|
Shotokan, walking the way: Part 4
George Carruthers and Charles Gidley
In our last article we discussed the concepts and requirements behind the grading system covering both kyu and dan grade levels. This article deals with the titles, mentioned previously, which were formally used before the kyu/dan system was introduced. Some of these titles are still commonly used in Shotokan and some, although not as common in our own style, are increasingly creeping back in.
The most commonly used terms are kohai (junior), sempai (senior) and sensei (teacher) The kohai, sempai relationship works at all levels in Japan and depicts within the dojo or group the difference between students with more time and experience (sempai), with those with less time and experience (kohai) and those who started at the same time as yourself (dohai). The term dohai is used often in Japan but is less noticeable in the western dojos. However the terms kohai and sempai are used more often in the west because of the tradition and etiquette of the dojo or association involved but those cynics amongst us could also say that they are also used by some in an attempt to impress, just how ‘Japanese we really are’. Unfortunately, the understanding of their fullest meanings beyond the junior/senior implications is less appreciated. In Japan, to be someone’s kohai is a privilege, it means that you are willing to accept a wide level of responsibility in the training and wellbeing of the kohai, while it is expected that the kohai in turn will offer total respect to their senior often deferring to their judgement. It works in a slightly similar vein, but not totally, to a close family structure with respect and responsibility being dictated by the seniority of the siblings. Whether or not this system can be either fully appreciated or even accepted in the full sense of the word, in our western culture is a question for another time, however it is fair to state that respect is a two way street, something which is often ignored. Needless to say that Shotokan, and karate in general has its foundations on respect and junior-senior relationships and it is something that we at least ‘try’ to embrace. Another more common title is of course ‘sensei’. Any black belt instructor who is in a teaching capacity will often be given this title in formal situations and in some cases informally.
‘Sensei’, in the Japanese culture denotes a teacher or any other person in authority which further reflects a level of expertise or mastery in a particular field; this includes medicine, law and politics, as well as others and is not exclusive to the martial arts. It may not necessarily reflect age or time, but does reflect skill and respect for those same skills. However, the term sensei can be overused or abused and it is used as a form of sarcasm or ridicule by individuals in Japan during private conversations when reflecting a level of overblown adulation towards an individual or megalomania in the individual themselves. In general however, the use of the term sensei both internal and external to the martial arts in Japan is usually offered as a sign of respect, a situation which is reflected in its use by all traditional organisations. The title usually comes after the family name of the individual e.g. Abe sensei and is never used in relation to a first or Christian name e.g. Jim sensei, unless Jim happens to be the individuals family name.
O-sensei, in Shotokan is used when describing the founder of our style, Funakoshi Gichin, although Shotokan is not alone in this as it used by other traditional Japanese martial arts and styles with respect to their own founder/s. The ‘O’ represents ‘main’ or ‘big’ sensei and is further used to differentiate the ‘founder’ to all other instructors and denotes the individual’s ‘elder’ status in the style.
There are other titles which have crept into Shotokan over the last few years, some of which have been used by other traditional styles since their inception, some which have been bestowed on individuals by virtue of their belonging to a group, yet would be frowned upon by some in Shotokan if used. These include the honorary title ‘Shihan’ (master or master teacher), which may be awarded to individuals holding either 5th dan or above in some styles, but usually 8th dan and above, if ever used at all, in Shotokan and denotes a level of mastery in the style. The title Shihan carries more weight when conferred upon an individual by his peers in general, rather than by the individual themselves. So an introduction by the individual as Bloggs Shihan for instance, may be deemed arrogant or bad manners outside the individual’s own sphere of influence. An example would be Enoeda shihan, who although we are led to believe never used the title personally, was often called a ‘master’ by his peers and student and therefore was deemed to hold the status in his own right. The title may also be conferred, although not necessarily used by the individual, by virtue of being part of a ‘masters’ group or ‘Shihankai’ with such organisations as the JKA, SKI, SRKHI (Shotokan Ryu Kase Ha (Instructors Academy) and the ISKS. A famous master in Goju-ryu once said ‘that although Godan may depict the level of master (in Goju-ryu), not all Godans have the ability to become a master…………...
There are of course those other classical titles or sho-go, which were conferred upon an individual prior to the current system’s existence. These Sho-go originate in the teaching title-system set up by the Dai-Nippon Budoku-kai (Greater Japan Budo Encouragement Federation established in 1895 in Kyoto). It consists of three ranks, Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi given in order of rank from the lowest to the highest. These titles are specifically teaching titles and once again are honorary, classical ranks similar to those given to the samurai under the auspices of Japan's Imperial Family during feudal times. The award of a sho-go is based on each individual’s knowledge, teaching ability and the outstanding development of character as part of the process in perfection of self, through the lifelong study of their chosen martial art. Therefore it is important to realise 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. It is suggested that the holder of these titles must also have made significant contributions to the martial arts community at large. However in international Shotokan as in Japan, although awarded by such groups as the SKI and ISKS, they are not normally formally used, neither are they normally emblazoned on the belt. Therefore an individual with the title hanshi, would still be addressed as Smith sensei and would never use the sho-go in an introduction of himself. The shogo therefore are not dissimilar in use to an academic degree or professional qualification. One would never see an individual verbally presenting himself as Joe Bloggs BSc, and in fact may be ridiculed by those around him, for the same?
The Shogo titles of Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi are also commonly related to age, knowledge, respect and position within the peer group and have been, only in the last 30 years or so, linked to the dan grade system which initially had superseded these classical titles. Movement through the Shogo also carries a minimum length of time between one sho-go and the next. The awarding of shogo is normally based around the FAJKO (Federation of All Japan Karate-do Organisations) guidelines of March 1971.
The character "Ren" means "polished, tempered" and "shi" means "person". Thus Renshi indicates a "polished instructor" or expert and may be awarded to the modern rank of 6th Dan, if the individual is over the age of 40 or 50 depending on the group. 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, to individuals over the age of 50 or 60 depending on the group. 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 dan, to individuals over the age 60 or 70 depending on the group. This format is built around the situation whereby experience and knowledge is also reflected in years of training and maturity of age.
Today’s Shotokan karate and its options therein give the new student, to the most experienced instructor, a plethora of choice which means that all tastes are provided for. What is important to all serious karateka is that Shotokan standards and respect of self and others are always maintained. Much of this can be achieved by a solid grading structure which allows the student’s need for progression to be tested based on ability and understanding, and sensible use by seniors, of any title bestowed. We believe that the future is bright for the traditional styles and for Shotokan in particular and hope that our current writings have informed and any in the future continue to do so.
George or Charles are happy to accept comments and can be contacted through jskagb@aol.com website: www.jskagb.org ___________________________________________________________
|
