also: そうか
head of family; head house
Refers to the main family line or its head, especially in traditional contexts like martial arts, tea ceremony, or other hereditary schools.
He is the eldest son of the head family of the tea ceremony.
sōke; founder of a style; originator
Often used as a title for the founder or grand master of a traditional art, martial art, or school. The term sōke is sometimes used in English to refer to this role.
The sōke of this school has passed down the techniques for generations.
He is known as the head of the tea ceremony school.
After his father's death, he succeeded as head of the family.
She guides her disciples in her role as head of the school.