The Master Ranks and the Use of the Title Master - By Sensei Liam Musiak

In martial arts, the word Master carries weight. Because of that, it must be used carefully, honestly, and without ego.

In our dojo and within our style, anyone who holds 5th Dan or above is officially recognised as a Karate Master. From that point onward, the individual operates at Master rank level, with increased responsibility, trust, and expectation placed upon their conduct and judgement.

These ranks reflect responsibility and accountability, not superiority over others.

The Master Rank Structure

Within our system, the Master-level ranks are defined as follows:

5th Dan – Master

6th Dan – Master

7th Dan – Senior Master

8th Dan – Senior Master

9th Dan – Grandmaster

10th Dan – Grandmaster

From 5th Dan onwards, an individual is formally classed as a Karate Master within the dojo and style. This is an official rank classification, regardless of how the individual chooses to be addressed in day-to-day training.

What the title Master actually means here

The title Master is not something a person assigns to themselves.

It is not something someone should introduce themselves as.

It is not something that should be demanded.

And it is not something that needs to appear on personal branding.

In our dojo and style, when someone refers to you as Master, it simply means they are choosing to address you that way in conversation as a sign of respect. It is a personal choice made by the speaker, not a requirement or rule.

My personal view on the title

Speaking personally, I do not ask to be called Master.

I would much rather someone call me:

• Sensei

• Sensei Liam

• Or simply Liam

While 5th Dan and above are officially Karate Master ranks, I do not believe anyone truly “masters” anything. Learning, refinement, and personal development never stop. Because of that belief, the title Master is not something I use for myself, even though the rank classification exists.

The rank is official.

The responsibility is real.

The title itself is optional.

How the title may be used by others

If someone chooses to address me as Master, that is their decision and I won’t correct them. But it is never expected.

Appropriate examples include:

• A student choosing to say “Thank you, Master”

• Another instructor referring to me as “Master Musiak”

• A formal introduction where someone else uses the title

Equally acceptable is:

• “Sensei”

• “Sensei Liam”

• Or simply “Liam”

None of these change the rank, responsibility, or expectations attached to it.

Why this approach matters

True authority does not come from titles. It comes from conduct, consistency, and responsibility.

Someone who genuinely deserves respect does not need to insist on how they are addressed. Respect shows itself naturally through behaviour, not enforced language.

This principle applies at every level, including Grandmaster ranks.

Final thought

In our dojo and style, 5th Dan and above are Karate Master ranks. That is the formal classification.

But titles are for others to use — not for oneself to claim.

I am comfortable being called Sensei, Sensei Liam, or just Liam, because the work does not change based on the word used.

The rank exists on record.

The responsibility exists regardless.

The title is optional.

— Sensei Liam Musiak 🥋