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TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Since the late 1980’s we have seen the rise of multiple "Soke's" and "Soke Boards." At the time when Dr. Riedner returned from Japan and began teaching the style he had learned, "Motobu Ha Shito Ryu," the title of "Soke" was unheard of. Perhaps as a service to those who might visit this web site, a listing of terms and definitions might be helpful if for no other reason than to clarify the perspective from which the Shiho Karano Kan operates. JAPANESE TERMS: Sensei: "Teacher." A Full Sensei is of at least 3rd Dan ranking. Shihan: "Master." While historically this title refers to someone of the rank of 5th Dan or higher, the common usage is to refer to a Black Belt of the rank of Yondan (4th Dan) as a Shihan-Dai or Junior Shihan and Godan (5th Dan) as a Full Shihan. Renshi: "Teacher of Sensei." Generally 4th-6th Dan in rank. A Renshi is someone who has trained and produced students of at least 3rd Dan ranking. Kyoshi: "Instructor of Shihan." Generally 5-7th Dan in rank. Someone who has trained students to Master's Rank. Hanshi: "Master twice over." Generally 8-10th Dan in rank. Soke: Head of Martial Arts Family or style. Someone who is an inheritor--i.e. Full Head Family not sponsored by another Head Family. Shodai Soke: First generation founder of a Martial Arts style. Nidai Soke: 2nd generation head of a Martial Arts style. Ryu: Family Art or Style CHINESE TERMS: Tong: A Chinese Martial Arts Family Sifu: "Instructor." Equivalent to Sensei ranking. Sibok: Definitions vary, but generally someone of Master ranking. Sijo: Sijo is Cantonese meaning teacher-ancestor. Used to mean the teacher of the teacher's teacher. Sometimes used to mean the founder of a Chinese martial art style and sometimes used as "Tai Sijo" meaning great teacher-ancestor Sigong: "Father." Head of family ("Soke") Si Tai Gong: "Grandfather." Again used as a family term. TRADITIONS OF SOKESHIPS When Dr. Riedner returned from Japan in 1965 few had heard of or knew what the title of "Soke" was. In fact the only reference Dr. Riedner had to that title was Soke Siyogo Kuniba, 3rd generation inheritor of the Motobu Ha Shito Ryu system. Since that period the title has not only become known, but seems to have become the favorite, and perhaps most sought after title in current Martial Arts. But what does it really mean and how is it traditionally obtained? In this era of the proliferation of the use of the title as well as "Soke boards" who will recognize individuals as Soke for as little as $100, the traditional method of obtaining the title seems to have been buried under the rampant desire to be a Soke. What then is the true, traditional method of obtaining the status, position of "Soke"? Who properly can award/grant the title? Again, it would appear that today that concern is to obtain the title, not whether or not it was obtained in the most proper, traditional manner. There also seems to be an idea that it is titles, etc. which give one credibility, not quality, character and Martial Arts values. Our research indicates that the most correct, traditional and valid method of recognition is for a Master-Shihan (5th Dan or higher), to become a student and place himself under the guidance of a Head Family. In this case by Head Family we mean someone who has legitimately inherited an established Martial Arts style/system. Time is most often the greatest validation of a Martial Art. Another proper validation of the quality of a Martial Arts Style/Ryu is when legitimate master’s of other Arts and Styles come to study it. If the art/style we create /develop survives 2 or-3 or more generations than it might be a true Martial Art. Time and those who come to study the style also indicate its value and quality. Over the Years Dr. Riedner has been involved in Soke Boards, and the establishment of such. Dr. Riedner launched the CBBA--Christian Black Belt Association in 1970 and then the SKKI--Shiho Karano Kai International in 1982 as a means of reaching out to Martial Artists who desired what he offered but obviously did not fit the Christian context of the CBBA. Initially a part of the SKKI was the SKKI Soke Renmei which was designed to help coordinate the recognitions of worthy Shihan as Shodai Soke of their own styles. In the late 1980's Dr. Riedner was approached by Shihan John Williams and Shihan Tony Annesi (then Soke-Dai of Albert Church's Kamishin Ryu) about the formation of a world body now known as the WHC (World Head Family/Head Founders Council). After serving the initial term as president of that organization (See their web site) Dr. Riedner resigned from Soke Board activities as such. Shiho Karano Ryu now simply fellowships with other Head Families in what we call the 'GATHERING OF THE CLANS". During our Annual National Conference the Heads of the Martial Arts families/clans simply gather together for fellowship and mutual exchange. Any and all recognitions are the sole responsibility of a single Head Family and may or may not be cross recognized by the other Head Families. As of this time the following Head Families are in fellowship with the Shiho Karano Kan and would be considered part of that Gathering. An additional purpose of this fellowship is the cross recognition and support of the inheritors/successors of the Head Families. The transition of leadership is critical to the continued existence and development of an Art/Style. The listing of cooperating Head Families as of November 2007 includes: YEE CHONG MU GOW Sigong Wm. Van Camp, Florence, SC (Inherited from Si Tai Gong, Dr. Andrew Tamper) Sifu George Dean ,Canton, OH (inheritor under Sigong Van Camp) KEN KAR DO RYU Soke Scott Sikes, Springfield, MO 4th Generation Head Family-(inherited from, Dr. E.G. Roberts) Shihan Cris Cazzell, Soke-Dai, Willard, MO CHAUN FA TJIMINDE Mas Guru, Dale Fryer, 4th Generation Inheritor Guru Kevin Mercer, Youngstown, OH, 5th Generation Inheritor HARAGEI RYU JUKIDO Nidai Soke Steve Collins, Mishiwaka, IN 2nd Generation Inheritor SHAOLINJI TORAKEN KEMPO Dr. Ron Cherry, Salisbury, NC Shodai Soke, Shihan Ray Ferrell, Charlotte, NC Nidai Soke, President of the 'American Kenpo Karate Assoc' SEIGIDO RYU Kyoshi Frank DeAngelo, Howell, NJ, Shodai Soke QIAN TU PAI Dr. John Kulp, Sijo, Kennewick, WA SAYAS LOSTRA BRISKY Mas Guru Curt Brisky, Ferndale, WA TAEKYON JITSU DO Kwan Jang Nim Fred Walliser, Elwood, IN BUSHI RYU JU-JITSU Shodai Soke Rick Greene, Yorktown, IN CHI TU DO Grandmaster Brian Cunings, SHODAI, Coarsegold, CA Recognized by Grand Master Ramareo Estillia KENPO SHUI BING FA International Shui Bing Fa Association Sijo David Day, Medford, OR |