Addressing People
 

I should know the answer to this question already, but I suspect I'm over-thinking it. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...mbarrassed.gif

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...lies/smile.gif

Thanks, everyone.

--Beth