Shihan (師範 ?) is a Japanese honorific title, Expert License Certification used in Japanese martial arts for Master Level Instructors. The award of the Expert License Certification is if designated by the qualification by virtue of endorsement by the Association of Chief Instructors or Administration Head of an Association. SHOU-GOU 称号 is the master's title-system set up by the Dai-Nippon Butoku-kai (greater Japan Budo Encouragement Federation established in 1895 in Kyoto). It consists of three ranks, Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi. The sho-go awarded consist of the three similar ranks and are therefore classical ranks/titles similar to samurai titles given under the auspices of Japan's Imperial Family during feudal times.
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