November 14, 2024
Formal letter to the public
of Hanshi Shihan Gust Bertels
To all my esteemed colleagues and friends of Hakko Denshin Ryu,
Shihan Kai,
Yudansha Kai,
It is with a heavy heart that I address the recent public handling of matters that, in respect to the values we uphold in Hakko Denshin Ryu, should have remained private. Our tradition teaches us to act with dignity, grace, and discretion. Yet here we are, in a situation that requires a public response.
Let me be clear: I am not here to create conflict or confrontation. My intention is solely to foster understanding, protect the harmony of our Federation, and bring clarity to the misunderstandings that have led to this moment.
The name “Rengokai” was my creation, born from a vision of a unified, world-embracing organization. That I find myself now removed from the very Federation I named is a difficult realization. Today, I will step away from all Federation-affiliated group chats to allow myself space for reflection. My goal is not to disrupt Rengokai or disturb its stability—I only wish for calm and integrity to be restored.
Since the early 1990s, Antonio has been my guide, my mentor, and an incomparable influence on my life. Under the instruction of Dirk Bastiaensen, I was introduced to Antonio’s mastery and charisma. In 1992, when he visited our dojo with Nidai Soke Okuyama, I knew he embodied everything I aspired to be in Jujutsu. Antonio’s power and presence left an indelible impression on me, and by 1998, I had achieved my Shodan rank under his guidance, setting the foundation for decades of commitment to his teachings.
Over time, our relationship grew beyond teacher and student. Antonio became a father figure, and I have honored our bond unwaveringly. His charisma, joy, and mastery have inspired everyone around him; his mastery of Shin Ki Yakujo, a San Dai Kichu principle, is unparalleled. My life’s dedication has been to learn from him and to support him as he embodies the true spirit of Hakko Denshin Ryu. That responsibility has now been taken from me, but my admiration and respect for him remain.
In my role as Hombu Dojo Director, I took seriously the responsibility of shielding Antonio from any influence that could harm him or our Federation. This duty of protection was shared with esteemed Shihans like Tom Wijns and Dirk Houbrechts, who began training before I did and have since contributed profoundly to the growth of Hakko Denshin Ryu around the world. Together, we worked tirelessly to preserve Antonio’s standards, ensuring that his legacy would endure.
It has always been our concern that Antonio’s open-hearted nature could make him vulnerable to those who do not share our values. Despite our efforts to protect him, certain individuals—particularly Tony Berkmans—managed to sway Antonio, leading to a perception that we, who have
worked the hardest to support him, are somehow his enemies. It is an unfortunate irony that those of us who have stood loyally by him are now painted in a negative light.
Throughout my years in the Federation, I have witnessed situations where Antonio’s openness was exploited, allowing influences that compromised the high standards we strive to uphold. Tony Berkmans, in particular, wielded considerable influence despite noticeable gaps in his proficiency—gaps that Antonio himself, subtly but unmistakably, acknowledged by withholding certain Okuden (secret teachings) from Tony and his students. Despite this, Tony’s involvement fostered division, leading respected members like Tom Wijns and Dirk Houbrechts to feel marginalized.
Tom Wijns, who raised sincere concerns about the technical level of Tony and Eliane, was excommunicated for his honesty. Dirk, meanwhile, was dismissed over a harmless comment posted in a group chat—a remark that bore no ill intent or relevance to any person. Yet this was grounds for his removal. Today, I, too, find myself unable to reach Soke Antonio, who has left my messages and calls unanswered. Actions like these diminish our freedom of expression, echoing the ‘regimes’ worldwide that stifle voices for the sake of control.
I have been accused of speaking ill of Antonio, yet the truth is that my discussions with fellow Shihans were always conducted with respect and for the purpose of constructive growth. The points raised were shared with senior members (Kaiden Shihans exclusively), never with lower ranks, and were intended to strengthen our organization, not weaken it.
In the spirit of Kaizen, I have compiled these points, which I will share privately with the Rengokai Management WhatsApp group. They include a call for consistency in diploma fees, clarity around membership benefits, the need to address seminar arrangements with flexibility, and the preservation of Japanese traditions in our practices. None of these points are meant as criticisms but as constructive paths for improvement. If there are further accusations against me, I invite those who believe I have spoken dishonorably to step forward and clarify this publicly. I am confident in the truth and integrity of my actions.
Nevertheless, I understand this has nothing to do with Justice anymore. My voice has been taken away from me, I’m standing alone.
At this moment, I find myself in a period of reflection. I will take the time to consider where I might improve, to grow stronger, and to clarify my path forward. I am deeply grateful to those of you who stand by me, and I humbly welcome your thoughts and support as I proceed. My path remains dedicated to the pursuit of the “Eight Light”—the invisible, profound strength we all seek. Along this journey, some companions will come and go; what matters is that we remain true to our path.
I ask those who wish to reach out to me to do so privately. Let us avoid further online turmoil and maintain a space of respect and calm for the sake of Hakko Denshin Ryu. Please contact me directly on WhatsApp at +32 474 120 120 or via email at gust@hakkodenshinryu.be. I will keep your communication sincere and private to my person. The last few weeks there has been a climate created of fear to communicate.
To each of you, my colleagues and friends, I extend my deepest gratitude. My respect and admiration for Soke Antonio is unwavering. The bonds we share, the journeys we have undertaken together, and the honor of this practice bind us all. My home—whether in Belgium, Indonesia, or Moscow—is open to all of you. Let us move forward with strength, integrity, and unity. Without resistance, challenge or injury.
Bless you all,
Bless Soke Antonio,
Bless Hakko Denshin Ryu Jujutsu!
Gust Bertels