Grandmaster (martial arts)

Asian martial arts traditionally use terms that are usually translated as "teacher" and the use of "master" was a Western invention derived from 1950s United States war veterans returning home

The modern use of Dan rankings and Black belt and Red belt in martial arts both derive from Judo where they were adopted by its founder Kanō Jigorō.

Like the more commonly known Black Belt, its use varies between arts, with most using it for the style founder, Grandmaster or other high rank, while others use it as the immediately pre–black belt rank or even to denote a beginner who holds no rank.

Japanese martial arts commonly use Sensei meaning "teacher" or literally translated, "born first" or "one who has gone before".

The word prefaced by the adjective 大, pronounced "dai" (or "ō"), which means "great" or "large", is often translated "grand master".

Grandmaster and Master are titles used to describe or address some senior or experienced martial artists.

Asian martial arts traditionally use terms that are usually translated as "teacher" and the use of "master" was a Western invention derived from 1950s United States war veterans returning home

Asian martial arts traditionally use terms that are usually translated as "teacher" and the use of "master" was a Western invention derived from 1950s United States war veterans returning home

Asian martial arts traditionally use terms that are usually translated as "teacher" and the use of "master" was a Western invention derived from 1950s United States war veterans returning home

In Asian countries, such titles are more commonly reserved for religious leaders and saints.

The modern use of Dan rankings and Black belt and Red belt in martial arts both derive from Judo where they were adopted by its founder Kanō Jigorō.

The modern use of Dan rankings and Black belt and Red belt in martial arts both derive from Judo where they were adopted by its founder Kanō Jigorō.

The modern use of Dan rankings and Black belt and Red belt in martial arts both derive from Judo where they were adopted by its founder Kanō Jigorō.

The modern use of Dan rankings and Black belt and Red belt in martial arts both derive from Judo where they were adopted by its founder Kanō Jigorō.

Japanese martial arts commonly use Sensei meaning "teacher" or literally translated, "born first" or "one who has gone before".

Some organizations, such as the Bujinkan, Kodokan (Judo), and Shodokan Aikido, use the term shihan for high-ranking or highly distinguished instructors.

Some organizations, such as the Bujinkan, Kodokan (Judo), and Shodokan Aikido, use the term shihan for high-ranking or highly distinguished instructors.

Some organizations, such as the Bujinkan, Kodokan (Judo), and Shodokan Aikido, use the term shihan for high-ranking or highly distinguished instructors.

Some organizations, such as the Bujinkan, Kodokan (Judo), and Shodokan Aikido, use the term shihan for high-ranking or highly distinguished instructors.

A sōke is considered the ultimate authority within their art and has the authority to issue a menkyo kaiden certificate indicating that someone has mastered all aspects of the style.

Various dialects of the Chinese language use different terms.

In Mandarin Chinese, it is spelled "shifu" in pinyin.

In Mandarin Chinese, it is spelled "shifu" in pinyin.

Using non-rhotic British English pronunciation, in Mandarin it would sound something similar to "sure foo".

Using IPA, 'shi' is pronounced 'ʂɨ'.

The traditional Chinese martial arts school, or kwoon (館, guǎn) is an extended family headed by the Shifu.

Such titles may be, to some extent, aligned to the elderly martial arts master stock character in fiction.