What Are Shakuhachi Menkyo (License) and Levels?
Shakuhachi Menkyo?
In traditional Japanese arts, earning Menkyo is an important part of the training and evaluation process.
"Menkyo" (免許) is a Japanese term that means "license" or "permission". In the context of traditional Japanese arts, such as Kendo, Judo, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and many others, menkyo refers to a certification or license that indicates a person has achieved a certain level of proficiency and knowledge in their art.
Menkyo may be awarded at different levels of proficiency, and indicate different degrees of mastery or competence. For example, in the martial arts, there are different levels of menkyo, such as Shodan (初段), Nidan (二段), Sandan (三段), and so on, that correspond to different levels of black belt ranking. In other arts, menkyo can indicate mastery of a particular technique, style, or school of thought.
In some Japanese arts, menkyo is also used to indicate authorization to teach or transmit the art to others. For example, a person who holds a Menkyo Kaiden (免許皆伝) in a particular martial art has not only achieved the highest level of proficiency, but also has been authorized to teach the art and to pass it down to future generations.
Simply put, the menkyo is an important aspect of traditional Japanese arts, and it serves as a way to recognize and acknowledge the achievements and expertise of practitioners, as well as to preserve and transmit the tradition to future generations.
So, what about Shakuhachi?
Shakuhachi culture also observes this tradition, using the rankings Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Jun Shihan, Shihan, Dai Shihan, and Sen Shin Kutsu Dai Shihan. We’ll look at each one below.
In Shakuhachi, Shoden (初伝) refers to the first level of instruction in playing the shakuhachi. It involves basic playing techniques, such as how to hold and blow into the shakuhachi, how to produce different pitches and tones, and playing simple melodies. Students at the Shoden level also typically learn basic music theory, such as how to read musical notation and understand rhythmic patterns. Shoden is considered an important foundation for further study in Shakuhachi, and mastery of the techniques taught at this level is essential for progressing to the next level of instruction.
In different schools of Shakuhachi the curriculum for Shoden varies, but it usually involves learning a specific set of pieces and exercises. The length of the Shoden stage can also vary depending on the school and the individual student's progress.
Chuden (中伝) refers to the intermediate level of instruction in Shakuhachi. After mastering the basic techniques and concepts taught at the Shoden level, students move on to Chuden, learning more advanced techniques and pieces of music. In Chuden, students develop their tone, timing, and breathing control, as well as their ability to interpret and express the emotional content of the music they are playing. They also deepen their understanding of musical theory and notation, as well as the cultural and historical context of Shakuhachi music.
Okuden (奥伝) refers to the advanced level of instruction in playing the instrument. After completing the foundational techniques and music taught in Shoden and Chuden, students move on to Okuden, where they learn more complex and sophisticated techniques, as well as the deeper aspects of Shakuhachi music and spirituality. Okuden students within the Renzoh studio are required to give a recital to showcase their technique, knowledge of the instrument, and musical sensibility. At this stage, a student should begin searching for their own voice.
In addition, students explore a wider range of musical styles, including traditional honkyoku pieces, ensemble music, and contemporary compositions. They also delve into the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of Shakuhachi. Though it is a new adaptation of the 20th century, students will also study and learn the shakuhachi’s connection to Zen Buddhism and the concept of "suizen" (blowing meditation). Okuden instruction is typically more personalized and tailored to the individual student's needs and interests, and it involves more one-on-one guidance and mentorship from a master teacher.
Jun Shihan (準師範) is an associate teaching certification. It is a rank that is typically awarded to advanced students who have demonstrated a high level of skill and understanding in playing the Shakuhachi and completed a rigorous training program under the guidance of a master teacher.
The Jun Shihan rank is often considered a stepping stone to becoming a full-fledged Shakuhachi teacher or master, known as a Shihan. Jun Shihan may be authorized to teach Shakuhachi to beginner and intermediate-level students, under the guidance and supervision of their master teacher.
To achieve the rank of Jun Shihan, a student must typically have studied and practiced Shakuhachi for several years, have demonstrated proficiency in playing a wide range of musical styles and techniques, and have a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual context of Shakuhachi music. They must also pass a rigorous examination that tests their skills in playing, teaching, and performing Shakuhachi music.
Shihan (師範), as mentioned above, is a “master” or “fully licensed teacher" who has achieved a high level of proficiency and mastery in playing the instrument. A Shakuhachi Shihan is typically considered an expert in the art and has spent many years studying and practicing under the guidance of a master teacher.
Shihan may have achieved a teaching certification from a recognized Shakuhachi organization or school, and they are authorized to teach Shakuhachi to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. They may also be recognized as a master performer of Shakuhachi music, capable of playing a wide range of traditional and contemporary pieces with technical mastery and emotional expression.
In addition to teaching and performing, a Shakuhachi Shihan is often responsible for preserving and transmitting the cultural and spiritual traditions associated with the instrument. They may be called upon to lead workshops, lectures, and demonstrations on Shakuhachi music. Shakuhachi Shihan are highly respected figures in the Shakuhachi community.
Dai Shihan (大師範) represents the highest level of teaching certification and mastery of the shakuhachi. It is a rank that is typically awarded to a very small number of exceptional Shakuhachi masters who have demonstrated unparalleled skill, knowledge, and experience in playing, teaching, and preserving the art of Shakuhachi.
A Dai Shihan is considered a true living treasure of the Shakuhachi world, and they are often regarded as the most senior and respected teachers and performers of the instrument. They may have dedicated their entire lives to the study and practice of Shakuhachi, and they are recognized for their exceptional technical ability, deep musical insight, and spiritual understanding.
A Dai Shihan may have studied under multiple master teachers, and they are often recognized as lineage holders of particular Shakuhachi schools or traditions. They may also have made significant contributions to the development and evolution of Shakuhachi music, by composing new pieces, arranging traditional music, or creating new performance techniques.
Meiyo Dai Shihan (名誉大師範) is very similar to the Daishihan level its a balance between the Daishihan and the following Sen Shin Kutsu Daishihan.
"洗心窟大師範" (Sen Shin Kutsu Dai Shihan) is a title in Shakuhachi that combines the concepts of purification, emptiness, and mastery. It is a very high level of achievement and recognition for a Shakuhachi master.
"洗心窟" (Sen Shin Kutsu) literally means "cave of purifying the heart" or "cave of washing the mind". It refers to a metaphorical space within oneself where one can let go of attachments and distractions, and connect deeply with the essence of Shakuhachi music and metaphysics.
A 洗心窟大師範 (Sen Shin Kutsu Dai Shihan) is a master who has reached the highest level of proficiency and insight in playing and teaching Shakuhachi. They have achieved a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and spiritual context of Shakuhachi music, and they have dedicated their lives to preserving and transmitting the art to future generations.
The title "洗心窟大師範" (Sen Shin Kutsu Dai Shihan) reflects the idea that the Shakuhachi master has delved into the "cave of purifying the heart" or "cave of washing the mind" and emerged with a deep sense of clarity, wisdom, and compassion. They are recognized for their ability to convey this essence of Shakuhachi to their students and audiences, and for their role in preserving the tradition for future generations.
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Shawn Renzoh Head