You see and hear a lot of different titles in Japanese martial arts. Unfortunately, a lot of people have little or no idea how these titles and honorifics are actually used.
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Now, if you are following Karate and using Japanese language in your dojo or school, then you should know how to use these titles.
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Being introduced as “sensei” is fine….. However, introducing and calling YOURSELF “sensei” is WRONG. Either you are ignorant of Japanese usage or extremely arrogant, as if you are trying to give yourself a title when you don’t have one.
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“Sensei” is a respectful title….. an honorific, like “Mr.” or “Mrs.”
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“Sensei” is a honorific used to address people…….. “Hanshi”, as an example, is a title used to describe a position, like “plumber” or “teacher” in English. Hanshi, Kyoshi, Renshi etc., are titles used to describe a position or used for certification.
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“Sensei” is NOT a teaching title. “Sensei” is an honorific, like Mr. or Mrs., but since its Japanese and we are following Japanese arts, and using Japanese language in the dojo, it has to go AFTER the person’s name. Therefore calling or signing YOURSELF “Sensei Risa Mendelson” (an example) is WRONG.
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If someone is claiming rank, or claiming to teach Japanese Karate, and using Japanese language in their dojo or school, and they aren’t getting simple things like proper use of honorifics and titles right, this is a big warning sign. It doesn’t take much to learn how these things should be used. If someone is using them incorrectly, it suggests to me that they really have not done the necessary research, or have the desired knowledge to actually be a “sensei”.
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In Japan, where the titles originate, it’s found amusing to them when westerners call themselves “sensei”. Finally, calling yourself “sensei” doesn’t impress anyone….. In fact, you just look stupid. ??
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“You never call yourself sensei because it’s not an objective title. It’s an honorary word, used by the people who regard you as someone who has come before.” ~ Jesse Enkamp
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“What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.” ~ Alexandra Elle
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? Photo Credit: Jesse Enkamp