BLACK BELT TITLES

Sensei

A sensei is simply a “teacher,” literally “one who has gone before,” i.e. is older or has taken the same path as the student but is now farther along.

Renshi

Honorary title sometimes awarded to 4th or 5th dan karateka who are 35 years old or older. Literally, a “polished expert,” and usually an assistant to a higher-ranked Hanshi.

Kyoshi

Honorary title sometimes awarded to 7th or 8th dan karateka who are 40 years old or older and have held the title of Renshi for at least 10 years. Literally “expert instructor”.

Hanshi

Honorary title sometimes awarded to 9th or 10th dan karateka who are over 55 years old and have held the title of Kyoshi for at least 15 years. Literally, “exemplary teacher,” and usually the master of a system or style.