12/02/2025

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Thought From a Ninja Master – Why I Will Never Use the Title of “Shihan”

Thought From a Ninja Master – Why I Will Never Use the Title of “Shihan”

Within the world of martial arts training, there are several titles of respect, honor, and authority. If you’ve been exposed to even the slightest bit of training – regardless of whether it was in the Ninja’s art of ninjutsu or any other system – no doubt you have encountered some of these titles.

And, while many non-native speakers may innocently pick up on, or guess at, the meaning of many of these word-titles, the fact is that, at their base, there is a deeper meaning and significance to any particular one.

Here’s an example of what I mean.

In the martial arts of China and Japan, the general terms used to identify a “teacher,” are Sifu and Sensei respectively. However, while each can be used to mean “teacher,” the kanji characters used to write the words themselves point to something else.

The Japanese word, Sensei, can be seen to identify “someone who has gone before (me).” It is the general term used as a title, not only for any teacher – a conveyor of information – but it can also be used as an honorific to recognize someone who, like a doctor or lawyer, is a leader in his field.

The Chinese word Sifu on the other hand, points to the concept of mentor, guide, or “father” figure – as someone teaching more than just simple lessons. This is seen in the Japanese word, Shiso – someone who teaches “life lessons” rather than just passing on “data.”

One of the titles that is bandied around, especially in the realm of Ninjutsu, is the title of “Shihan.”

As it is seen within the Bujinkan Dojo, a Shihan has been identified as a part of the rank structure – used to identify those who were once tenth dan and above – now 8th and above. This can be very confusing to students outside of the Japanese culture and language.

And, while the term “Shihan” can be used to identify a “master-teacher,” a look at the kanji characters used to write the word point to something different. The characters used to make up the word shihan, individually go together to mean, “role model.”

And, as such, the word is supposed to be used as an honorific to identify someone who one can learn from. NOT, as a title that you would give yourself, or use in referring to yourself!

Can you imagine how it would sound to you if I walked up and identified myself as “Role-Model Miller”? Well, that’s precisely why I DON’T use it!

While I can’t do anything about the fact that others might use it when discussing me with others, I don’t have to fall into the same ego-centric “power trip” that is at the heart, and downfall, of many teachers – people who are more concerned with their own status, than the progress and development of their students.

I don’t have a teaching license from my teacher that says, Shihan. I have a “Shidoshi” license – one that identifies me as a “teacher of the warrior ways of enlightenment.”

And that, in addition to the perceived arrogance and ego-centered implications of calling myself a “role-model,” is precisely why I don’t use the title, “Shihan.”