Grand Master or Grandmaster, otherwise referred to as Grand Jedi Master, was a designation typically given to the Jedi who possessed the greatest age and wisdom. While the Master of the Order functioned as the leader of the Jedi High Council, the Grand Master presided over the entire Jedi Order. Notable Jedi Masters who held this title include Xo Lahru, Pra-Tre Veter, and Yoda during the period of the High Republic Era. Following Veter's capture at the hands of the Nihil pirates, Ry Ki-Sakka was chosen to succeed him, but Veter was ultimately executed by the Nihil. Yoda remained Grand Master through the final years of the Galactic Republic, and he was among the few who survived the Great Jedi Purge that commenced around the conclusion of the Clone Wars.
The Jedi Order was under the supervision of the Grand Master. This title was typically bestowed upon the Jedi Master who was both the oldest and most knowledgeable. This role was separate from that of the Master of the Order, who was in charge of the Jedi High Council. However, it was possible for a single individual to simultaneously hold both titles at the same time. The Grand Master would humbly instruct the most junior members of the Order, the younglings, thereby completing the cycle of Jedi training. According to Tera Sinube, it was uncommon for a Grand Master to train his own Padawan, which was therefore considered a great honor. On occasion, the Jedi Order had more than one Grand Master serving concurrently.
During the High Republic Era, specifically around the time of the Great Hyperspace Disaster, several Jedi shared the title of Grand Master. These included Masters Xo Lahru, Yoda, and [Pra-Tre Veter](/article/pra-tre_veter], all of whom were present at the dedication of the Starlight Beacon. After Veter's passing, Jedi Master Ry Ki-Sakka also achieved the rank.
By the time of the Invasion of Naboo, which occurred two centuries after the Great Disaster, Yoda, who was still alive, was the only one holding the title of Grand Master. Yoda had spent eight centuries training generations of Jedi and continued to serve as Grand Master throughout the duration of the Clone Wars.
During the conflict where Yoda and other members of the Order led the Grand Army of the Republic as Jedi Generals, Ki-Adi-Mundi expressed concerns regarding Yoda's mental state. This was due to the Grand Master's role in training Count Dooku before Dooku turned to the dark side of the Force. However, Obi-Wan Kenobi countered by pointing out that every Jedi had, at some point, been apprenticed to the Grand Master. Therefore, he dismissed the idea that Yoda was responsible for Dooku's actions as a Sith Lord. After the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Sidious succeeded in killing the majority of the Jedi throughout the galaxy, the Grand Master sought refuge in exile on the planet Dagobah.