is a
Japanese term that is used in many
Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts refers to the variety of martial arts native to the country of Japan. At least three Japanese terms (''budō'', ''bujutsu'', and ''bugei'') are used interchangeably with the English phrase Japanese martial arts.
The usage ...
as an
honorific
An honorific is a title that conveys esteem, courtesy, or respect for position or rank when used in addressing or referring to a person. Sometimes, the term "honorific" is used in a more specific sense to refer to an Honorary title (academic), h ...
title for expert or senior instructors. It can be translated as "master instructor".
The use of the term is specific to a school or organization, as is the process of becoming a shihan. In
aikido
Aikido ( , , , ) is a gendai budō, modern Japanese martial art which is split into many different styles including Iwama Ryu, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Aikikai, and Ki Aikido. Aikido is now practic ...
, the title ''shihan'' often is granted to teachers when they reach 6th dan. It is sometimes associated with certain rights, such as the right to give out
black belt (''
dan'') ranks. However, the title is distinct from the black belt ranking system ( ''dan'i'').
See also
*
Sensei
The term "先生", read in Chinese, in Japanese, in Korean, and in Vietnamese, is an honorific used in the Sinosphere. In Japanese, the term literally means "person born before another" or "one who comes before". It is generally used ...
References
Titles and rank in Japanese martial arts
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