What is a Grand Master?

The overwhelming response was, “I want to be an influencer.” While the concept itself isn’t inherently negative, the troubling part is the pursuit of influence without the foundation of genuine experience.

What is a Grand Master?

In martial arts, true influence and leadership come from decades of dedication, study, and the passing of knowledge. It’s not something that can be faked or shortcut. This is where the title of “Grand Master” comes into play.

My journey toward the title of Grand Master began long before I ever acknowledged it. In 2008, I was promoted to 7th Dan in my first art, Hapkido. That rank technically reflected the status of a Grand Master. However, I didn’t feel the need to use the title at that time. For me, it wasn’t about wearing the title as a badge of honor. When did I finally accept it? In 2010, when my first grandchild was born. The title of Grand Master seemed fitting when I became a grandfather—a role that naturally reflects wisdom, guidance, and responsibility.

In a somewhat humorous but insightful comparison, within certain circles, like the mafia, you cannot be called a “Godfather” unless you are literally a godfather to a child. This parallel resonates with martial arts: titles like Grand Master are more than just ceremonial; they carry real meaning rooted in responsibility, mentorship, and experience.

Unfortunately, in today’s martial arts world, titles like Grand Master have often become little more than bragging rights for some. I’ve seen individuals, many of whom are quite young and lacking in true experience, don these titles prematurely. Does this upset me? No, because it’s not my concern, nor is it a reflection of who I am. There is a lot of energy spent on criticizing others—like the popular use of the term “McDojo” to discredit schools that some believe aren’t legitimate. If someone feels threatened by what another person or school is doing, it reveals more about their self-worth than anything else. The only time it becomes an issue is if there is actual illegal activity going on, and then it’s a matter of ethics, not rank.

As for me, I have spent 40 years in martial arts, with much of that time as an instructor. I’ve taught tens of thousands of students over the decades. That’s what the title of Grand Master implies. It is not a symbol of greatness, as some mistakenly believe. I don’t carry pride in it—pride, after all, is one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Instead, the title reflects a seasoning, maturity in the martial arts, earned through the years of practice, teaching, and learning from others.

Recently, a follower asked me how I wished to be addressed. The truth is, I don’t really care. Some use my title, while others simply call me by my name. It doesn’t matter to me. It’s a personal choice, and I respect that. My first teacher, Master Hollohan—who was not just an instructor but a true teacher—will always be “sir” to me, even though I have outranked him for nearly two decades. It’s not about rank; it’s about respect. My father will always be my father, no matter my age or status. It’s the same principle with my mentors.

What is a Grand Master? In Bruce Lee’s Tao of Jeet Kune Do, he stated that titles are just names, not worth obsessing over. Ironically, within the Jeet Kune Do community, there has been significant division and argument over titles, particularly about who should carry on Bruce Lee’s legacy.

Ultimately, the title of Grand Master is merely that—a name. Don’t fuss over it. What truly matters is not the title, but the responsibility and wisdom that come with it. A Grand Master is a guide, a mentor, and a student of life who has spent decades learning and sharing that knowledge with others.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit Kosho Ryu International.

Yours in the arts,

Grand Master Art Mason
Kosho Ryu Enterprises SLR, Romania
WhatsApp: +40 747 899 183