For those of you who have the opportunity to read the daily postings of the Cyber Dojo, an Internet based traditional karate discussion list, you have no doubt noticed the exceptional interest in karate titles and ranks. Rarely does a listing go by without some discussion of this topic. I suppose it reflects a preoccupation with the concept of "mastering the mysteries" and the romanticism that always accompanies titles.

In terms of titles, I must say that the martial arts certainly seems to have their fair share of them! I personally appreciate the "color" titles can give an organization and see many of the values in organized honorifics. However, much discussion seems to be centered on at what rank a title is given to a karateka, who confers it, why some deserve it, the politics involved, etc. The debate goes on and on, with many "masters" giving their opinions in abundant prose.

In the Phoenix school, all of this debate is swiftly swept away. We follow the tradition of the Kyokushin in that our titles are much more than part time phrases to be used only at ceremonial times. Once a karateka reaches the levels of the yudansha, we recognize the achievement as a life changing event. The change cannot be undone by merely removing an obi.

Thus, our titles of Sempai/Sensei/Shihan are not only true extensions of our names, but become a defining term of who we (you!) are. Some styles, perhaps most, debate the appropriateness of using the titles on a regular basis, calling them inappropriate or perhaps egotistical. As we wear our dan stripes with honor, we use the extensions of our names with honor and pride. Simply put, we are what we are. As we should be proud to sign our names to what we do, we are proud of who we are. Ultimate truth. And a Phoenix difference.

The following thoughts on the use of titles in karate were presented in the Spring 1997 issue of the PhoenixNest, the official newsletter of the Phoenix Karatedo Association.
The Australian Kyokushin site also has a page on titles.