Soke (martial arts)

Soke (宗家, sōke) is a Japanese title that means "Headmaster" (or sometimes translated as "Head of the Family" or even "Grand Master"; the latter usage is a common Western misconception). It can mean one who is the leader of any school or the master of a style, but it is most commonly used as a highest level Japanese martial arts title, referring to the singular leader of a school or style of martial art.

Soke is sometimes mistakenly believed to mean "Founder of a style" because many modern "Soke" are the first generation headmasters of their art (Shodai sōke), and are thus both Soke and founder. However, the successors to the Shodai Soke are also Soke themselves. Soke are generally considered the ultimate authority within their art, and have final discretion and authority regarding promotions, curriculum, doctrine, and disciplinary actions. A Soke has the authority to issue a menkyo kaiden certificate indicating that someone has mastered all aspects of his style.

The widespread use of the term "soke" is controversial in the martial arts community. Traditionally it was used very rarely in Japan, typically only for very old martial arts, although it has become a somewhat common term for headmasters of schools created in the last few decades that attempt to reconstruct or emulate older styles of martial arts. Some modern western Soke have used the title Soke Dai as a title for their assistant as the leader of their school.

See also

* Doshu

Reference

* William M. Bodiford (2002), Soke: Historical Incarnations of a Title and its Entitlements, in Skoss, Diane (editor), Keiko Shokon: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan, vol. 3, Koryu Books. [1]