Martial Arts Titles

Martial arts titles – With the addition of new black belts here at the Kaze Hatsu Dojo it is a good time to review some simple martial arts titles that individuals can hold over their karate careers.

Mr. or Ms./Mrs.

When a student achieves the rank of shodan, or first degree black belt, it is customary for all kyu (colour) belts to address them as Mr. or Ms./Mrs. followed by their last name as recognition of respect for the instructor level that they have achieved. It would be akin to addressing a school teacher. No matter what their dan rank becomes after this, if they have not achieved another title they will at least be this to all kyu belts for as long as they choose to remain in the martial arts.

Keep in mind when reading further that all other titles have nothing to do with the rank a person holds. Although traditionally these titles are not given below a set rank, they are never assumed because the person has reached a rank. Unless issued by an organization in writing the title is not considered valid. It is often the case that a person progresses to high ranks yet does not possess any title.

Sensei

Sensei does not mean “Teacher”, or “Instructor”, as most people believe. It’s meaning is much deeper than that. The term Sensei is akin to saying “One who has gone before”. It is meant to indicate someone that is highly skilled as well as knowledgeable. Contrary to popular belief a person does not become a Sensei because they have earned a certain belt rank. The title, “like all martial arts titles”, is separate from rank. It may be awarded by a governing organization. When it is awarded, it is done in one of two ways. It is either written on the persons rank certificate or it can be given as a separate certificate. In any case, if the person has not been given the title in writing it is not considered valid in traditional Japanese or Okinawan arts.

Traditionally the Sensei title is awarded at 3rd dan. In rare cases it
can be awarded at 2nd dan. It is never given to those below 2nd dan.
Some students climb to higher ranks never having been awarded the title
at all.

Shihan-dai

Title used to designate someone that is considered to be a low ranked master. It is the lowest title for a master and is not always used. This title is usually not awarded before 4th dan.

Shihan

Shihan is a masters title. It’s meaning is akin to Doctor, Professor, ..etc. The title is usually awarded at the 5th dan level. Many styles award it at 4th dan. It is not considered proper to award the title below 4th dan.

Renshi

Renshi is a masters title roughly akin to saying “Polished Expert”. In most arts the title is reserved for 6th dan or higher. However it has been awarded at lower and higher ranks.

Kyoshi

Kyoshi is a masters title roughly akin to saying “High Wizard” or “Master of Masters”. Kyoshi is usually reserved for those at 7th dan or above.

Hanshi

Hanshi is a masters title usually reserved for 8th dan. In some organizations it may be given to the headmaster of the Ryu/style. In some cases it is awarded as an honorary title for those ahving a minimum age of about 60.

Soke

Soke is the title used to indicate the Head of a style/Ryu. In any Ryu there is only one soke. It is inherited not awarded. Those inheriting the Soke title are the highest authority for the style.

Contrary to popular belief the Soke title does not mean that the new Soke is instantly a 10th dan. In fact the Soke may inherit the title at any rank. The lowest ranked person to inherit a ryu and become a Soke was Shogo Kuniba. He inherited the Motobu-Ha-Shito-Ryu at the age of 21. At the time he was 5th dan.

Although the Soke holds a belt rank he is considered to be “beyond the rank system”. As such the Soke can award any rank to anyone even if the rank he awards is higher than his own. Usually when someone becomes Soke he is not the oldest or most experienced student of the Ryu. He may continue to train from the most senior students in the ryu. Those students are still under the Sokes authority regardless. The traditional martial arts styles look out for each other. If a new Soke is worthy of promotion Soke from other organizations/styles may get together and issue credentials awarding the new Soke a higher rank. In this way the rank system of traditional martial arts is preserved.

Shodai-Soke

The title occurs only once in any martial art. It is the title used to describe the founder of a newly recognized martial art. The title Shodai-Soke can only be awarded by someone that is a true Soke. In other words the issuing person must have inherited an pre-existing martial art. Westerners have mistakenly believed that a Shodai-Soke can recognize another persons art and award them a Shodai-Soke title. That is not true. The Shodai-Soke has complete power to run the Ryu/style as he wishes. He however does not have the power to award the title of Shodai-Soke to someone else. After the Shodai-Soke passes away, the new heir becomes the Soke. The new martial art is not considered to be a
complete martial art until then. The new Soke has all the power the Shodai-Soke had. In addition he can recognize another person as a Shodai-Soke. This is the title awarded by the Soke to the person that he designates as his successor.

O-Sensei

This title is rarely used. It means Great-Sensei. It is used to indicate a senior master that is greatly respected.