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Martial Arts Teaching Title Awards (Requirement Guide) Teachers & Masters (Teaching Title Recipients) Titles & Ranks Karate SHO-GO is the masters titles system set up in 1895 by the Japanese government which had sanctioned the formation of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (Japan Great Martial Virtues Association) to oversee, standardize and promote the various martial traditions (ryuha), also conceived of and issued the first distinguished titles for the modern budoka who were considered outstanding in their particular disciplines. The first Shihan ("Master Teacher") titles were Hanshi ("Model Expert "or"" Teacher by Example, and Kyoshi, originally known as Tasshi ("Teaching Expert"). In 1934, a third title was introduced, Renshi ("Well Trained or Skilled Expert"). The Butokukai continues to issue these titles to this day. Within the Butokukai, the ranking system was, and still is, the evaluation of an individuals progress toward the

attainment of human perfection through the practice of the fighting traditions. This evaluation is not based solely upon physical prowess, but also encompasses the entire human being’s physical, moral, and spiritual development: budos goal of cultivating the world-within in an effort to enhance the world-without. The Traditional DOJO is a place of beauty and simplicity which its head instructor (Sensei or Shihan) plays out the role of Teacher, Counselor, Father, friend, and under certain required circumstances even Judge! The Sensei (honorable teacher) or Shihan (Master) often weaves the blanket of a DOJO from his assistant instructors, his Sempai (senior Students), other instructors below his rank, and the community within the vicinity of his DOJO to form a close family of KarateKa (Karate persons). Who recognize each other on a hierarchy of standards set forth by their senior Instructor and it is by this Sensei’s or Shihan’s virtue, the students of the DOJO set their Do (way or

path). Mastery in the real sense goes beyond technique and in the martial arts involves a struggle with the ego. "However well-performed an action may be, however well controlled a technique, as long as the man using it is subject to moods and atmosphere, un-relaxed and easily disturbed for example when he is being watched, then he is a master only in a very limited degree. He is master only of technique and not of himself. He controls the skill he has but not what he is in himself" In these esoteric disciplines it is very dangerous to identify with another person, because if the other does anything which, in the eyes of the imitator, cannot be accepted or justified, the example comes tumbling down and breaks into a thousand pieces; and with the example, the image, the god, the whole discipline, breaks and appears senseless. A true teacher has many qualities. He or She is someone who, 1. Is wise through experience and has an open mind 2. Is knowledgeable in other aspects of

life 3. Is a teacher / leader / father / mother in one 4. One can respect, admire and honour 5. Is genuine 6. Is not selfish 7. Is trustful, tells you the things you want to hear, and gives constructive criticism 8. Finds the best way to treat each individual and guide them in and out of the dojo 9. Has an honest nature and is sincere 10. Brings out the good/best in students 11. Treats students the same, no matter what background 12. Is confident in their ability and admits their mistakes 13. Is consistent 14. Will help you to find yourself Teaching Title Meanings Karate                 Senpai - A Senior Student Dai Senpai - Assistant to Head Instructor Sensei - Generic Term for all Teachers (one who has come before) Renshi - Assistant Master Shihan - Teacher by example Kyoshi - Master Teacher - Teacher of Teachers Hanshi - Senior Master - Professor Soke - "Master of the House," indicating the founder or headmaster of a

ryuha Kancho Doshu - Way/Path Master Kaiso - Founder Kaicho - President of an Organization Kancho - Head of a School Meijin - Wiseman Soshi - Head Teacher or Master Teacher Soshu - Master of an Art Taiso - Great Master What is a Senpai - Senpai is a Japanese term of respect. The term senpai is attached to the end of a teachers name at all times - not just in the dojo. Budo is a way of life, and respect for seniors continues into daily life in Japan, and, one would hope, this country as well. If you hear your sensei refer to an assistant teacher in the Dojo by his/her first name, it does not mean you should as well. That individual is the senseis student, but he/she is your senior, and should be addressed as senpai. Furthermore, because senpai is an honorific term, one must never refer to himself/herself as dai senpai, as this is seen as arrogant. Senpai – min 12 months teaching     Role of a Senpai is to assist on the floor whenever possible with collecting money at

front desk, bow in, protocols, warm ups, teaching lower ranks, without being asked. To take on more of a senior role in the development of classes, implementation of material, research new material needed for growth ie weapons, applications for kata, history. To open up a club under your Sensei to help grow the school. Advise lower grades on matters relating to club etiquette What is a Dai Senpai - Dai Senpai is a Japanese term of respect. The term dai senpai is attached to the end of a teachers name at all times - not just in the dojo. Budo is a way of life, and respect for seniors continues into daily life in Japan, and, one would hope, this country as well. If you hear your sensei refer to an assistant teacher in the Dojo by his/her first name, it does not mean you should as well. That individual is the dai senpais student, but he/she is your senior, and should be addressed as sensei. Furthermore, because dai senpai is an honorific term, one must never refer to himself/herself as

