Istanbul, September 19, 2025. Soke Irie Yasuhiro, founder of Kokodo Jujutsu & Kokodo Bujutsu, has honored Metin Kayar in Istanbul with the plaque "Recognition of Excellence – Metin Kayar". This award is the result of a alliance built over years between East and West, between tradition and modernity.
🧬 1. Origin & Lineage – The History Behind KoKoDo
The roots of KoKoDo JuJutsu reach deep into Japanese history – to the 11th century. The lineage begins with key figures of the Samurai era:
- General Yoshimitsu Shinra Saburo Minamoto (1045–1127): Pioneer of Aiki biomechanics and battlefield tactics.
- Takeda Sokaku (1859–1943): Decisive figure of the modern Jujutsu renaissance, public teacher of Daito-ryu.
- Okuyama Ryuho (1901–1987): Founder of Hakko-ryu Jujutsu, systematizing pressure point medical budo.
- KoKoDo (Since 1995): Founded by Soke Irie Yasuhiro as an independent evolution of the lineage, bringing transparency to previously secret "Okuden" teachings.
From 11th-century generals to Soke Irie, the lineage spans nearly 1000 years, now continuing with Metin Kayar.
2. Soke Irie – The Renewer of Tradition
Soke Irie Yasuhiro founded KoKoDo ("Way of the Imperial Light") in 1995. His teaching model relies on precise, biomechanically explicable Aiki techniques.
Additionally, he united martial arts with healing arts, founding the Kokodo Clinic in 1988 to practice Shiatsu, acupuncture, and moxibustion.
3. Metin Kayar – Head of the Lineage
Metin Kayar grew up in Liechtenstein, overcoming language barriers through martial arts. Today, he is a 16-time World Champion, including:
- 6× Karate Kumite (WKU)
- 3× Kenjutsu (Weapons)
- 2× Kobudo (Traditional Weapons)
- 2× Karate Kata
- 3× Kickboxing
4. budo7 – Seven Arts, Seven Principles, One Way
From his vast experience, Metin Kayar developed budo7, a modern synthesis of traditional martial arts: Kendo, Ken-Jutsu, Kobu-Jutsu, Karate, Goshin-Jutsu, Aiki-Jutsu, and Ju-Jutsu. It guides students on a path of discipline, respect, clarity, balance, vitality, presence, and posture.
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5. The Encounter – Two Systems, One Mission
Metin Kayar presented his system in over 30 traditional schools in Japan. This led to his meeting with Soke Irie. Over a decade of collaboration followed:
- Seminars in Japan & Liechtenstein
- Joint ceremonies in Turkey
- Exchange of didactics, ethics and responsibility
- Concrete organizational cooperation
6. Structures & Roles – The Alliance Becomes Official
Metin Kayar directs the organizational operations and the "hard part" (BuJutsu) focusing on weapons and combat applications, while Soke Irie remains the grand founder and source of the system.
7. 10th Dan Hanshi – The Highest Recognition
Soke Irie awarded Metin Kayar the 10th Dan Hanshi. Three milestones marked this validation:
- Schaan (Liechtenstein): Gold Honor Plate handed by the Swiss Ambassador of Japan.
- Kyoto (Japan): Shinto ceremony confirming the title directly by Soke Irie.
- Istanbul (2025): Public handover of the "Recognition of Excellence" and confirmation of succession in KoKoDo BuJutsu.
8. Why this Model Works
Tradition needs relevance (Irie brings lineage, depth, and philosophy) and relevance needs structure (Kayar brings global outreach, leadership, and action).