AIKI TE RYU KARATE KAI HONBU DOJ

AIKI TE RYU KARATE KAI HONBU DOJO

The Okuden Council - Leading the Aiki Te Ryu Way
Aiki Te Ryu Karate Kai has some of the best instructors available today. Each student who wishes to become a Sensei must undergo a set course and curriculum not unlike the college level courses available. There is a definite curriculum, each with its own level and requirements. Students may be allowed to apply for the Instructor Program at Green Belt, or 5th Kyu; however they can not teach their own students until they have attained Renshi status, or Master Instructor. Here is an explanation of the Instructor Program for Aiki Te Ryu Karate Kai.
	SEMPAI - Level I - White Fist Patch When a student shows a desire to become more than just a black belt in their training and wants more in depth knowledge of the techniques they apply to be allowed into the Sempai program. A Sempai refers to the relationship a senior student has with a junior student, or Cohai. At this stage they are trained how to run introductory classes, assist with day to day operations of the dojo and how to identify and refine basic level technical requirements of ATRKK. This course requires 80 hours of classroom training. A Sempai is like earning your High School Diploma. You have gained enough knowledge to be ready for higher education.
	SEMPAI- DAI - Level II - Blue Fist Patch After completing the Sempai course the student will be transferred to the Sempai Dai program. Sempai Dai means Chief Senior Student which means they are given more responsibility and training to become a Sensei. At this stage the student is directed on class planning, issue handling, etiquette and philosophical training as well as being required to assist a Sensei in classroom as the assistant. At this stage the Sempai is learning to recognize and instruct others in proper technical aptitude as well as helping to lead by example in their own training. This course requires 80 hours of classroom training and 80 hours of assisting with planning and running classes. A Sempai Dai license is much like earning an Associates degree.
	SENSEI - Level III - Black Fist Patch Becoming a Sensei is very hard to do. Most people believe if you earn a black belt you are automatically called Sensei and can teach others. In a good martial arts school that is not the case at all. Only the black belts chosen by the Master of the Dojo are permitted to teach classes. It takes a special breed of person and many hours of refined training to become a TRUE Sensei. Sensei of the ATRKK are permitted to run classes or licensed programs outside the Honbu Dojo with approval of the Okuden Council. They are not permitted to own their own dojo since they have not mastered the martial arts yet. To become a Sensei the student will go through a total of 130 hours of classroom training and 130 hours of teaching a class. Earning a Sensei license is close to earning a Bachelors degree.
	RENSHI - Attaining Enlightenment In Your Art - Red Fist Patch Renshi is the first stage of becoming a Master of any given martial art system. Typically this is signified by a minimum of a 4th Dan black belt and special belt. Students may earn up to this rank without ever becoming a Renshi, however to attain any rank beyond this level one must be teaching. A Renshi is permitted to teach students and quite often will have students of their own, with their Master's permission and approval of the Okuden Council. When a student is placed in position as a Renshi, they will be put in charge of a licensed dojo for the ATRKK and are responsible for the complete management of that location. This level of instructor will serve on the Okuden Council and be a guiding example of the ATRKK in whatever they do as well as be a direct representative of the Honbu Dojo and Franz Kyoshi. It takes many years of training to earn this privilege...not position. Becoming a Renshi would be the equivalent of earning a Masters Degree in higher education.
	Kyoshi - Enlightened Master - Silver Fist Patch A Kyoshi is special title that is reserved for someone who has been teaching martial arts for a long time. This person has shown deep understanding and knowledge of a particular system...above the average Master level in ability. Kyoshi means you have enlightened yourself with knowledge and have mastered how to teach this to others, as well as how to improve upon the principles yourself. A Kyoshi license is looked at much like earning a Doctorate in field of study.
	Shihan / Shodai Soke / Soke / Shidoshi - Gold Fist Patch These are all terms that refer to the head of a system, whether inherited or created. People in these positions are the final say and control all aspects of their chosen art. They are to be an inspiration to their students and one who lives their lives by the ideals of which they teach. The terms Shihan and Shidoshi place the Master level student above all others with no higher person above them in rank or authority. Soke means that you have inherited a martial art system, typically after the head of that system has retired or passed away. The term Shodai Soke means that you are recognized for creating a martial art that is unique and different than any other system out there. It is important to note that many people are awarded these titles but have no real clarification of their meaning or what it truly means to hold them. The ATRKK has only one person at this level at all times. Currently Master Franz is Shodai Soke of the ATRKK.