dai senpai, as this is seen as arrogant. Dai Dai Senpai – min 2 years teaching as senpai      Role of a Dai Senpai is to assist on the floor whenever possible with collecting money at front desk, bow in, protocols, warm ups, teaching lower ranks, without being asked. To take on more of a senior role in the development of classes, implementation of material, research new material needed for growth ie weapons, applications for kata, history. To open up a club under your Sensei to help grow the school. Take on senior role in teaching lower grades whether it be juniors or seniors at a club. Advisor to Senpai’s and lower grades on matters relating to club etiquette. What is a Sensei - Sensei does not mean "Teacher , or Instructor, The term Sensei is means "He who has gone before ". It is meant to indicate someone tha is highly skilled as well as knowledgeable. Sensei is a Japanese term of respect The term sensei is attached to the end of a teachers name

at all times - not just in the dojo. Budo is a way of life, and respect for seniors continues into daily life in Japan, and, one would hope, this country as well. If you hear your sensei refer to an assistant teacher in the Dojo by his/her first name, it does not mean you should as well. That individual is the senseis student, but he/she is your senior, and should be addressed as sensei. Furthermore, because sensei is an honorific term, one must never refer to himself/herself as sensei, as this is seen as arrogant. A sensei therefore is someone who has been "born before" you in the system you are studying and is therefore senior to you and your teacher. A sensei can actually do what he teaches, he or she embodies the art, while a coach can teach you how to do something without necessarily being able to perform the skill him or herself. Traditionally the sensei was not expected to answer to his students for either his behaviour or his teaching methods. His role was to create

situations so that the student learned by experience; he was not expected to explain the intricate details of every technique-training was a thing of the heart, not of the mind. The methods used to educate members of the samurai class were especially demanding, as the purpose was to inculcate not only knowledge but also dignity and strength of character. Thus teachers were accorded a high level of respect. Fundamentally this is the function of a sensei-to create situations where the student arrives at understanding through his own experience. The senseis role is therefore vital and transcends the teaching of mere technique, which is actually the province of the coach. Sensei -min 3 years teaching as dai senpai (Normally awarded at 3rd Dan level, but never below 2nd Dan)        Role of a Sensei is to assist on the floor whenever possible, bow in, protocols, warm ups, teaching lower ranks, without being asked. To take on more of a senior role in the development of

classes, implementation of material, research new material needed for growth ie weapons, applications for kata, history. To teach and manage the clubs under you. Take on senior role in teaching lower grades whether it be juniors or seniors at a club. Be a senior advisor to Dai Senpai’s in the direction of school, call gradings and set up and run grading day. Advisor to Dai Senpai’s on matters relating to club etiquette and protocols, discipline, and unite the clubs Develop own patch / logo on right chest What is a Renshi- The character "Ren" means "polished, tempered" and "shi" means "person". Thus Renshi indicates a "polished instructor" or expert. Renshi is a Japanese term of respect The term renshi is attached to the end of a teachers name at all times - not just in the dojo. Budo is a way of life, and respect for seniors continues into daily life in Japan, and, one would hope, this country as well. If you hear your renshi

refer to an assistant teacher in the Dojo by his/her first name, it does not mean you should as well. That individual is the renshis student, but he/she is your senior, and should be addressed as renshi. Furthermore, because renshi is an honorific term, one must never refer to himself/herself as renshi, as this is seen as arrogant.In 1934 the Butokukai introduced a third title “Renshi”. One who has mastered himself, therefore is someone who is a well trained skilled expert, a lower master. A renshi can actually do what he teaches, he or she embodies the art, while a coach can teach you how to do something without necessarily being able to perform the skill him or herself. Traditionally the renshi was not expected to answer to his students for either his behaviour or his teaching methods. His role was to create situations so that the student learned by experience; he was not expected to explain the intricate details of every technique-training was a thing of the heart, not of the

mind. The methods used to educate members of the samurai class were especially demanding, as the purpose was to inculcate not only knowledge but also dignity and strength of character. Thus teachers were accorded a high level of respect. Fundamentally this is the function of a Renshi-to be a database of knowledge he must uphold the right moral and spiritual example for all students to follow. Renshi - min 4 years teaching as sensei (Normally awarded at 4th Dan level, and is considered not proper to award below 4th Dan)          Role of a Renshi is to assist on the floor whenever possible, bow in, protocols, warm ups, teaching lower ranks, without being asked. To take on more of a senior role in the development of classes, implementation of material, research new material needed for growth ie weapons, applications for kata, history. To teach and manage the clubs under you. To develop & manage a specific area of the honbu. Take on senior role in

