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 treat their seniors with respect, and plays an important role in giving the senior students the opportunity to learn leadership skills. Senior students may or may not teach formal classes, but in every respect their role is as a teacher to the junior students, by example and by providing encouragement. There are ultimately two ranking systems in the Japanese martial arts, although some schools have been known to blend these two together. The older system, usual prior to 1868, was based a series of licenses or "menkyo". There were generally very few levels culminating in the license of total transmission