[ZesePreodaNed]

I should know the answer to this question already, but I suspect I'm over-thinking it.

If I'm corresponding with someone who is a sensei, but not my sensei (i.e. in a position of instructing me), should I address them as, say, Jones-sensei? Or use a standard english salutation?

-Beth

[disappointment2]

I always address senseis of kendo by their proper titles, whether they instruct me or not. From what I have observed, this is the proper standard of etiquette.

[VemyhemiHef]

If I'm corresponding with someone who is a sensei, but not my sensei (i.e. in a position of instructing me), should I address them as, say, Jones-sensei?

Yes, unless they tell you to not to. Some of our sensei prefer that the title not be used outside the dojo.

[Pcodaygs]

I should know the answer to this question already, but I suspect I'm over-thinking it.

If I'm corresponding with someone who is a sensei, but not my sensei (i.e. in a position of instructing me), should I address them as, say, Jones-sensei? Or use a standard english salutation?

-Beth

That's a very interesting question. I would be interested in what the senseis who frequent this forum think.

Is there a variation from country to country as well?

[EjPWyPm4]

Let's put it this way - you'll never offend someone by calling them sensei, but you might offend someone by not doing it. Also, the sensei honorific is a safe one to use no matter how high up the food chain the person is.

They'll let you know if they prefer to be addressed more casually.

[55Beaphable]

What Neil said. The title of 'sensei' doesn't just apply to your own sensei but to all teachers--and, in Japan, to medical doctors as well.

[phsyalcvqh]

What Neil said. The title of 'sensei' doesn't just apply to your own sensei but to all teachers--and, in Japan, to medical doctors as well.

Yeah, that's what I thought. I've been too sleep-deprived lately to think straight. Better to ask than screw up.

Thanks, everyone.

--Beth