· Rank and Titles Part 1 一 等級武術

· Rank and Titles Part 2 二 等級武術

Receiving a new Belt and or grade is done in another Reishiki, which differs, from Dojo to Dojo. Generally students are called to the front of class. They kneel before their Instructor in Seiza, bow, and under whatever ceremonial circumstance receive their award. The structure of this ritual will vary from Dojo to Dojo, association to association.

As you will notice the grading starts with 10th Kyu [Kyu meaning “boy”, denoting lower grades], a grade obtained by merely being accepted into a Dojo, since it is you who have made the decision in seeking out formal training. Grades descend down in numbers from 10th Kyu until it reaches Ikkyu [1st Kyu], the highest level of brown Belt and after passing the rigorous Shinsa [Audition for Grade] of Black Belt and fulfilling the requirements set forth, you struggle your way back up through the grades of Yudansha ascending to 10th Dan [10th Dan being the highest achievable grade, and very rare!]. By following a structure of merit, such as the Belt system, an instructor has a way of understanding the development and progression of skill of students and can teach them according to his set standards. This is as well an important part of the Dojo Reishiki and will later relate to the Shihan Shuo-go and Fuku Shidoin Menkyo.

The following is a guideline of titles and credentials commonly used:

Dan grades have Sensei and Sho-go ["Shihan"] or teaching credential Belt system for those people qualified and wishing to pursue a teaching career as listed above.

Sho-go was originated by the Dai Nippon Butokukai and consist three levels or license being Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi.

The award of Sho-go is based on an individual’s knowledge, teaching ability and the outstanding development of character through the study of their Martial Art dicipline. Sho-go does not come at the same time as grading alone. Sho-go or Shihan Menkyo are seperate in achievement from Dan grades and are not assigned with rank or seniority. The holder of these titles must also have made significant contributions to the karate community at large.

1. Renshi [who is ‘a man of high character ‘training master’]. The character "Ren" means "polished, tempered" and "shi" means "person". Thus Renshi indicates a "polished instructor" or expert. Renshi may be awarded to the modern rank of 6th Dan or above.
2. Kyoshi [Meaning ‘a teacher’ or ‘teaching master’]. The "Kyo" in Kyoshi means "professor" or "philosophy". Therefore, Kyoshi equals a "professor" capable of teaching the philosophy of the martial arts. Kyoshi may be awarded to the modern rank of 7th Dan and above.
3. Hanshi [a ‘model for all masters’]. The "Han" in Hanshi means "example, model" and indicates "a teacher that can serve as an ideal model for others", or a “senior master”. Hanshi may be awarded to the modern day rank of 8th and above.

REN	KYO	HAN	Shi		Shi	Han
Polish, Train,	Teach	Higher Instructor, Example,	Academic Suffix		Model, Example,	Higher Instructor, Example,

"Ren", "Kyo" and "Han" license designatios are those of Shihan who rightfully could be called a master of Karatedo and a role model. Shihan also denotes teacher of teachers, which makes sense considering most of those who hold such license have Black Belts who have Black Belts under them. The suffix term "Shi" is commonly noted for those with academic degrees.

Sen	Sei		Sen	Pai		Ko	Hai
Teacher			Senior brother or sister			Junior brother or sister

It should be emphasized that because a person receives a grade it does not mean that they receive a title, license or you should call them different [i.e.; Renshi, Kyoshi or Hanshi] along with it. The grade is tested for and the Shihan License is bestowed upon a person after the grade has been received and an application has been filed for such license. In other words, a person holding the grade of 5th Dan is not necessarily a Shihan. That is not to say that he or she is not deserving of such a license [title] however it is a separate certificate [actually a license] all together. This common misconception is not to blame on those who refer to themselves with such titles because for the most part they were never told of how such titles came about or how to acquire them. Of course the titles of Deshi, Uchi Deshi, Hokai, Senpai, Kyoren, etc and possibly Soke, O'Sensei and Kensei do not require further certification because these titles are honorific or in reference to and not of outstanding nature in position to the Dojo or association [except Soke and Kensei].

There is also Kyoren, which grades to 3rd Dan [is a practictioner] but is not associated in teaching or designated to do so. Shidoin, another 3rd Dan, is the status of an instructor assigned to a Dojo as qualified by Honbu Dojo. Jokyo, 4th Dan or higher, is an instructor designated to a Dojo

Kanji, Hiragana, and or Katakana writing on belts are usually saved for Dan holders. One end reading their name [neither grade or title or license should EVER be written on your belt or Gi] and worn on the right hand side. And the other reading either their style or their association [which can denote their association such as either Gojuryu or Gojuryu Kai, which is made up of Gojuryu Karate-Ka] and worn to their left hand side. The traditional and most common colors of writing on the Belts are Yellow [Gold], and Red.

Belts

Sometimes the color of the writing can also denote the grade of its wearer. In some schools there is a standard color of embroidery which denotes the grade of Yudansha, white writing being that of Sho and Ni Dan, Yellow being San and Yon Dan, and Red being Go Dan and above. These colors can also denoting some type of leadership. This format of Belt recognition is that currently adopted by many Dojo. Most schools and styles use all Red or Gold writing and then there are some that use no writing at all while still others might implement white or silver writing. Those that implement red only obviously use it exclusively and the same goes for Gold. Those that implement both Red and Gold generally use Gold for Sho Dan and Ni Dan holders and follow with Red embroidered writing for San and Yon Dan Holders. And finally there are those who prelude with Silver for Sho and Ni Dan, Gold for San and Yon Dan and Red for everything else above. This embroidery applies to Ryuha / Kaiha Logos embroided on the left Lapel or your Gi as well.

In the diagram above is the formal Kanji for one through ten. Formal and Legal Kanji for one, two, three and four are significantly different than the common writing. They differ because to change it to either 2 or 3 would simply take adding another line or to change one or two to four is simple as adding a few more lines as well. We created this diagram because many westerners are not aware that there is a legal version as well as a counting version. Adding a line would prove an easy way for counterfeiters to fake certifications. Certifications NEVER come with the grading listed as one two or three lines.

Requirements

It would be great if all styles had their grade requirements spelled out specifically so you could know exactly where you stand and what is expected of you by comparison to all the other styles however, this is not the case. The syllabus of Dan grading from traditional Dojo to other Japanese traditional Dojo is usually similar if not the same, that being the minimum age for Sho Dan [1st Dan] level is 16 years of age [maturity, size, and competence outside of Karate] and must perform both all basic Kata, Shitei [mandatory] Kata, Jiyu or Ippon Kumite within an advanced level of competence equal to that of which they are grading for, and have a thorough level of knowledge in the basics of their style including history. The grade of Sho Dan may also include requirements for junior Instructor Certification. The requirements may change from Dojo to dojo and on individual basis however for the most part are semi-standardized. For this reason we've created a guideline for Shinsa.

· Rank and Titles Part 1 一 等級武術

· Rank and Titles Part 2 二 等級武術