Fascinated by the Asian martial arts, I learnt the art of judo as a child in 1977.
After these first insights into Budo sports, my interest soon expanded and after years of training in various other Asian martial arts, such as Kumdo and KumSul (1996), in which I had already achieved DAN grades, I had the opportunity to switch to Japanese martial arts traditions, whereby I felt particularly close to the path of the Samurai, and I also studied and practised the Japanese healing art of Reiki /霊気.
From 2003 I was already giving lessons in the art of sword fencing and in 2005 I founded my first official and own Kenjutsu dojo. I got to know Chikaoka Souke in 2008. I was deeply impressed and took my first exams in Mugai Ryu Iaido there. I trained in Mugai Ryu Meishi-Ha until mid-2018.
Now it was time (after a while of study) to return to my roots, that of Mugai Ryu and thus to my old teacher of Budo Chikaoka Souke. I have rediscovered the values of Budo, Bushido and the connection to meditation, Zazen, here. I am very grateful to be able to train in the Meirin-Ha organisation today and to be able to pass on the spirit of true Budo.
Like Enzo the infinite circle in Zen!In May 2019, I received Okoirisho and was appointed Shidoin 指導員五段, which is why I also received a ‘new’ name:
Mario Klersy’s name (Bugou) is Meirin (明倫) Kokushu (國舟). This gave me another honour, as I received 直門 (Jikimon), i.e. direct disciple of Sōke.
Okuirisho is based on the concept of Gojo 五常: the five elements of bushido.
The five elements are Jin 仁 (humanity), Gi 義 (sincerity, justice, righteousness), Rei 禮 (observance of etiquette, politeness), Chi 智(loyalty, sense of duty, faithfulness) and Shin 信 (truth, truthfulness, genuineness).
Okoirisho also means that the secret techniques of Mugai Ryu may be learnt. These kata are called Naiden and Okuden.
In 2022, I became Renshi 練士 6th Dan and was appointed Shihan after passing the exam in Tokyo.
In 2024 I was appointed Meirinkan Sibuchu Europe.
I am very happy to be able to pass on what I have learned so far to all students of the Meirin-Ha organisation and interested parties.