RENSHI
The character “Ren” (錬) means “polished, tempered” and “shi” (士) means “person”. Thus Renshi indicates a “polished instructor” or expert. Renshi is a Japanese term of respect .
KYOSHI
The “Kyo” (教) in Kyoshi means “professor” or philosopher” and “Shi” (士) means “person”.. The term Kyoshi equals a “professor” capable of teaching the philosophy of the martial arts.
HANSHI
The highest teaching title of an instructor in Zen Nihon Koden Budo Renmei is “Hanshi”.
“Han” (範) means example, model or pattern. “Shi” (士) means person. Hence, Hanshi are gentlemen/ladies, samurai or warriors, and scholars.