noun
top-rank fencing master; hanshi
A title for a master of the highest rank in traditional Japanese fencing (kendo) or related martial arts. Often used as a formal honorific.
彼は剣道の範士の称号を持っている。
He holds the title of hanshi in kendo.
範士の先生から直接指導を受けることができた。
I was able to receive direct instruction from a hanshi teacher.