Shogo Title – Shihan Dai Barbara Hughes

Soke Ruiz tying on the new Checkered Obi onto Shihan Dai Barbara Hughes

Shogo Title – Shihan Dai

Join us in congratulating our longtime International Karate Kobudo Union (IKKU) friend and member, Barbara Hughes. On January 10, 2023, Soke Joseph Ruiz, 10th Dan Hanshi-Sei of the IKKU, awarded both a 6th Dan rank in karate and the Shogo title of Shihan Dai to Barbara Hughes.

Shihan Dai Barbara has been a fan favorite at IKKU Camps for years. She consistently places in the camp’s annual awards finals in various categories, from karate to kobudo, and often wins. Her fierce warrior spirit, competitive nature, and trustworthiness make her the perfect ally on your side during any battle!

Well done and well deserved, Shihan Dai Barbara!

SHOGO SYSTEM (称号)

Renshi Shihan Barbara hands over her 5th Dan Obi to Soke Ruiz before her promotion.

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.