Shōgō (称号) is a term for the honorary instructor titles of Japanese martial arts, such as Renshi, Kyōshi, and Hanshi, awarded for character, teaching ability, and mastery. These are official instructor titles awarded by major budō federations (especially kendo, iaidō, jōdō, karate).
Titles in Rank Order
Some of these are used only in koryu.
Teaching Titles (Shidō)
- Hanshi 範士
- Hanshi means “Exemplary Master,” and is one of the highest honors in budō. It is awarded only rarely to senior teachers of impeccable character & lifelong dedication. Implicit meaning: “model teacher,” someone who embodies the art.
- Kyōshi 教士
- Kyōshi means “Advanced Teacher” and is a title given to a fully mature teacher who exhibits pedagogical skill and consistent performance. It typically requires many years at high danDan 段 is a graded level or stage of advancement in Japanese arts, especially martial arts. More rank.
- Renshi 錬士
- Renshi means “Polished Expert.” This is an entry-level instructor title given to a person of refined skill and character. It is the first of the three major shogō titles that form the classical hierarchy: Renshi → Kyōshi → Hanshi.
- Shihan 師範
- Shihan — Senior Instructor / Master Teacher. Means “exemplary model” or “teacher of teachers.” Not necessarily tied to a specific danDan 段 is a graded level or stage of advancement in Japanese arts, especially martial arts. More rank. Requires both technical ability and recognized authority.
- Jun-shihan 準師範
- Jun-shihan — Associate / Assistant Master Teacher. “Jun” (準) means “quasi-, semi-, assistant.” Assistant to the shihan. Often used for senior instructors in training to be full shihan.
- Shihan-chō 師範長
- Shihan-chō — Chief Master Instructor. The head of all shihan in an organization. Equivalent to “chief technical director.”
- Sensei 先生
- Sensei — “Teacher / Instructor,” Literally “one who was born before.” Broad, respectful title for anyone who teaches. In martial arts, used from 3rd danDan 段 is a graded level or stage of advancement in Japanese arts, especially martial arts. More upward (though dojos vary).
Leadership and Organizational Titles
These belong more to koryū (classical martial traditions). These describe roles, not technical ranks.
- Sōke 宗家
- Sōke — Head of the Family / Style. Literally “head of the family/household.” In martial arts: head of a lineage, holder of the tradition’s ultimate authority. Often hereditary. Means the person who carries the entire tradition. Important: It does NOT literally mean “head of style” in classical Japanese, but became used that way in budō.
- Kaichō 会長
- Kaichō — “President / Chairman” Head of a dojo organization, association, or federation. Equivalent to “director.” In martial arts groups outside Japan, often used for a chief executive of a school.
- Kanchō 館長
- Kanchō — “Director of the Hall / Chief of the School Building” Manager or owner of the physical dojo building (kan = hall/school system). Also sometimes used to mean “head of the organization,” depending on the group. Many Japanese karate systems (e.g., Kyokushin) use Kanchō as the head of the international organization.
- Dōjō-chō 道場長
- Dōjō-chō — “Head of the Dojo.” The person in charge of a specific dojo/location. Not necessarily the founder or the main teacher of the whole style. Common in aikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More (Aikido Hombu has “Dōjōchō”).
Translation
称shōto call, name, designate, give a title
号gōnumber, name, title, pseudonym
称号shōgōa formally granted title or designation
Note
It is NOT a rank like danDan 段 is a graded level or stage of advancement in Japanese arts, especially martial arts. More or kyū — it is an honorific teaching title.
