Being a black belt in it self does not mean you are an instructor. Black belts from 2nd to 5th dans are referred to as sempei (senior grade). It is the sempei that set the example for the kohai (junior grade) to follow. More than simple seniority, sempai implies a relationship similar to mentoring. They are expected to assist the Chief Instructor with less experienced students. A kohai is expected to respect and follow the sempai, and the sempai in turn must guide, protect, and teach the kohai as best they can the rules and etiquette of the dojo. Black belts can achieve tested rank up to 5th dan and honored rank up to 8th with 9th and 10th reserved for the founder of an art or system or promotions to said rank by a board of review. It is at 5th dan and above that you hear the term “master” and “grand master”. Thanks to the Alliance and a few other organizations, those that have spent twenty plus years of their life teaching the martial arts can be honored with professorships and doctorates of the martial arts and sciences.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 11:13:17 +0000