‘TITLE’ ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS The definition of a So-Ke is simply the head (founder or the inheritor) of a
martial arts style/system which is based on a Japanese or Okinawan Martial Arts, so is “DO-JU” for Korean and “SI-JO” for Chinese based in Asian Martial Arts. In English one common title also is “Head of Family.”
Sokeship: is a very old Asian certifying system designed to certify ‘HEAD FOUNDERS’ and ‘INHERITORS’ of Asian Martial Arts styles/systems.
Soke: To be named as a “Soke” is the greatest honor one can receive in the Martial Arts. The standards are extremely high, as are the requirements to maintain your rank and affiliation. Head Founder: are individuals who meet certain minimum requirement and are then formally sponsored / recognized as a first generation founder of
their own Martial Arts Style/System. These individuals are expected to devote the remainder of their live building, developing and refining their new arts under the guidance of their sponsoring Head family.
Head Families: Those unique individuals who legitimately inherited as Asian Martial Arts System with traceable lineage, Head families are the only ones, according to traditional Asian protocol, who have the authority to be their sponsor or recognize a person who established a new Martial Arts Style/System.
Inheritor: Those appointed individuals who are selected by the Head Family of the Head Founders to inherit the system once the head passes-away. Since this position can be revoked at the discretion of the head of the System, these individuals have No-Vote in the screening process for
candidates seeking sponsorship. Their role is merely a learning one, where they observe the actions of the Head families, preparing them for that day when they assume the position of the Head family.