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USA-TKA Ranking & Titles:

FORMAL TEACHING TITLES

  1. Sensei – “One who has gone before.” Teacher. Most used title in all of karate. Usually held by Sandan or above but reserved for the rank of Nidan in Nahashu Ryu Karate Jutsu because of the extreme requirements in the system. Many senior students would rather be called this title than any other title they hold because it is the first and most honorable title that the Yudansha hold. Sensei implies a very close bond between teacher and student. In Nahashu Ryu only the founder of the style will be called Soke. All black belts will refer to the founder of the style as Soke Sensei and all kyu levels as Soke.

  2. Shihan – “Master or Expert Teacher”. It is important to understand that the meaning of Master as used in the martial arts is someone who has mastered the basics and advanced understandings (principles) of a particular system or style. Thus, the title Shihan means someone who has mastered the basic and advanced techniques as well as the principles, understandings, concepts, and theory of their respective style of karate. The title Shihan does not mean that the person has stopped learning, on the contrary, they are considered to be the most dedicated and serious student in any style of martial arts. The title Shihan is considered to be an organizational title only and has little meaning (may not be recognized) outside the holders style or organization.

  3. Doshi – “Leading Teacher”. Title sometimes used before Renshi.

  4. Renshi – “Senior Expert Teacher”. The first used of the three teacher titles. Although this title is independent of rank, it is given to students of Sandan or higher in Nahashu Ryu.

  5. Tasshi or Tesshi – “Apprentice Master Teacher”. Sometimes used between the titles of Renshi and Kyoshi.

  6. Kyoshi – “Master Teacher, Teacher of Teachers”. The second of the three teacher titles. Seldom given to any one below the rank of Rokudan.

  7. Hanshi – “Senior Master Teacher”. The third and highest of the three teacher titles. Seldom if ever, given below the rank of Kudan.

In reference of the three teacher titles of Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi:

Ren = A trainer of the way.
Kyo = A teacher of the way.
Han = A master of the way.

 
Rank Minimum Age Minimum Time Training Title Requirements for Title

YUDANSHA DAN GRADING SYSTEM
Shodan
Nidan
Sandan
Yondan
Godan
Rokudan

-
-
-
-
28-30
35

3 Yr
1-2 Yrs+
2-3 Yrs+
3-4 Yrs+
4-5 Yrs+
5-6 Yrs+

-
Sensei
Shihan
Renshi
Renshi
Renshi

-
Possible
2 Yr After
As Above
As Above
As Above

KODANSHA (SENIOR) DAN GRADING SYSTEM
Nanadan
Hachidan
Kyudan
Judan

40
45
48-50
50+

6-7 Yrs+
7-8 Yrs+
8-9 Yrs+
9-10 Yrs+

Kyoshi
Kyoshi
Hanshi
Hanshi

8 Yr After
As Above
15 Yr After
As Above

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