-------Titles in Karate -------

1.     Sensei "Teacher or One who has gone before": This title is by far the most often used title in karate and generally refers to someone of Yon-Dan level (4th Degree Black Belt.) Many senior instructors including Hanshi Masami Tsuruoka, will state that this is the most honorable title that a student can use when referring to the senior as their  teacher. The title Sensei implies a close bond between the student and teacher's relationship.

2.    Shihan: "Master or Expert Teacher":  It is important to understand that the meaning Master as used in the martial  arts is someone who has mastered the basic and advanced understandings {Principles} of a particular style or system, thus the title Shihan means someone who has mastered the basic and advanced techniques as well as the principles, concepts, and theory of their respective style of karate. The title Shihan does not mean that this person has stopped learning because they know all of the answers. On the contrary, they are considered to be the most serious and dedicated students in any style of martial arts. The title Shihan is generally considered to be an organizational title alone and has little meaning (May not be recognized) outside of the holders style or organization.

3.    Doshi:  "Leading Teacher": Title sometimes used before Renshi

4.    Renshi: "Senior Expert Teacher": This is the first of the three generally (Most Often) used teacher titles. Although this title is independent of rank, it is seldom given to anyone below the rank of Go-Dan.

5.    Tasshi or Tesshi:  "Apprentice Master Teacher": This title was originally the title used instead of Kyoshi. It is now sometimes used between the levels of Renshi and Kyoshi by the Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai.

6.    Kyoshi: "Master Teacher, Teacher of Teachers": This is the second of the three generally (Most Often) used teacher titles. Although this title is independent of the ranking system, it is seldom given to anyone below the rank of Roku-dan and in most cases Shichi-dan).

7.    Hanshi: "Senior Master Teacher": This is the third and highest of the three generally (Most Often) used teacher titles. Although this title is independent of the ranking system, it is seldom given to anyone below the rank of Hachi-Dan (8th Degree Black Belt)

In regard to the last three titles given in this list the following is true, Renshi is to as “A trainer of the Way.”  Kyoshi is often referred to as “A teacher of the way” and Hanshi isoften  referred to as “A model of the way.” often referred

Other Formal Karate Titles

 

1.    Seito Deshi or Deshi: A student, pupil or disciple of a martial art.

2.    Uchi Deshi:   A personal student who lives and trains with the Master of a system. martial art.

3.    Kohai:  A title used to refer to one who is lower in rank than oneself. The opposite of Sempai

4.    Sempai: A title used to refer to one who is higher in rank than oneself. The opposite of Kohai.

5.    Kancho: A title sometimes given to the head of a dojo or organization. This title is independent of any rank, but in most cases this person will be a very senior student of the arts. In most cases the person holding this title will be the highest ranking instructor of a specific Ryu-Ha or Kai-Ha.

6.    Kaicho: This title generally refers to a Regional Head or Director of a style. It may also refer to a Branch/Regional or Head Representative of an organization or association.

7.    Taiso:    The term used to designate a great master of the martial arts.

8.     Kaiso: The founder of a particular style or organization/association. A Senior Advisor of the founder may also hold this title.

9.     Soke:  Founder of a system or style. This title may also be used by the successor of the founder of a style or system. This person will be a Ju-Dan (10th Degree Black Belt) in most all cases.

10.    Shoshu:  The title used to designate a Master of a particular art.

11.    Saiko Shihan or Shihan-Dai:  This title refers to the person who has been designated as the Senior or Head Shihan. Shihan-Dai is sometimes issued prior to the recipient receiving the full Shihan title and therefore in this situation it would be considered a lesser or lower title than the title of Shihan itself.

12.    O-Sensei or Dai Sensei:  This title means Great or Greatest Teacher, Highest Respected Teacher. This title is spoken by students in honorable reference to the traditional martial arts founder.

13.     Sosai: Governor, (Highest Honorary Position of an Organization.)

14.     Soshi:  Title used to designate the Head Master of an Organization.

15.     Shidoin: Title used  referring to a Senior Instructor.

16.     Meijin:  Title used for a Martial Arts Master.

17.     Kensei: Sacred Fist, a title used for Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju-ryu, by his students.

18.     Mukyu:    One who does not hold any rank in karate.

19.     Shokyu:   Secondary level learning grade such as a Sho-dan.

20.    Chukyu:   Used to denote a student who is at the post secondary grade/Intermediate level learning grade.

21.    Jokyu:     Advanced grade. Used for a Yon-dan Sensei who is in the advanced learning stage and is on foreign assignment.

22.    Hokai:    Used to denote a student below dan grade.

23.    Nyumon:    Entry level learning grade.

24.    Kyoren:   A student of San-dan grade who is not in training for instructor grade (Yon-dan)