Ranks & Titles within the British Wadokai
Kyu Grade Ranks:
- Mu Kyu: White belt (beginner)
- 9th Kyu: Red belt
- 8th Kyu: Yellow belt
- 7th Kyu: Orange belt
- 6th Kyu: Green belt
- 5th Kyu: Blue belt,
- 4th Kyu: Purple belt
- 3rd Kyu: Brown belt
- 2nd Kyu: Brown belt, with one black stripe
- 1st Kyu: Brown belt, with two black stripes
Dan Grade Ranks.
- Shodan: Black belt, normally awarded to qualified members 11 years and above
- Nidan: Black belt, normally awarded to qualified senior members 16 years and above
- Sandan: Black belt, normally awarded to qualified senior members 18 years and above
NB: Kohai-Shodan have no controlling power over seniors, other than advisory. Likewise, senior ranks of 1st Kyu and below have no controlling power over Kohai-Shodan. When a Kohai-Shodan reaches the age of 14 he may be reassessed by the Yudansha
Grading Panel and/or President for 'Full Shodan'. Upon a Kohai-Nidan reaching the age of 16 he may be reassessed by the Yudansha Grading Panel and/or President for 'Full Nidan'. If it is shown the Kohai-Yudansha has the 'mature qualities', which are expected of the full grade, he will be awarded the grade. Kohai-Yudan to full Yudan will NOT be an 'automatic' promotion once the Kohai reaches the designated age. All aspects of the individual will be taken into consideration, once the President (and/or Examination Panel) is satisfied the promotion will be considered.
Privilege Grade Titles (Shogo) and Awards (Sho):
Although both grades & titles can be applied for (through normal examination and/or written paper procedures), it must be noted that they can also be awarded by British Wadokai Chief Instructor through 'time honoured' dedicated research and contribution to the British Wadokai Karate-do Federation. ONLY the British Wadokai Chief Instructor, taking into consideration loyal and dedicated contribution to British Wadokai Karate-do Federation etc., will award Privilege Yudansha Grade Titles.
All Shogo awards:
All successful applicants will receive a Shogo Shomeisho.
All successful applicants will receive a Registration Application Form.
Black-Belt Ranks (Yudansha):
- Shodan: N/A, Sempai (Sensei if teaching)
- Nidan: N/A, Sempai (Sensei if teaching)
- Sandan: Tashi. Sensei & Privilege titles start here
- Yodan: Tashi
- Godan: Renshi
- Rokudan: Renshi / Kyoshi / Hanshi / Shihan / Saiko-Shihan (International)
- Shichidan: Hanshi / Shihan / Saiko-Shihan
- Hachidan: Hanshi / Shihan / Saiko-Shihan
Black-Belt Title/s (Shogo). Including literal translation:
- Sempai: Senior (3rd Kyu to 2nd Dan)
- Sensei: 'One who has gone before', 'born before', 'honourable teacher'. Sen; 'Ahead', 'precede'. Sei; 'Life', 'spirit', soul'. (3rd Dan & above)
- Tashi: Proficient
- Renshi: 'Polishing master'. Normally awarded to a fifth or sixth Dan in Japanese martial-arts. Suggests that although a great level of expertise and competence has been attained, the 'Renshi' is still in perseverance of practise for 'perfection'
- Kyoshi: 'Proficient teacher', 'teacher'. Can be translated into numerous titles, including 'assistant master teacher' if required. A title normally awarded to 6th and 7th level black belts
- Hanshi: 'Model teacher' 'wise teacher', 'master teacher'. Normally suggests an Instructor who heads his own Organisation or School. Also referred to, although often incorrectly, as 'master', or 'professor'
- Shihan: 'Model teacher' 'wise teacher', 'master teacher'. Normally suggests an Instructor who heads his own Organisation or School. Normally associated with black belt ranks of 5th Dan upwards. Not regarded as a 'title', but more of a 'position' in a Ryu. Can also be reversed as Hanshi, as the written Kanji is identical
- Saiko-Shihan: International Master Instructor
- Meijin: Grand Master / Founder of Style. 'Expert' or 'spiritual perfection'. One becomes 'Meijin' only after experiencing years of infinite painstaking discipline
Title meanings:
- Tashi: Minimum rank 3rd Dan. Ability to teach practical methods and basic techniques. Proven dedication to Budo through long-term teaching experience. Written essay of publication required. Similar to a Degree
- Renshi: Minimum rank, 4th Dan. Ability to teach practical methods and basic techniques. Proven dedication to Budo through long term teaching experience. Written essay of publication required. Similar to the title, Bachelor of Arts
- Kyoshi: Minimum of two years since promotion to 6th Dan Renshi titleholder. Outstanding knowledge of the traditions and methods of Budo. Demonstrated excellence of technique and teaching methods. Written essay or publication required. Similar to the title, Master of the fine Arts
- Shihan: Minimum rank of 6th Dan, Kyoshi. The term Shihan translates to 'Chief Instructor'. Saiko-Shihan translates to 'International Chief Instructor'
- Hanshi: Minimum rank of 8th Dan. 50 years of age. Kyoshi titleholder. Individual of outstanding moral and personal character. Proven leadership and exceptional contribution to Budo. Deep understanding of the techniques, history and spirit of the Martial Arts. Written essay or publication required. Similar to the title, Doctor of Philosophy
- Meijin: Individual that has attained the highest rank of 10th Dan. Awarded by a special board of examiners. The term Meijin translates to 'Grand Master'
Long Service Awards (Direct/Full Membership):
- Bronze: 10 years Yudan Service
- Silver: 15 years Yudan Service
- Gold: 25 years Yudan Service
- Platinum: 50 years Yudan Service
NB: Long Service Medals will be awarded for those who qualify. A British Wadokai member who has been a Yudansha with a consistent 'unbroken' service record. Service time will be measured from point of 'Yudan Registration' date within British Wadokai. Yudansha who have been awarded Service Medal/Awards may qualify for 'Special Membership' entitlements, which will include free Licensing and Life Membership. This does not necessarily refer to training session fees; this would be solely at the discretion of the relevant Club Instructor.