Okay, I have yet to study in the Bujinkan, but I am interested in doing so and I'm trying to understand as much about the organization as I can before I join.
I understand Shidoshi-ho and Shidoshi (or at least I think I do), that anyone between 1st and 4th Dan can be sponsored by a Shidoshi and become a Shidoshi-ho and award up to one rank below their current rank through the training they offer, and once a member reaches 5th Dan they may become a Shidoshi and award up to 4th Dan through the training they offer.
However, what is the distinction between a Shidoshi and a Shihan, and are there any privileges that come with being a Shihan?
From what I can gather, you either become a Shihan at either 15th Dan, 10th Dan, or by consensus of Hatsumi-sensei and the other Shihan, and being a Shihan means you have a plaque with your name on it at the Bujinkan hombu dojo, and sometimes a Shihan will administer the 5th Dan test under the supervision of Hatsumi-sensei.
So, what do I not understand about the role of the title of Shihan within the Bujinkan?
I understand Shidoshi-ho and Shidoshi (or at least I think I do), that anyone between 1st and 4th Dan can be sponsored by a Shidoshi and become a Shidoshi-ho and award up to one rank below their current rank through the training they offer, and once a member reaches 5th Dan they may become a Shidoshi and award up to 4th Dan through the training they offer.
However, what is the distinction between a Shidoshi and a Shihan, and are there any privileges that come with being a Shihan?
From what I can gather, you either become a Shihan at either 15th Dan, 10th Dan, or by consensus of Hatsumi-sensei and the other Shihan, and being a Shihan means you have a plaque with your name on it at the Bujinkan hombu dojo, and sometimes a Shihan will administer the 5th Dan test under the supervision of Hatsumi-sensei.
So, what do I not understand about the role of the title of Shihan within the Bujinkan?