Day of the Kyoshi

Soke Ruiz during the Kyoshi award ceremony at the 2023 IKKU Summer Camp

With the world of martial arts dominated by a male presence, it’s not every day that you run across female masters at this level. But here we are on June 9, 2023, with three advanced female masters, all being promoted to 7th Dan and awarded the Shogo Title of Kyoshi (translates to Wizard).

100+ years of combined experience between the ladies!  Previous teachers, dojo leaders, and a published author! They have all successfully taught traditional martial arts, influenced hundreds of students over the years, and are leaders of their communities.

Well done and well deserved, Kyoshis Bee, Cindy, and Connie!

SHOGO SYSTEM (称号)

Kyoshis Cindy Vetter, Bee Morris, and Connie Bon (from L to R) all received the ceremonial gyaku-tsuki (逆突き)

For those unfamiliar, the Shogo (称号) System is similar to the ranking used by many Japanese martial arts styles. The word loosely translates to “title” instead of “rank” since many martial arts systems have these as independent systems. Shogo titles are only awarded to higher-level dan, and many organizations use Shogo titles to signify the higher level of understanding, commitment, contribution, and sharing from an individual black belt.

A Shogo title is undoubtedly one of the biggest signs that a Soke, Hanchi, or Kaicho could share with one of their black belts to signify the value and respect they have for the practitioner. Shogo titles are only earned after years of rigorous training, maturity, and character development.

The Shogo system is progressive, only achieved by contributing, growing, sharing, and excelling in the respective art. Commonly used Shogo titles are Renshi, Shihan, Kyoshi, and Hanshi. The IKKU recognizes the system implemented and developed by Soke Joseph Ruiz in the ’70s.

Additional IKKU Information:

Don’t forget our upcoming event, the 2025 IKKU Summer Camp entitled “Camp Tensho.” It is scheduled for June 5 through June 7, 2025, at Robinson Karate Dojo in Carrollton, GA.

For information about joining the IKKU—International Karate Kobudo Union—please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-8 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, the founder of the IKKU, and other High-Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a complete listing of upcoming scheduled sessions, please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.