isshinryuronin
Master of Arts
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- Feb 28, 2019
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Wow, quite a discussion on titles. Some of the following has been touched upon by Chris Parker and Bill Mattocks, but I would like to highlight a couple of points, add a couple, and opine a little as well.
One of the problems is instructors being uninformed about their art and its history over the past decades and passing on their ignorance (probably not their fault) to their students. Another is ego or greed, instructors wanting to self-aggrandize (this is their fault) and giving themselves rank/titles, or as mentioned, joining associations that mutually pass out such things.
There was a time, less than a century ago, when karate had no dans. Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi were used to signify level of teaching licenses, originally given by a "non-denominational" committee of respected Okinawan masters. With the proliferation of styles and the lessening of central authority, such awards, including high rank, were handed out on a more "local" basis.
This last point has reached ridiculous proportions, IMO, as styles have fragmented into numerous organizations. My style is a good example of this. I find it regrettable, especially concerning the term "Soke." Many claim the title. Should a style have more than one? IMO, NO! I don't know who the first was to declare himself a "soke," in addition to Shimabuku Soke, (I've narrowed it down to two or three) but I'd like to give him a keri in the pants (just figuratively - these guys were tough.) If what that group teaches is different enough from the root style to have its own headmaster, change its name and declare a new style. While I disagree with the term "soke" in these instances, no disrespect of skill or dedication is meant for those holding this title.
Re: the term Sensei - Yes, it's just used to refer to a teacher. As to who can be called such in a given school, it's commonly up to the head instructor, or perhaps organization. In my Iaido dojo, one had to be 2nd degree, in my karate experience there has been no dan requirement. Bill's group seemingly has a different structure. OK. by me. While my master in Okinawa rates a red belt, he commonly wears plain black.
To me, all this is simply a matter of respect and humility.
One of the problems is instructors being uninformed about their art and its history over the past decades and passing on their ignorance (probably not their fault) to their students. Another is ego or greed, instructors wanting to self-aggrandize (this is their fault) and giving themselves rank/titles, or as mentioned, joining associations that mutually pass out such things.
There was a time, less than a century ago, when karate had no dans. Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi were used to signify level of teaching licenses, originally given by a "non-denominational" committee of respected Okinawan masters. With the proliferation of styles and the lessening of central authority, such awards, including high rank, were handed out on a more "local" basis.
This last point has reached ridiculous proportions, IMO, as styles have fragmented into numerous organizations. My style is a good example of this. I find it regrettable, especially concerning the term "Soke." Many claim the title. Should a style have more than one? IMO, NO! I don't know who the first was to declare himself a "soke," in addition to Shimabuku Soke, (I've narrowed it down to two or three) but I'd like to give him a keri in the pants (just figuratively - these guys were tough.) If what that group teaches is different enough from the root style to have its own headmaster, change its name and declare a new style. While I disagree with the term "soke" in these instances, no disrespect of skill or dedication is meant for those holding this title.
Re: the term Sensei - Yes, it's just used to refer to a teacher. As to who can be called such in a given school, it's commonly up to the head instructor, or perhaps organization. In my Iaido dojo, one had to be 2nd degree, in my karate experience there has been no dan requirement. Bill's group seemingly has a different structure. OK. by me. While my master in Okinawa rates a red belt, he commonly wears plain black.
To me, all this is simply a matter of respect and humility.