Joost Berkhout began his study of Aikido, Shinkendo, Toyama-ryu Battojutsu, as well as Kobujutsu at the Shinbukan Dojo in Amsterdam under Brent Hire Sensei in 2001, where he currently teaches Aikido and Shinkendo.

Joost Berkhout has the following student and instructor licenses:

• Shinkendo: Hyaku-e / Shoden Renshi Kaku
• Aikido and Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai: Sandan / Renshi