Billie and Larry Robinson Promoted to 7th Dan, Awarded Kyoshi Shogo Title

Billie and Larry Robin received a 7th Dan Rank and the Shogo Title of Kyoshi.

Join us in congratulating our longtime International Karate Kobudo Union (IKKU) friends and members, Billie and Larry Robinson. On January 13, 2024, Soke Joseph Ruiz, 10th Dan Hanshi-Sei of the IKKU, awarded both a 7th Dan rank in karate and the Shogo title of Kyoshi.

The Robinsons have run their own traditional Japanese-based martial arts dojo in Carrollton, GA, for decades. They have successfully taught traditional martial arts to hundreds of students over the years and are pillars of the community. Their rich Shotokan heritage goes back to the old days of the GSL, which now-passed Dave Domer, Sensei, led at the time. RIP.

Well done and well deserved, Kyoshis Billie and Larry!

SHOGO SYSTEM (称号)

Soke Ruiz during the Kyoshi Award Ceremony

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.