Shihan means “master instructor” and only those with the highest levels of skill in both the art of Karate and the vocation of teaching, are awarded this honor. Shihan Minakami is a dedicated and enthusiastic practitioner and teacher of Karatedo he is also:
- President of Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai USA
- The first person to receive unanimous approval from the governing body of Karatedo in Japan or certification as Shihan.
- 8th Dan, Karate, from Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai
- 7th Dan, Karate, from the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization
- 5th Dan, Chinen Yamanni Ryu Bojutsu, under Ryukyu Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai (RBKD)