Shihan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shihan (師範) is a Japanese term, often used in Japanese martial arts as an honorific title for expert or senior instructors. The term is frequently used interchangeably with English terms such as "master instructor".
Various martial arts organizations have different requirements for the usage of the title, but in general it is a high title, 6th Dan or above, that takes many years to achieve. (It is not given to a 3rd or 4th dan black belt who has decided to create their own style). It is sometimes associated with certain rights, such as the right to give out black belt (dan) ranks in the name of the organization. However, the title is generally distinct from the black belt ranking system (dan'i).
The use of the term is completely style or organization specific, as is the process of becoming a shihan. Within the Bujinkan it has been said that you become a shihan when the other shihan start calling you a shihan.[citation needed] However within judo, a Japanese teacher automatically becomes a shihan at sixth dan.[citation needed] In other organizations, for example Shodokan Aikido, the title is organizational and less strongly correlated to rank.[citation needed] In aikikai aikido, the shihan title is bestowed by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo headquarters.
There are other japenese terms such as: Dan Virtuoso Kyu Shihan
