Grandmaster (martial arts) of "Dan" rankings and Black belt and Red belt in martial arts both derive from Judo where they were adopted by its founder Kanō Jigorō. There are many terms similar or equivalent to 'grandmaster' used by various martial arts traditions. Some of these terms derive from older systems, while others are relatively modern. Japanese martial arts commonly use Sensei (先生) meaning "teacher" or literally translated, "born first" or "one who has gone before". A "Sensei" is a person who has knowledge and is willing to teach that knowledge to another. A "Sensei" assists students in "ken shiki" "the pursuit of
Japanese martial arts would be lost without courtesy. A term describing 'fighting spirit'. In practical use this often refers to the scream or shout made during an attack, used for proper breathing as well as debilitating or distracting the enemy. There are two underlying strategic methodologies to the application of force in Japanese martial arts. One is the , and the other is the . Implicit in these concepts is their separate but equal and interrelated nature, in keeping with their philosophical relationship to the Chinese principles of yin and yang (Jap.: "in" and "yō"). The hard method is characterized by the direct