance through a wider, more refined technical study.
Under Dōshu Gust Bertels, Ōkukō Ryū opens the next chapter. The syllabus deepens the relationship between precise technique, traditional meridian study and the esoteric dimensions of Budō: attention, intention, breath and the cultivation of mind.
Posture, timing and connection remain the foundation. Datsuryoku (脱力) releases unnecessary tension; kuzushi (崩し) explores balance in movement. For experienced shihan in this tradition, this is a natural continuation: honour your foundations, deepen your understanding and carry the art forward.
“No resistance. No challenge. No injury.”
— Guiding principles of our practice
Founder
開祖
Dōshu Gust Bertels began martial arts at the age of seven and brings over 38 years of experience to Ōkukō Ryū Aikijitsu.
For more than 28 years he was an uchi-deshi (内弟子) of Antonio Garcia. He served as World Technical Director of Hakkō Denshin Ryū with the title Hanshi and instructed most of its current shihan.
Today, he guides Ōkukō Ryū from the Sō Hombu Dōjō in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. His teaching brings precise technique, traditional meridian study and the inner dimensions of Budō together in a lifelong practice grounded in serenity, respect and friendship.
GRADING SYSTEM
The Ōkukō Ryū structure distinguishes foundational training, dan-level study and the advanced responsibilities of Shihansha.
Mudansha 無段者
(Beginner)
Yudansha 有段者
(Dan Grades)
Shihansha 師範者
(master levels)
6th Kyū → 1st Kyū
The foundations of practice:
etiquette, safe training, posture
and an understanding of technique.
Shodan 初段
Nidan 弐段
Sandan 参段
Yondan 四段
Kōshi 光師 · 5th dan
Kageshi 影師 · 6th dan
Kaiden Shihan 皆伝師範 · 7th dan
Myōshi Shihan 妙師 · 8th dan
Refinement, teaching and the
responsibility of transmission.
awarded exclusively by Dōshu Gust Bertels