Shogo Title – Kyoshi Mike Downton

2021 IKKU Fall Highlight

Join us in congratulating our longtime International Karate Kobudo Union (IKKU) friend and member, Mike Downton. On September 18, 2021, Soke Joseph Ruiz, 10th Dan Hanshi-Sei of the IKKU, awarded both a 7th Dan rank in KoToSu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate and the Shogo title of Kyoshi to Mike Downton.

Kyoshi Mike has been exposed to traditional karate for his entire life. Born into a traditional martial arts-practicing family, he was provided with expert-level tutelage from an early age. His promotion and rank of Kyoshi are fitting (translates to Wizard), because Kyoshi Mike is nothing short of a wizard on the floor. He is known on the traditional karate circuit in the Eastern Georgia area as the prominent sensei at Tora Shin dojo, spearheading the Karate Kollege effort.

Well done and well deserved, Kyoshi Mike Downton!

SHOGO SYSTEM (称号)

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.