Certified Teaching Ranks

Kyokushin Sabakido Certified Teaching Ranks

Kyokushin Sabakido International recognizes the growing experience of its members using the traditional teaching titles found in Japan. These titles are earned through dedication  Kancho to karate and to the dojo, and are recognized around the world:

Shidoin
“Assistant Instructor” – One who assists the teacher on a consistent basis. May be attained below Black Belt.

Sempai
“Senior Student” – Typically a Black Belt responsible for teaching a class.

Sensei
“Teacher” – Not only a teaching title, but the most often used term in Japanese to denote teacher.
Shihan
“One who Teaches Teachers” – A teacher who goes beyond his own training and teaching, and helps develop other teachers and other dojos.Typically 5th Dan or higher.

Renshi
“One who Knows” – An internationally licensed teacher who takes on major responsibility within a dojo. Typically 6th or 7th Dan or higher.

Kyoshi
“One who Teaches” – Usually  7th Dan with 25 to 30 years of experience, on the way to becoming a master.

Hanshi
“A Model for the Whole” – Reflects mastery of the physical side of karate, but also the understanding and ability to teach at all levels. This title also recognizes the master’s lifelong commitment to living the karate code of conduct in all situations.

NOTE: There are actually more teaching ranks than those shown above. Before some of the above ranks, there is a “Waka” version of that rank. So before one becomes a Sensei, they first become a Waka Sensei, which means “Young Teacher.”