Shihan ( 師範 , master) is an honorary title of master of Japanese martial arts . Typically, the title "shihan" is assigned to the holders of Dan from the fifth to the seventh; for many species, in particular, aikido - starting with the sixth Dan.
The degree of "shihan" is preceded by the degree of " " - a master with a third dan and higher. Masters with the eighth dan and above are given the title " Hansi ".
“Fukusidoin”, “sidoin”, “shihan” and “hansi” are some kind of instructor degrees, similar to the academic titles “associate professor” and “professor”, while the concept of “dan” is closer to the academic degree (“master”, “Candidate”, “doctor of sciences”). The instructor degree is usually awarded to the head of the department (section) in accordance with his qualifications. Ordinary students, even those who have dan (and in Japan even high dan 5-7), do not have such degrees.
See also
- Senpai and kohai