teaching lower grades whether it be juniors or seniors at a club. Be a senior advisor to Sensei’s in the direction of school, call gradings and set up and run grading day. Be a senior council to head of school on matters of direction, problems, protocols, research, Advisor to Sensei’s on matters of their behavior and attitude, discipline, unite the clubs and play a part in the expansion of the club To represent what is the best practise and ethics of All Stars, leading by example and visit local clubs once a year as a regional manager to observe and assist them to run the club correctly and teach correctly the forms, bunkai, following the curriculum inconjunction with All Stars standards and method. (club allocated will be by head of school) What is a Shihan - Shihan is a Japanese term, often used in Japanese martial arts as an honorific title for expert or senior instructors. The term is frequently used interchangeably with English terms such as "master instructor". The

term Shihan is attached to the end of a teachers name at all times - not just in the dojo. Budo is a way of life, and respect for seniors continues into daily life in Japan, and, one would hope, this country as well. If you hear your shihan refer to an assistant teacher in the Dojo by his/her first name, it does not mean you should as well. That individual is the shihans student, but he/she is your senior, and should be addressed as Shihan. Furthermore, because Shihan is an honorific term, one must never refer to himself/herself as Shihan, as this is seen as arrogant. Shihan - min 5 years teaching as renshi (Normally awarded at 5th Dan level, but is acceptable at 4th Dan but never below 4th Dan, however the recipient should be able to carry this title with ease)           Role of a Shihan is to assist on the floor whenever possible, bow in, protocols, warm ups, teaching lower ranks, without being asked. To take on more of a senior role in the

development of classes, implementation of material, research new material needed for growth ie weapons, applications for kata, history. To teach and manage the clubs under you. To develop & manage a specific area of the honbu. Take on senior role in teaching lower grades whether it be juniors or seniors at the honbu. Be a senior advisor to Renshis in the direction of school, call gradings and set up and run grading day. Be a senior council to head of school on matters of direction, problems, protocols, research, Advisor to Renshis on matters of their behavior and attitude, discipline, unite the clubs and play a part in the expansion of the club To represent what is the best practise and ethics of All Stars, leading by example and visit local clubs once a year as a regional manager to observe and assist them to run the club correctly and teach correctly the forms, bunkai, following the curriculum inconjunction with All Stars standards and method. (club allocated will be by head of

school) Advisor to the head of school. What is a Kyoshi - THe "Kyu" in Kyoshi means "professor" or philosopher". There or Kyoshi is equals a "professor" capable of teaching the philosophy of the martial arts. This title might be bestowed upon you when you are a Sixth, Seventh of Eighth Degree Black Belt, are an accomplished teacher, and have practiced for at least 25-30 years. A Kyoshi is a "Renshis Sensei," meaning that an instructor who has reached the level of Kyoshi is of rank to instruct students up to the level of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Degree Black Belts. Practitioners who have achieved the levels of Sixth Degree, Seventh Degree, and Eighth Degree Black Belt have earned the honorific title of Kyoshi (key-oh-shee) The term Kyoshi is attached to the end of a teachers name at all times - not just in the dojo, requires the recipient to have outstanding knowledge of the traditions and methods of Budo. Demonstrated excellence of

technique and teaching methods. Budo is a way of life, and respect for seniors continues into daily life in Japan, and, one would hope, this country as well. Furthermore, because Kyoshi is an honorific term, one must never refer to himself/herself as Kyoshi, as this is seen as arrogant. Kyoshi - min 6 years teaching as shihan(Normally awarded at 6th Dan and above, never below 6th Dan)         Role of a Kyoshi is to assist on the floor whenever possible, bow in, protocols, warm ups, teaching lower ranks, without being asked. To take on more of a senior role in the development of classes, implementation of material, research new material needed for growth ie weapons, applications for kata, history. To teach the teachers To develop & manage a specific area of the honbu. Take on senior role in teaching lower grades whether it be juniors or seniors at the honbu. Be a senior advisor to Renshis in the direction of school, call gradings and set up and run grading

day. Be a senior council to head of school on matters of direction, problems, protocols, research, Advisor to Renshis on matters of their behavior and attitude, discipline, unite the clubs and play a part in the expansion of the club What is a Hanchi - Hanshi, and the lower level titles, kyoshi and renshi, are what are known as shogo, teaching titles or degrees. As I understand it, they are considered more a recognition of ones time in/contribution to the art (whichever that is) and less an indication of technical ability. Thats what the dan-i, "grade" or "rank" (see following paragraph) is for/about. Hanshi - min 7 years teaching as Kyoshi What is a Soke - Soke, pronounced (so? ke), is a Japanese term that means "the head family house."In the realm of Japanese traditional arts, it is used synonymously with the term iemoto Thus, it is often used to indicate "headmaster" (or sometimes translated as "head of the family" or even

