Shougou
UNDER CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
SHOU-GOU 称号 is the masters title-system set up by the Dai-Nippon Butoku-kai (greater Japan Budo Encouragement Federation established in 1895 in Kyoto). It is consist of three ranks, Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi. The sho-go awarded by the All Japan Karate Do Goju-Kai (JKGA) and International Karate-Do Goju-Kai Association (IKGA), will consist of the three similar ranks and are therefore classical ranks/titles similar to Samurai titles given under the auspices of Japan's Imperial Family during feudal times.
The award of sho-go is based on each individual’s knowledge, teaching ability and the outstanding development of character through the study of the karate. Therefore it is important to realize that in the modern approach to karate, these titles/ranks are much more difficult to achieve than the conventional Dan grades and are NOT automatically assigned with rank or seniority. The holder of these titles must also have made significant contributions to the karate community at large.
Receiving a new Belt and or grade is done in another Reishiki ceremony, 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 Menkyo and Fuku or Jun Shidoin system.
The title/sho-go may or may not be given to a Fellow on application, or may be awarded after the fellow has been in fellowship for some time. The three awarded by the All Japan Karate Do Goju-Kai (JKGA) and International Karate-Do Goju-Kai Association (IKGA) as previously stated are:
Renshi - 錬士 (which may be awarded to 5th Dan and above, over 35 years old and at least 2 years after receiving 5th Dan) (Time lines are recommended, but at the discretion of the President)
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 5th Dan or above. Shihan License Certification, Separate from that of Grade alone Of being 5th & 6th Dan. Japanese associations Renshi license holders wear White stripe above Red stripe facing in-Black facing out- Belt. This swithces for 7th Dan Renshi
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Standard Black Belt |
5th Dan Renshi White on Top |
6th Dan Renshi |
Kyoshi - 教師 (which may be awarded to 7th Dan and above over 48 years old and 4 to 6 years after 7th Dan and 6 years after Renshi), (Time lines are recommended, but at the discretion of the President)
The "Kyo" in Kyoshi means "professor" or "philosophy". Therefore, Kyoshi equals a "professor" capable of teaching the philosophy of the martial arts, in other words a teacher of teachers. Kyoshi may be awarded to the modern rank of 7th Dan and above. Shihan License Certification, Separate from that of Grade alone Of being 6th & 7th Dan. Japanese associations Kyoshi license holders wear Black above Red stripe facing out-Black facing in- Belt. This swithces for 8th Dan Kyoshi
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Standard Black Belt |
7th Dan Kyoshi Black on Top |
8th Dan Kyoshi Red on Top |
Hanshi - 範士 (which may be awarded to 8th Dan and above over 58 years old 10 years after 8th Dan and 10 years after Kyoshi) (Time lines are recommended, but at the discretion of the President)
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. Shihan License Certification, Separate from that of Grade alone of being 8th, 9th & 10th Dan. Japanese associations Hanshi license holders wear Black Belt w/ Red facing out-Black facing in.
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Standard Black Belt |
8th & 9th Dan Hanshi |
10th Dan Hanshi |
Receiving a new Belt and or grade is done in another Reishiki ceremony, 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 Menkyo and Fuku or Jun Shidoin system.
The following is a guideline of titles and credentials commonly used. It is to be noted that the information contained herein, pertains mostly to Japanese Goju.
HEAD / FOUNDER AND/OR REGIONAL DIRECTORS OF RYU/KAI TITLES
Kaicho - 会長 (President/Chairman of Society)
Kaiso - 開祖 (Founder/Senior Advisor)
Kancho - 館長 (Master of the house. - Highest Instructor of specific Ryu-Ha or Kai-Ha. Regional Head / Director.) Owner of the Dojo, a title not necessarily of grade.
Shibucho - 支部長 (Area or Regional Chief / Director) Also Branch/Regional Representative of an association.
Soke - 宗家 (Master / Founder of a Ryu-Ha.)
Shihan / Master Titles
Saiko-Shihan - 最高師範 (Head/Supreme Shihan.) Head Shihan to a specific group of Shihan of an organization. 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.
Shihan - 師範 (Master Level: With a hierarchy license of; Renshi-Shihan, Kyoshi-Shihan, Hanshi-Shihan) 5th Dan and higher if designated by the qualification by virtue of endorsement by the [A] Association of Chief Instructors or [B] Administration Head of an Association. Title is by award by certification or letter, not by or of grade alone.
INSTRUCTOR'S TITLES
Jokyo - 助教 (Assistant Master / Advanced Grade Sensei.) Experienced Grade Sensei Menkyo; preamble to Shihan Menkyo system, 4th to 5th dan.
Shidoin - 指導員 (Sensei or Instructor) Beginning Grade Sensei Menkyo; preamble to Jokyo Menkyo; 3rd Dan.
Jun-Shidoin - 準指導員 (Assistant Sensei / Instructor) May be of either Ni [2nd] Dan or San [3rd] Dan or acting as an assistant to Sensei.
Sensei - 先生(Teacher.) Usually San Dan & higher instructors, Title is by award and certification or letter, not by or of grade alone.
Senpai - 先輩 (Senior Student & / or Teachers Assistant [meaning Senior to yourself].) Sho-, Ni- & San Dan, Black Belt or those senior to yourself.
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