INTERNATIONAL UECHI-RYU KARATE FEDERATION
SENIOR TITLES
Renshi - Kyoshi - Hanshi - Hanshi-sei

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
The IUKF has set the minimum requirements for honoring individuals for their excellence in martial arts and reputation as a member of the Uechi-Ryu karate community. The awarding of a senior title is a separate and distinct process from a dan (physical) rank. Nominations for all senior titles must be recommended by an IUKF member who is senior to the candidate or a recommendation can be submitted collectively from the IUKF Board.

The procedure for nomination and selection are as follows.
1. IUKF members and Uechi-Ryu affiliates may select and submit a name for nomination
to the Titles Committee. All candidates must meet minimum requirements.

Note: Periodically the minimum requirements may be modified or revised by the IUKF Board or
a special review board.

Minimum requirements are:

Renshi:
1. 20 years of continuous and active training and/or teaching in Uechi-Ryu Karate.
2. Godan (5th degree black belt) or above or a yondan (4th degree black belt) who is testing for a rank of godan and the awarding of a renshi title at the same time.
3. 37 years or older (justification:" adult" black belts are issued at 16 years old).
4. Recommendation from a member of IUKF who has a minimum title of renshi or above.
5. Documented attendance and/or presentation at Uechi-Ryu related seminars and workshops.
6. IUKF member for at least one year.

Award: One gold bar or stripe on black belt

Kyoshi:
1. 30 years of continuous and active training and teaching in Uechi-Ryu Karate.
2. 7th degree black belt minimum
3. 47 years or older
4. Recommendation from a member of IUKF who has a minimum title of kyoshi or above.
5. Documented attendance and/or presentation at Uechi-Ryu related seminars and workshops
6. IUKF member for at least one year

Award: Two gold bars or stripes on black belt

Hanshi:
1. 40 years of continuous and active training and teaching in Uechi-Ryu Karate.
2. 8th degree black belt minimum (9th degree black belt is the normal rank required)
3. 57 years or older
4. Recommendation from the IUKF Board.

Award: Three gold stripes or bars on black belt.

Hanshi-sei:
1. 50 years of continuous and active training and teaching in Uechi-Ryu Karate.
2. 8th degree black belt minimum
3. 65 years or older.
4. Recommendation from the IUKF Board.

Award: No special belt designation for Grand Master at this time.

2. Once the nomination period is closed (First Friday in May), recommendation of the
award recipient will be made by the IUKF Titles Committee. In making their
recommendation the Titles Committee will evaluate each nominee based upon age,
years actively participating, contribution and service to the art of Uechi-Ryu Karate,
and submitted recommendation.

3. Recommendation of candidate for title will be forwarded to the IUKF Board for
approval. Approval must be a 2/3 majority vote.

RIGHTS OF APPEAL
Any candidate who is not awarded a master title may have the rights to appeal the decision. By the candidate's request the IUKF Board must give written justification of their decision and also provide guidance for completion of a senior title at a later date.

May, 2010