I possess a Hachidan within an Okinawan style that I've been involved with for 43 years thus far. Our Soke is a Judan and wears 10 Gold Stripes on his left (heart side) tail. He's a Hanshi and wears 3 angled upward Gold Stripes on his right (humble side) tail towards the end just below the name of the style in Kanji. Our Soke says that all Yudansha from Rokudan to Judan will wear Gold Stripes for both Rank and Teaching Titles! Shodan to Godan will wear Red Stripes for Rank! My "Kaicho" is a Kudan and he wears 9 Gold Stripes on his left (heart side) tail. He's also a Hanshi and wears 3 angled upward Gold Stripes on his right (humble side) tail towards the end just below the name of the style in Kanji. I wear 8 Gold Stripes on my left (heart side) tail. I'm also a Hanshi and I too wear, per the instructions of my Kaicho, 3 angled upward Gold Stripes on my right (humble side) tail towards the end just below the name of the style in Kanji. My "Kaicho," Head Representative of our style, is also my Sensei; I love him with all of my heart and soul! I'm quite familiar with the photo examples as presented in posts earlier than mine. I know that the difference is WITHIN each individual Okinawan style. Some Rank belts are plain up to Godan, and therefore that's due to the decision of one's Hombu! Also, the Teaching Titles of Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi do differ from Okinawan style to Okinawan style as far as how it's denoted, if at all, on ones Yudansha as well as to what Rank is allowed to possess a certain Teaching Title. Remember that the Teaching Title is SEPERATE from earned Rank. You can't earn a Teaching Title like one can earn a Rank. Nothing is given and Rank is earned! Tiltes are bestowed upon NOT ALL Karateka's!!!!
