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Excerpted from Ashihara Karate's - Preparing for Black Belt Manual
Becoming Shodan is somewhat equivalent to graduating from high school. One
still has college to endure if one wishes to learn more about the art. Two
years of college would perhaps be like "Nidan" or "second level" student. If
one completes college, one might be "Sandan". With that level of skill and
knowledge one can begin to teach, but there is still graduate school ahead
if one means to truly master the art.
At Sandan level, one is recognised as a Sensei. Sensei is a title used and
means teacher or "one who has gone before". If one goes on to earn a
master's degree, one would be "Yondan". And if one keeps studying until
he/she earns a doctorate, he/she would be "Godan". One would then be a
master of the art. Thus, Yondan and Godan are the "Renshi" grades, those at
which one finally becomes a teacher as well as a student.
At Godan level one is awarded the title of Shihan. The title loosely
translated means Master. But there are those for whom even the doctorate is
not the end of their studies. They serve internships, go on to post-doctoral
studies, do research and make new discoveries about their art. They
contribute to their art by their wisdom. These are the "Kyoshi" grades, the
Grandmaster grades of Rokudan and higher. Another title, which is awarded, is
that of Hanshi. This is granted to recognise outstanding dedication and
leadership.
Advanced Martial Arts Titles
MENKYO KAIDEN
In Bujitsu (martial arts) or Geido (way of accomplishments), the master
bestows all of his secrets and the heart of his teaching to only one
disciple. The recipient of these doctrines is granted permission to instruct
and transfer the style of his art, and he is called Menkyo Kaiden. "Menkyo"
means a person who is permitted to perform a specific duty by an authority,
such as a government entity or legislative body. In Budo, the founder or
teacher confers his techniques and heartfelt teachings, through an official
licensing process, to one pupil. " Kaiden" means that the teacher grants the
fullness of his knowledge to his successor. Menkyo Kaiden thus means 'A
founder of a discipline or style conferring his knowledge. Technique and
teachings to a chosen student, who then becomes the teacher's successor in
that style'.
SOKE
The Soke is referred to as iemoto in non-martial arts groups. In Budo, the
Soke is the lineal descendent of a kinsman or family, and is also called
sohhonke or honke. In geido the sohke has obligation and duties to the house
in which he was born, and is expected to carry on the founder's or
successors knowledge and teachings, and even to expand it. For contemporary
sohke in the martial arts, this implies that the sensei must first develop a
system of sensible, understandable concepts, both technical and spiritual,
in order to pass them on. According to an old anecdote, the passing on of
knowledge from a teacher to his successor is like leaves falling on a
cradle: the leaves ignite and spread the flame. In the same sense, the
successors imagination becomes like a candle. The important thing is for the
sohke to take over his predecessor's teachings and thoughts faithfully.
HANSHI
The Hanshi is the highest tide in the active budoka, granted by licence to a
martial artist from a high authority, such as a government body or some
other remarkable organization. (The supreme title of "Meijin" is very rarely
granted by the government or the supreme entity.) In Dai Nippon Butokukai in
Kyoto before and during World War II, the organisation awarded the title of
Hanshi (along with Kyoshi and Renshi, see below) to certain practitioners in
Aikido, Kendo, Judo, Karatedo, Kyudo, Taido and other Martial Arts. Until
1946, the Butokukai also engaged in this practise. The All Japan Kendo
Association conferred the title for a practitioner's dedication, leadership,
facilitation, and the development of the art, but only after the
practitioner had achieved highest ranking of 8th Dan while being an active
practitioner, gen eki. A person who receives the title of Hanshi can also,
with proper certification, be called "Shihan."
KYOSHI
a person who trains a group of soldiers is called "Kyoshi" or "Kanshi". In
traditional Budo, Bujitsu, Kendo, Judo, and other Budo circles, the
Butokukai grades this rank for deserving participants above 6th Dan who pass
a physical and mental examination.
RENSHI
The Ren is a soldier who leads other soldiers through training. According to
old documents on ethical theory, Renshi refers to a member of a discipline
who is recognised for his expertise in that discipline. The title is
conferred to practitioners above 4th Dan who display excellence in both
technical and mental capability. The Renshi title is the first step on the
road towards Kyoshi, Hanshi, and possibly Meiji.
* Source: Kojien, Iwanami Shoten, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary of Definitions in Contemporary Budo Shohgo Concepts:
Hanshi: 8th Dan or above with 10 years after Kyoshi and above 55 years
Kyoshi: 6th Dan and above with 5 years after Renshi and above 45 years of
age
Renshi: 4th Dan and above with 2 years after 4th Dan and above 35 years of
age.
These titles are granted to deserving individuals within particular
disciplines only after a prolonged and severe examination and evaluation.
These ranks are highly dignified, and must be earned, rather than lightly
granted.
Courtesy of Kaicho Hoosain Narker
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