Sunday, September 23 2012

Trinidad and Tobago and USA karate expert, Shihan Darryl Williams was recently awarded the Shogo (Master Title) of Renshi (polished instructor) by the All Japan Seishinkai Karate Federation (AJSF) and Soke Katsumi Okubo, tenth Dan.

Renshi is one of three Shogo titles that were awarded under the auspices of Japan’s Imperial Family during feudal times. They are Renshi, Kyoshi (professor) and Hanshi (example model). The award of Shogo is based on each individual’s knowledge, teaching ability and the outstanding development of character through the study of the karate.

In the modern approach to karate, these titles/ ranks are much more difficult to achieve than the conventional Dan (black belt) grades. They are not automatically assigned with rank or seniority. The holder of these titles must also have made significant contributions to the karate community at large.