Showing respect toward Master’s and Instructor’s is very important in Kuk Sool. It is especially important to address the different ranking masters by their correct title as there is a huge difference between, for example, a fifth degree master and a ninth degree master.

If you do not know the rank of someone, don’t be afraid to ask however if you are unable to, use “Sir” or “Ma’am”.

For reference, here are the rank titles from black belt candidate upward:

Rank	Title	Meaning
Brown-Black Belt	Dahn Bo Nim	Black Belt Candidate
First Degree Black Belt	Jo Kyo Nim	Instructor in Training
Second Degree Black Belt	Kyo Sa Nim	Assistant Instructor
Third Degree Black Belt	Pu Sa Bum Nim	Deputy Instructor
Fourth Degree Black Belt	Sa Bum Nim	Instructor
Fifth Degree Master	Pyung Kwahn Jahng Nim	Master
Sixth Degree Master	Joo Im Kwahn Jahng Nim	Head Master
Seventh Degree Master	Ji Do Kwahn Jahng Nim	Senior Master
Eighth Degree Master	Suhn Im Kwahn Jahng Nim	Executive Master
Ninth Degree Master	Su Suhk Kwahn Jahng Nim	Senior Executive Master
Tenth Degree Master	Chong Kwahn Jahng Nim	International Chiefmaster
Grand Master	Kuk Sa Nim	National Teacher, a title bestowed by the Korean Government.