We offer 5 levels of instructor certification through the Seijitsu Shin Do Kan Kyokai. These certifications are not automatically assumed by rank and are awarded separately from any Dan ranking. The levels we offer are Shidoin, Shihan, Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi.
Shidoin (指導員)
This level is the initial instructor certification that we offer. We typically award this to those who are at least 3rd Dan and have been helping teach classes. The canidate has to demonstrate that they have a basic understanding of coaching and learning styles. In some cases we may issue this at 2nd Dan.
Shihan (師範)
This is a Japanese honorific title used in martial arts and traditional arts that translates to roughly to master instructor. Minimum rank to achieve this title in the Seijitsu Shin Do Kan Kyokai is 4th Dan.
Renshi (錬士)
Renshi translates to “polished instructor” or "tempered expert", representing an official teaching title in Japanese martial arts. This level is awarded to those with significant teaching time and is ranked at least as a 5th Dan.
Those who have achieved this level may choose to wear a different belt than just a black belt. The red & white half and half belt or renshi obi would be worn different ways depending on the person dan rank. If they are 5th dan the white side would be worn up and if they are 6th Dan then the red side would be on top. If they choose a more simple approach they may choose to wear a black belt with a single stripe on each end.
Kyoshi (教士)
The title Kyoshi translates literally to "teacher of teachers," "master teacher," or "expert teacher". Think of this level like an associate professor in college. This title is awarded to those with significant understanding of coaching, teaching and learning styles who have achieved the rank of 7th Dan at a minimum.
Those who have achieve Kyoshi may choose to wear a black belt with 2 single stripes on each end or the more familar kohaku obi or red and white panel belt.
The title Hanshi (範士) literally translates to "exemplary master" or "model teacher", which is the highest traditional shogō (teaching titles) in Okinawan & Japanese martial arts. This title is awarded to those who have achieved no less than 8th Dan with a exemplary teaching history. The 8th Dan must have held the Kyoshi license for 10 Years before one would be considered for the Hanshi grade. Most do not achieve this until at least 9th Dan.
Those who have achieve Kyoshi may choose to wear a black belt with 3 single stripes on each end or the more familar aka obi or red belt.
