More important than rank
When I was writing the post on Sensei Williams, I wanted to get my facts right, so I asked a couple of people what rank he held. This morning Steve Friedman replied, and what he said was so beautiful I asked his permission to quote him:
As far as I know Sensei Williams is one of those grounded individuals (like Larry Yakata and Parnel Legros) who do not make rank into an icon. He achieved the rank of nidan many years ago and that was enough for him.
We are truly blessed to have Sensei Oishi at the helm who in turn attracts such gifted teachers like Sensei Williams and Sensei Pernambuco. Mr. Oishi is the kind of Sensei who is always teaching in each moment, with every interaction, and always with a smile.
I have nothing to add.