What was the first title given to a karate master?
The Association developed a ranking system as a guide to personal perfection through these martial disciplines. In 1902 the title of Hanshi (model expert or teacher by example) and Kyoshi (teaching expert) were issued for the first time to outstanding Japanese masters. By 1906 the Japanese had won wars against both China and Russia.
www.doshikai.org/bushido/articles/titles_and_degress_in_…