28/04/2026
With the weekend’s events and surprise promotion still in our minds, I've been asked by a few people, to explain the significance and meaning of the Hanshi title and why it carries so much ‘weight’. So, as well as what I already know, I even consulted AI to cross-reference details in many different documents and schools all over the world, and have placed some information here for you to check over.
Hanshi is a title given under the shogo 称号 licensing system. The shogo system was created by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai 大日本武徳会 (DNBK) in 1895 to preserve the traditional martial values as Japan became more modernised. Dai Nippon Butoku Kai means - Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society. Whilst Dan grades signify attained levels of technical knowledge and physical skills, shogo titles are a measure of leadership, philosophical mastery and contribution to the arts. There are 3 titles under the Shogo system:
Renshi
• Literal Meaning: The "Ren" (錬) means "to polish" or "to temper," and "Shi" (士) means "gentleman" or "scholar".
• The Role: A Renshi is someone who has "polished" their character and technique through years of hard training.
• Typical Rank: Often awarded to those at 4th Dan.
Kyoshi
• Literal Meaning: The "Kyo" (教) means "to teach" or "philosophy," resulting in a title often translated as "Professor" or "Senior Instructor".
• The Role: A Kyoshi has mastered the underlying philosophy of the art and is responsible for developing the next generation of instructors.
• Typical Rank: Usually held by those at 7th Dan.
Hanshi
• Literal Meaning: "Han" (範) means "model" or "example." A Hanshi is a "Model Teacher" who serves as an ideal for all others to follow.
• The Role: This is the highest honorary title, representing a lifetime of contribution. A Hanshi is considered to have achieved a state of technical and spiritual completion.
• Typical Rank: Depending on the organisation, it is usually awarded at 8th, 9th or 10th Dan.
So, in short:
Renshi = Polished Instructor (Mastery of self and basics) Minimum 4th Dan
Kyoshi = Senior Teacher (Mastery of philosophy and instruction) Minimum 7th Dan
Hanshi = Exemplary Master (Mastery of the art and its legacy) Minimum 8th Dan
From my own experience in Japanese martial training, these types of honorifics are for the ‘user’ to use, not the ‘owner’. This is typical for Japanese language, but we often see / hear this being used differently in the West. In my own opinion, this is where negative ego has advanced by people placing such importance on their titles, as to be only for the sole purpose of polishing their own ego. This is why it has taken careful consideration upon being awarded, as through self-aggrandisement, some have proved they are not worthy of the title. Being awarded such a title, should come with a large amount of weight and responsibility to maintain and promote the highest ethical and moral values within our arts. As Steve Tappin 8th Dan, Head of Escrima Concepts said – ‘The title does not make the person, but the right person can make the title matter’ 🙏
