You may use the word “sensei” for your martial arts instructor, but do you know what it really means?
In Japanese culture, the word sensei (先生) is an honorific used to show respect for someone recognized as a guide through knowledge, skill, or public service. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, artists, authors, and elected officials are all commonly addressed as sensei. The word literally means “one who was born before,” emphasizing experience rather than rank or certification.
In Japanese usage, honorifics follow the name—Tanaka Sensei—and are never used for oneself. This reflects keigo, the Japanese system of respectful language, in which honorifics elevate the other person, not the speaker. Understanding this simple rule helps Western martial artists use the term more authentically.
Because sensei is an honorific, it is not a rank. In budo, formal qualifications include dan and kyu grades, as well as teaching licenses or titles such as menkyo, shogo, shidoin, or shihan, depending on the tradition and organization. Legitimate martial arts associations clearly list these credentials, but none list “sensei” as an earned title. While it is appropriate to address a teacher as Sensei, their certificates will reflect rank or teaching authorization—not the honorific itself.
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