TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Since the late 1980’s we have seen the rise of multiple "Soke's" and "Soke Boards." At the time when Dr. Riedner returned from Japan and began teaching the style he had learned, "Motobu Ha Shito Ryu," the title of "Soke" was unheard of. Perhaps as a service to those who might visit this web site, a listing of terms and definitions might be helpful if for no other reason than to clarify the perspective from which the Shiho Karano Kan operates.

​JAPANESE TITLES:  
      
Sensei: "Teacher." A Full Sensei is of at least 3rd Dan ranking.         
Shihan: "Master." While historically this title refers to someone of the rank of 5th Dan or higher, the common usage is to refer to a Black Belt of  the rank of Yondan (4th Dan) as a Shihan-Dai or Junior Shihan and Godan (5th Dan) as a Full Shihan.
Renshi: "Teacher of Sensei." Generally 4th-6th Dan in rank. A Renshi is someone who has trained and produced students of at least 3rd Dan ranking.
Kyoshi: "Instructor of Shihan." Generally 5-7th Dan in rank. Someone who has trained students to Master's Rank. 
Hanshi: "Master twice over." Generally 8-10th Dan in rank.
Soke: Head of Martial Arts Family or style. Someone who is an inheritor--i.e. Full Head Family not sponsored by another Head Family.
Shodai Soke: First generation founder of a Martial Arts style.
Nidai Soke: 2nd generation head of a Martial Arts style.
Ryu: Family Art or Style

​KOREAN TITLES:

Kyosanim: Teacher (can be used appropriately for all Dan ranks).
Kwanjangnim: Head of a style or Kwan.
Sabunim: “Master instructor” typically used of 4th Dan or above.

​CHINESE TITLES:
           
Tong: A Chinese Martial Arts Family 
Sifu: "Instructor." Equivalent to Sensei ranking. 
Sibok: Definitions vary, but generally someone of Master ranking.
Sijo: Sijo is Cantonese meaning teacher-ancestor. Used to mean the teacher of the teacher's teacher. Sometimes used to mean the founder of a Chinese martial art style and sometimes used as "Tai Sijo" meaning great teacher-ancestor
Si Gong: "Father."  Head of family ("Soke")
Si Tai Gong: "Grandfather." Again used as a family term.

​INDONESIAN TITLES:

Guru Bantoo: Assistant Teacher, 1st through 3rd degree
Guru: “Teacher,” 4th through 6th degree
Mas Guru: “Master Teacher” or “Master,” 7th & 8th degree
Pendekkar: “Grandmaster.” Awarded to someone who has demonstrated exceptional mastery, 9th degree
Soke Pendekkar: Inheritor and Grandmaster, 10th degree

The listing of cooperating Head Families includes:
 
YEE CHONG MU GOW 
Si Gong George Dean, Canton, OH (Inherited from William Van Camp)

SIKES RYU KEMPO JU-JITSU
Shodai Soke Scott Sikes, Springfield, MO

KEN KAR DO RYU
Nidai Soke Chris Cazzell, Willard, MO (Inherited from Scott Sikes)

CHAUN FA TJIMINDE
Mas Guru Kevin Mercer, Youngstown, OH, 5th Generation Inheritor (Inherited from Dale Fryer)
            
HARAGEI RYU JUKIDO
Nidai Soke Steve Collins, Petersburg, KY (Inherited from Jerry Winebrenner)

SHAOLINJI TORAKEN KEMPO        
Dr. Ron Cherry, Salisbury, NC, Shodai Soke
Nidai Soke Ray Ferrell, Charlotte, NC, President of the "American Kenpo Karate Association"

SEIGIDO RYU
Kyoshi Frank DeAngelo, Howell, NJ, Shodai Soke

QIAN TU PAI
Dr. John Kulp, Sijo, Kennewick, WA

SAYAS LOSTRA BRISKY
Mas Guru Curt Brisky, Ferndale, WA

TAEKYON JITSU DO
Kwanjangnim Fred Walliser, Elwood, IN, Shodai Soke

BUSHI RYU JU-JITSU
Shodai Soke Rick Greene, Yorktown, IN

CHI TU DO        
Grandmaster Brian Cunnings, Coarsegold, CA, Shodai Soke (Recognized by Grand Master Ramareo Estillia)
             
KENPO SHUI BING FA
Sijo David Day, Medford, OR, "International Shui Bing Fa Association"

SAN KIL TANG SOO DO
Kwanjangnim David Sgro, Fayetteville, NC, Shodai Soke

MUKASHI KINDAI RYU
Nidai Soke Don Brookshire, Easley, SC (Inherited from Rick Boyer)

TIEN HU BA ZHANG
Si Gong Mike Martin, Prince George, Maryland, Shodai Soke

ISSHOGAI RYU
Nidai Soke Carl Scroggs, Jacksonville, NC (Inherited from George Johnson)

KINO RYU
Shodai Soke George Gaffke, Portage, MI