Title of Soke:   Soke is a Japanese word found in historical Budo and Bujutsu arts.  Which in recent years has made it's way into popular useage in American martial arts.   A Soke is the leader of their ryu, as such it is he who awards rank, determines technique and what principles will be taught within his ryu.   There are two types of Sokes under authentic Japanese methods.  Those are Head of Family and Headmaster.   Head of Family:   A Headfamily is a person who has inherited an established martial art with traceable lineage going back several generations.   Headmaster:   A Headmaster is anyone who has first mastered an established martial art.  Then studied several other arts to Black Belt level and went before a Soke board for review and sponsorship.   Soke-Dai:   A Soke-Dai is an appointed individual that is selected to inherit the ryu once the Soke passes away.  This postition can be revoked at any time.   Kaiso:   A Kaiso is a non-traditional title a self appointed founder.  Someone that has not received sponsorship from a legitimate Soke board.   To those martial artists that care about tradition and being recognized and sponsored, they are legitimate within the martial arts community and deserve our respect.