And because there are so many martial arts organizations, there are many different rules for receiving these titles. Other organizations will use the title shihan in addition to hanshi, independently of the formal shogo system. Some organizations will use the title shihan instead of hanshi. The three commonly used shogo titles are renshi, kyoshi, and hanshi. Typically, they are awarded to teachers who have given something back to the organization he belongs to.
The teacher must also be nominated and approved for the title. However, there is a relationship between the two in that most organizations that use them impose minimum dan level requirements in order to earn the shogo titles. In other words, a promotion to one of these titles does not raise the practitioners dan level. The shogo titles are independent of dan level and do not effect it. Their primary purpose is to show that in addition to being a good martial artist, the individual is also a good teacher. These titles are awarded only to dan (black belt) level martial artists – typically at high dan levels. In this context, title is a bit more accurate. The word loosely translates into English as title or rank. In addition to the kyu/dan (underbelt/black belt) ranking system used by most Japanese martial arts, there is a parallel system called shogo (称号). Sharing this knowledge and experience with others is what a sensei is all about. Having coached winning athletes I knew what it took to be successful. Being head coach of a large academy I saw a lot of students struggling to achieve their best. Having studied other martial arts I have an appreciation for the unique lessons of the arts. Having demonstrated the required techniques to go through each of the ranks I was competent to help others along the same path. Although I am a teacher I competed extensively and knew what it was like to win and lose. In terms of a martial art, a sensei is the one with more experience who can guide you along the path. This is another way to look at the role of a sensei, and one that I especially identify with. The Japanese word sensei literally means "one who has gone before". Students move, martial arts academies close, sensei retire, and it is hard to find an instructor that can provide you with such lessons for a long time. This kind of relationship with a sensei though is quite rare. Over three decades my teachers have shared their wisdom and understanding in many areas. The lessons learned in training certainly can be applied to all aspects of life. While a martial arts sensei must know the techniques of their art, there is more that can be learned in classes besides physical skills. It is also appropriate to use the term for teachers in educational institutions, classical arts and crafts, temples, clubs and many other student-teacher relationships. In Japan it is quite appropriate to refer to a church leader or spiritual guide as a sensei. Most martial artists also consider a sensei to be a life-long guide who provides students with physical, mental and even sometimes spiritual training. There is always more to learn, and martial arts teachers are usually the first to admit that they are more like beginners than masters. There are moments of mastery, like when a competitor achieves the elusive effortless strike or submission for a win, but they are fleeting. Mastery seems to stay just out of reach, and it is not something that can easily be achieved or claimed. As you advance in martial arts it becomes very apparent that there are so many techniques and aspects of training that it would take a lifetime to learn them all. Some martial artists equate it with "master", but this is a meaning that is not used much in our academy circles. The term sensei includes several levels of meaning.
Sifu in Chinese styles and many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students call their teachers Professor.įor the ease I will use the term Sensei but you can easily translate to the above title to understand it from a different style perspective.
Sabumnim in Taekwondo and other Korean arts. The equivalent in Thailand for Muay Thai is Kru. The most commonly used tern that most people have heard is the Japanese term Sensei. Each martial art depending on national origin (Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, Brazil or Philippines) have different but similar meanings to their martial arts titles. In other words, just because you earn a black belt, does not mean you have earned the right to call yourself a Sensei or master. These titles are given and earned above and beyond earning the coveted rank of black belt. There are many titles of honor in the martial arts.
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