Certifications & Titles of Honor

Teaching Certifications

Shidoin and Jun-Shihan Application

These certifications can be considered “assistant instructor” and “instructor” certifications.  These individuals are deemed qualified by their Sensei/Shihan as having the requisite teaching skill to convey the art of Uechi-Ryu Karate.  It is understood that the Sensei/Shihan has provided the Shidoin/Jun Shihan applicant with an appropriate amount of time and instructing experience.  It is recommended that the Sensei/Shihan develop a program to ensure quality and standards.

Shidoin (Intermediate Instructor) Qualifications:

  • Rank at time of application:  Shodan (special consideration granted to Ikkyu if they have already been assisting/teaching at time of promotion.

Jun Shihan (Associate Instructor) Qualifications: 

  • Rank at time of application:  Yondan (special consideration granted to Sandan if they have received Shidoin Certification at Shodan)

Shihan Application

tim and gem shihan awardSince Shihan is considered a master teacher of the art, emphasis is placed on the teaching skill of the candidate, not the physical ability to perform the movements.

Qualifications:

  1. Candidate must be a Godan (5th) Degree or higher.
  2. Candidate must be member of the IUKF or be a member of an IUKF dojo in good standing.
  3. Candidate must be an active teacher of adults, children or both, and has shown excellence in their teaching skills at the dojo, at regional workouts, or summer camp.
    • This means that the candidate teaches on a regular basis (“x” times per week), not simply once in a while. Teaching is a honed skill and must be constantly worked. Therefore Shihan candidates must either own or train at an active dojo.
    • Candidate must be either an instructor or assistant instructor at a dojo.

Professional/Senior Titles in Uechi-Ryu Karate
Renshi – Kyoshi – Hanshi – Hanshi-Sei

What Candidates Need To Do

In order to qualify for a title you must send an electronic copy of all available and relevant documents to the head of the IUKF Titles Committee. After a review of your submitted documents, your documents will be forwarded to the other members of the Titles Committee for review. A recommendation from the IUKF Titles Committee will be then forwarded to the IUKF President for confirmation.

The nomination period closes the 1st Friday of May.  Candidates applying after closing may have their determination delayed.

NOTE: The Titles Committee will assist any candidate with the application process. Simply contact Titles Committee Chairman:  Bruce.witherell@outlook.com

Please provide the following documents:

1) Nomination by a senior Uechi-Ryu Karateka

A candidate may be nominated for a Title by a senior Uechi-Ryu Karate practitioner.  This may be an email or letter sent to the Titles Committee Chairman.

2) Letter(s) of Recommendation

The candidate is responsible for providing full letter(s) of recommendation, (including one from the candidate’s instructor, if possible) which contain reasons why the candidate qualifies for a title.

3) Curriculum Vitae/Resume

  • Educational background: Provide a chronological time line of your study of Uechi-Ryu Karate. This would include length of study, instructor (s), promotional dates, etc.
  • Teaching Experience: Show evidence of where you have taught Uechi-Ryu Karate and length of time.
  • Seminars/workshop presentations: Include a listing of seminars, invitations as a guest instructor, or workshop presentations in Uechi-Ryu Karate.
  • Publications, if any, that contributed to the art of Uechi-Ryu Karate.
  • Professional recognition, if any, this can include a listing of awards or special recognitions given to you from your peers in Uechi-Ryu Karate.

4) Special Contributing Project

The IUKF Advisory Board encourages candidates seeking a senior title to share their knowledge and expertise with the Uechi-Ryu Karate community. A designated space on the IUKF website has been provided in order for all seniors to share their expertise with the Uechi-Ryu Karate community at large. A member of the Titles Committee can be assigned to the candidate for guidance and direction. Suggested topics of experiences that a candidate might want to submit are:

  • Written articles
  • Film/DVD
  • Project
  • Reflection paper of candidate’s years in Uechi-Ryu Karate
  • Special Contributing Project

Title Qualifications

Renshi

  • Hold rank of 6th dan or higher
  • Demonstrates sound conduct and proficient level of knowledge of Uechi-Ryu Karate.
  • Must be at least 28 years old.
  • Be affiliated with a IUKF-member dojo that has been in good standing for at least 1 year.
  • The candidate must be actively contributing to the art of Uechi-ryu.

Kyoshi

  • Possess the title of Renshi and hold rank of 7th dan or higher.
  • Demonstrates sound conduct and deep knowledge Uechi-Ryu karate.
  • Must be at least 45 years old.
  • Be affiliated with a IUKF-member dojo that has been in good standing for at least 1 year.
  • The candidate must be actively contributing to the art of Uechi-ryu.

Hanshi

  • Possess the title of Kyoshi and hold the rank of 8th dan or higher
  • Demonstrates sound conduct, expertise, and be an exemplary example of Uechi-Ryu Karate.
  • Must be at least 55 years old.
  • Meritorious service must be recognized.

Hanshi-sei

  • Possess the title of Hanshi and hold the rank of 9th dan or higher
  • Demonstrates sound conduct, expertise, and be an exemplary example of Uechi-Ryu Karate.
  • Meritorious service must be recognized.

When asked about who should be honored by the titles; what sets apart a practitioner who trains hard and is an excellent example of what the physical ranks represent; and what exactly, is the difference between rank and the titles?

“. . .That is the purpose of the titles board. . . to determine if an individual has met written and unwritten historical standards and qualifications. Titles do have an age requirement and the tradition of a long period between titles.The decision rests with the committee based on a strong recommendation from the teacher and other title recipients, based on the candidate’s long history of selfless and dedicated service to the IUKF, Uechi-ryu and martial arts in general.  Titles are not given based on physical performance of Uechi-ryu, or age and years practicing Uechi-ryu, but on extraordinary service to the IUKF and Uechi community.

The decision, in any event, rests with the Titles committee.. . .”

-Sensei George E. Mattson