"grand master".) The English translation of soke as "grand master" is not a literal translation but it does see use by some Japanese sources. It can mean one who is the leader of any school or the master of a style, but it is most commonly used as a highest level Japanese title, referring to the singular leader of a school or style of martial art. The term, however, is not limited to the genre of martial arts.Soke is sometimes mistakenly believed to mean "founder of a style" because many modern soke are the first generation headmasters of their art (shodai soke), and are thus both soke and founder. However, the successors to the shodai soke are also soke themselves Soke are generally considered the ultimate authority within their art, and have final discretion and authority regarding promotions, curriculum, doctrine, and disciplinary actions. A soke has the authority to issue a menkyo kaiden certificate indicating that someone has mastered all aspects of

his style. The widespread use of the term "soke" is controversial in the martial arts community. Traditionally it was used very rarely in Japan, typically only for very old martial arts, although it has become a somewhat common term for headmasters of schools created in the last few decades that attempt to reconstruct or emulate older styles of martial arts. Some modern western soke have used the title Soke-dai as a title for their assistant as the leader of their school. The Japanese character dai used in this context translates as "in place of." Thus, a shihan-dai, soke-dai, or soke-dairi means "someone who teaches in temporary place of" the main instructor, for reasons such as the incapacity of the soke due to injuries or illnesses. Soke - min 8 years teaching as Hanshi Titles & Ranks Muay Thai The World Muay Boran Federation & Kru Muay Thai Association proficiency ranking system for teachers, is identified by the wearing of Mongkons the

traditional headband. The term Khan is used to represent title or level in Muay Thai. Teaching Title Meanings Muay Thai Kickboxing (compiled with thanks from the Kru Muay Thai Association)          Assistant Teacher (Kru) - Assistant to Head Instructor (Senpai in Karate) Teacher (Kru) - of Muay Thai Kickboxing (Sensei in Karate) Assistant Master - (Kru Yai) (Renshi in Karate) Master (Ajarn) (Kyoshi in Karate) Assistant Grand Master (Assistant Pramajarn) Grand Master (Pramajarn/ also spelt Phra Ajaran) Assistant Senior Grand Master (Ass Sr. Pramajarn) Associate Senior Grand Master (Assoc Sr. Pramajarn) Senior Grand Master (Senior Pramajarn) Assistant Teacher (Kru) - Assistant to Head Instructor - This level is often compared with a Black Belt in other Martial Arts, in addition to 2 years of teaching and training Muay Thai to Trainees. Teacher (Kru) - of Muay Thai Kickboxing - This level can be attained after 2 years of Assistant Teacher and training of Muay

Thai to trainees. Assistant Master - (Kru Yai) - The Kru level is is attained by studying the art, producing high standards of teaching, covering all aspects of Muay Thai for at least 2 years, after Teacher. Master (Arjarn) - Kru Yai can only be achieved by a high standard of teaching promoting and developing the art and culture of Muay Thai for at least 2 years after Assistant Master. Assistant Grand Master - This prestigious award is only presented to individuals who have been acknowledged as instrumental in teaching, developing and promoting the art of Muay Thai for at least 3 years after Master. Grand Master (Pramajarn/ also spelt Phra Ajaran) - Pramajarn is only given to teachers on many years experience in developing and promoting the art of Muay Thai for at least 3 years after Assistant Grand Master and has inspiried both students and teachers with the spirit and culture of Muay Thai. Assistant Senior Grand Master (Ass Sr. Pramajarn)- An Assistant Sr Pramajarn is an individual

with great expertise in Muay Thai, helping to teach, promote the art of for at least 4 years after Grand Master. Associate Senior Grand Master (Assoc Sr. Pramajarn) - An Associate Sr Pramajarn is someone who has devoted to research and development of the art of Muay Thai after at least 4 years after Assistant Senior Grand Master. Senior Grand Master -Master of an Art (Senior Pramajarn) - Senior Pramajarn is the highest and most respected of all pramajarns because of the dedication to research, development and teaching of Muay Thai after 4 years of Associate Senior Grand Master. He must also be well known among practitioners of Muay Thai