称号
錬士、教士、範士の称号は大日本武徳会（創立：1895年、於：京都）に制定された。全日本空手道連盟（糸東会）および世界糸東流空手道連盟（WSKF）が授与するこの称号は封建時代の皇族に保護された武士階級の称号に類似。各称号は、知識、教える能力、空手の修行を通じて養われた優れた特性によって査定される。従って、近代空手において、この称号は因習的な段を授与されるよりもさらに困難で、また年功序列によって自動的に与えられるものではないことを留意する必要がここにある。また、これは空手社会に大いに貢献した者にも授けられる。
称号は、申請して授与されることもあるし、また過去のある期間、修行を行っていたという理由からも授与される。全日本空手道連盟（糸東会）および世界糸東流空手道連盟（WSKF）によって授与される称号は次の３つ。
- 錬士
資格は35歳以上、6段以上且つ師範を有する者。技術、戦術、または哲学（最低800英単語）についての論文提出。論文が受理された場合、同論文についての実践技術を証明する。
- 教士
資格は48歳以上、7段認定後6年経過しており且つ錬士授与後6年経過した者。技術、戦術、または哲学（最低1,200英単語）についての論文提出。論文が受理された場合、同論文についての実践技術を証明する。
- 範士
資格は58歳以上、8段以上、8段認定後10年経過しており且つ教士授与後10年経過した者。技術、戦術、または哲学（最低2,000英単語）についての論文提出。論文が受理された場合、同論文についての実践技術を証明する。
Sho-Go
SHO-GO 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 Federation (shitokai) and World Shitoryu Karate do Federation (WSKF), 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.
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 Federation (shitokai) and World Shitoryu Karate do Federation (WSKF). as previously stated are:
- Renshi
which may be awarded to 6th Dan and above, holding Shihan Degree, over 35 years old. And a thesis. A subject concerning technique, tactic or philosophy (minimum 800 words). If you pass the thesis, you can try practical skill about your thesis. - Kyoshi
which may be awarded to 7th Dan and above over 48 years old and 6 years after 7th Dan and 6 years after Renshi. And a thesis. A subject concerning technique, tactic or philosophy (minimum 1200 words). If you pass the thesis, you can try practical skill about your thesis. - Hanshi
which may be awarded to 8th Dan and above over 58 years old 10 years after 8th Dan and 10 years after Kyoshi. And a thesis. A subject concerning technique, tactic or philosophy (minimum 2000 words). If you pass the thesis, you can try practical skill about your thesis.
The meaning of the sho-go
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 6th Dan or above.
The “Kyo” in Kyoshi means “professor” or “philosophy”. Therefore, Kyoshi equals a “professor” capable of teaching the philosophy of the martial arts. Kyoshi may be awarded to the modern rank of 7th Dan and above.
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.
