Post by RENSHI on Feb 9, 2007 1:04:08 GMT -5
List of Karate Titles
Etiquette, or manners is what separates Karate training from common street fighters or boxers. Everyone knows the title ‘Sensei’, and that it someone who teaches us. Many, however, don’t realize the true meanings behind such titles. Here is a list of the titles that are part of the Japanese/Okinawan martial arts traditions, and their meanings:
KOHAI - A student junior to oneself. You owe them your help and support.
YUDANSHA - Black belt holder (any rank).
SEMPAI - A Title That honors a Blackbelt that goes the extra mile to help assist in the school, translates into older Brother/Sister. This status is prerequisite before attaining the Title of Sensei.
DAI-SEMPAI - A school's most senior Sempai.
SENSEI - Teacher. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's DOJO or for an organization, it is proper to address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat as well.
DAI- SENSEI - A school's most senior Sensei.
RENSHI - "A person who has mastered oneself." This person is considered an expert instructor. This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as Kyoshi. Renshi "has a name." Renshi is no longer one of the many, so to speak. Renshi is usually given at yodan to rokudan, depending on the system.
KYOSHI - "Knowledgeable person," and usually this title is conferred at Rokudan or Shichidan, depending on system. The most common practice in the large organizations is for this to be at shichidan (7th Dan). This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as Hanshi.
HANSHI - "Master." An honorary title given to the highest Black Belt of an organization, signifying their understanding of their art.
Please make an effort to observe these titles and the people to whom they apply.
Etiquette, or manners is what separates Karate training from common street fighters or boxers. Everyone knows the title ‘Sensei’, and that it someone who teaches us. Many, however, don’t realize the true meanings behind such titles. Here is a list of the titles that are part of the Japanese/Okinawan martial arts traditions, and their meanings:
KOHAI - A student junior to oneself. You owe them your help and support.
YUDANSHA - Black belt holder (any rank).
SEMPAI - A Title That honors a Blackbelt that goes the extra mile to help assist in the school, translates into older Brother/Sister. This status is prerequisite before attaining the Title of Sensei.
DAI-SEMPAI - A school's most senior Sempai.
SENSEI - Teacher. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's DOJO or for an organization, it is proper to address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat as well.
DAI- SENSEI - A school's most senior Sensei.
RENSHI - "A person who has mastered oneself." This person is considered an expert instructor. This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as Kyoshi. Renshi "has a name." Renshi is no longer one of the many, so to speak. Renshi is usually given at yodan to rokudan, depending on the system.
KYOSHI - "Knowledgeable person," and usually this title is conferred at Rokudan or Shichidan, depending on system. The most common practice in the large organizations is for this to be at shichidan (7th Dan). This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as Hanshi.
HANSHI - "Master." An honorary title given to the highest Black Belt of an organization, signifying their understanding of their art.
Please make an effort to observe these titles and the people to whom they apply.