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**CGECngjA** · 01-04-2006, 08:00 AM

Should we publish a list of sensei who subscribe to this forum? I wouldn't want to be disrespectful to anyone who claims that title.

According to Harutane Chiba Sensei, the literal translation of "sensei" is "one who is born before". Since I'm over 50, does that mean that I shouldn't call my assistant sensei, 6th dan, renshi, who is 38 years old a "sensei"? I know that the term has come to mean "teacher" or "instructor" or "guide".

As a side note, I seem to recall reading that if a person claims a title for themselves, then it's just a title. The title should come from those who are of greater experience than the person claiming the title, similar to being promoted. We aren't promoted by our peers or our juniors, but those who are senior to us.

i think that´s a chracteristicall western-kind of thinking...hey i´m 5th dan, that´s why i´m sensei....sure most of people use the term "sensei" for the teacher/instructor, but as you told, being a sensei means more than that. a sensei is a kendo instructor and a kendo-life-teacher at the same way. he shows you how to handle difficulties in kendo life...when you´re down or injured, missed a examination etc. ... than he gives you that kind of mental support you need.

being 6th dan or above doesn´t mean that you are a sensei, but it´s one of the requirements which have to be fullfilled becoming one. a sensei has to be experienced and having a knowledge of life.

being a 6th dan doesn´t mean much in japan, they have thousands of them, a 6th dan is "just" a sempai, but in europe it means a lot (the way is longer than in japan)

well i don´t think it´s necessary to make a list....because it isn´t really important....i learn from everybody sensei, sempai or kohai....everyone of them shows me a different way of looking.

cu

01-04-2006, 08:00 AM	#9
CGECngjA Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 421 Senior Member	Should we publish a list of sensei who subscribe to this forum? I wouldn't want to be disrespectful to anyone who claims that title. According to Harutane Chiba Sensei, the literal translation of "sensei" is "one who is born before". Since I'm over 50, does that mean that I shouldn't call my assistant sensei, 6th dan, renshi, who is 38 years old a "sensei"? I know that the term has come to mean "teacher" or "instructor" or "guide". As a side note, I seem to recall reading that if a person claims a title for themselves, then it's just a title. The title should come from those who are of greater experience than the person claiming the title, similar to being promoted. We aren't promoted by our peers or our juniors, but those who are senior to us. i think that´s a chracteristicall western-kind of thinking...hey i´m 5th dan, that´s why i´m sensei....sure most of people use the term "sensei" for the teacher/instructor, but as you told, being a sensei means more than that. a sensei is a kendo instructor and a kendo-life-teacher at the same way. he shows you how to handle difficulties in kendo life...when you´re down or injured, missed a examination etc. ... than he gives you that kind of mental support you need. being 6th dan or above doesn´t mean that you are a sensei, but it´s one of the requirements which have to be fullfilled becoming one. a sensei has to be experienced and having a knowledge of life. being a 6th dan doesn´t mean much in japan, they have thousands of them, a 6th dan is "just" a sempai, but in europe it means a lot (the way is longer than in japan) well i don´t think it´s necessary to make a list....because it isn´t really important....i learn from everybody sensei, sempai or kohai....everyone of them shows me a different way of looking. cu
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