STUDENT: A person who actively studies Uechi-ryu and is a member of IUKF.

APPRENTICE INSTRUCTOR- SHIDOIN: A person who is at least a Brown Belt and is in a program where he/she is learning how to teach. An Apprentice Instructor may assist in class, but only while supervised by an Instructor or Uechi-ryu Shihan. Must be an IUKF member for at least one year. Applicants name is sent to IUKF for Shidoin Certificate.(Testing/Certificate Fee - $50)

INSTRUCTOR: Student must be at least a Shodan. Must be an IUKF member for at least one year. Must have been an Apprentice Instructor for at least one year. Successfully passed an Apprentice Instructor Final Exam, created by dojo. An interview with candidate conducted by a senior instructor (Shihan or higher) from IUKF. Dojo sends name of successful Candidate to IUKF. (Testing/Certificate Fee - $50)

SHIHAN: The term Shihan means "expert or professional Instructor", a special title awarded by the individual dojo and IUKF to instructors who passed a dojo/IUKF instructors' course. The candidate must be at least a Yondan, and an instructor for at least 3 years

It possible that a Shihan instructor may not be the senior instructor (by rank) in a dojo. A higher ranked black belt may be the person responsible for the overall quality and standards governing how the Shihan teaches. The Shihan instructor may simply be a teacher in the dojo. The Shihan title must be recommended by a Godan or above. Must be an IUKF member for at least one year.A "Shihan" certificate is issued for teaching ability in a specific art or method that in some way relates to the martial arts and/or IUKF. This "ability" is shown as part of the title on the certificate - i.e. "Uechi-ryu Shihan", "Kyoshi Shihan", "Grappling Shihan", etc.

The Shihan promotion is separate from any of the regular physical tests for rank. This is a a special rating awarded by the IUKF to individuals possession superior skills and teaching abilities in activities, techniques and skills, having a unique and specialized benefit to IUKF and/or members of IUKF.This ability may be in the art of Uechi-ryu or in non-Uechi-ryu areas. A "Shihan" is an individual acknowledged to be someone qualified to teach their special skills in a safe and professional manner.
(Shihan Test/Certificate Fee - $100)

Student: A student is a person who actively studies Uechi-ryu from an IUKF Dojo.

Black Belt Rank is the recognition of ability in the art of Uechi-ryu Karate Do, represented by the belt worn by the student/instructor. (Black Belt Rank Testing/Certificate Fee - $150)

Uechi-ryu Master Titles are a separate award, awarded separately from regular Dan Rank Promotions. These titles allow the recipient to wear the gold bars (stripes) on one's black belt.
(No Testing/Certificate Fees)

UECHI-RYU TITLES: A Uechi-ryu title of Renshi, Kyoshi, Hanshi and Hanshi-sei are awarded to individuals who have achieved a high degree ofoverall excellence in Uechi-ryu karate and who possess abilities and skills which make these individuals outstanding examples to the Uechi-ryu community over and above their ability to teach the art of Uechi-ryu. Only the most talented individuals will achieve the title of Renshi, Kyoshi, Hanshiand Hanshi-sei.

In order to be awarded the Renshi title, the student must be a Yondan or above, be at least 28 years old, have at least five years experience as a Shihan Instructor, be an IUKF member for at least one year and must submit a thesis or other acceptable accomplishment. The candidate must be actively contributing to the art of Uechi-ryu, must be recommended by another black belt of at least Godan or above and reviewed by the IUKF certification committee. The awarding of this title allows the recipient to wear one gold bar on both sides of their belt.

KYOSHI: Must be at leat 45 years old and meet the same requirements as a Renshi. The recipient of the title may wear two gold bars on their black belt.

HANSHI: Must be at least 55 years old and meets the same requirements as a Renshi. The recipient of the title may wear three gold bars on their black belt.

Hanshi-sei: Must be at least 65 years old and meet the same requirements as a Renshi. There are no special belt designation at this time for Grand Masters who attain this title.