Proper Usage of the Term Sensei

Whether you think of your instructor as “...a really wonderful person who always has time to listen to my problems...” or as “...a sadistic old bastard who makes me do things I never dreamed possible...”, you undoubtedly respect them as one of the major guiding forces in your life and, to show this respect, address them as Sensei.

The problem with this is that many, if not most, students use the term incorrectly. So, for those of you who don’t really understand the intricacies of Japanese forms of address (and for those of you who think you understand it, but don’t), here are some guidelines...

“Good morning, Wilson Sensei.”
Wrong!: Don’t you think Mr. Wilson knows his name? So, don’t use this form when talking to the person. Instead, you should say, “Good morning, Sensei.”

In Your Dojo

“That is Wilson Sensei.”
Marginal: “That is Mr. Wilson, their sensei,” would be better.

“My instructor is Wilson Sensei.”
Wrong! : It should be, “My sensei is Mr. Bob Wilson.”

At a Seminar

“Ask Wilson Sensei about that.”
Correct: If there are several senior instructors present, you need to specify which one you are talking about.

“Thank you, Bob Sensei.”
Wrong! : You never address a senior by his first name. Adding a title doesn’t make it correct.

“Bob-san, would you....”
Situational: A senior instructor may use this form to a junior instructor if he intends to finish with something like “...like to get a beer after class?”

“Wilson-san, would you...”
Situational: A senior instructor might use this form to a junior instructor if he is going to finish it with something like “...get this group organized, immediately! ”

“Wilson Sensei, would you...”
Situational: A senior instructor would use this form when talking to the junior instructor about serious dōjō business. If he uses it for non-official matters or at a social event, it sounds sarcastic.

“Sam-san...”
Wrong!: Consider the phonetics of the combination before using it. In this case, Sam-san doesn’t sound quite right and Samuel-san would be much better.

“I would like to introduce you to Wilson Sensei.”
Wrong!: The person might think Sensei is Wilson’s last name. Say, “...to Mr. Wilson, my sensei.” If the person might not know what a sensei is, use “instructor” instead.

“That is Sam Wilson. He is a Sensei.”
Wrong!: A person is never “a” sensei; he is always somebody’s sensei. So, “..., he is Bob’s sensei,” would be correct.

At Another Dojo

“Thank you, Sensei.”
Correct: Even though the person is not your sensei, he still deserves the title.

To A Class of Beginners

“...and you should always address me as Sensei’.”
Wrong!: You may never request this title. (You may, however, invite another instructor to your dōjō. If he is any good, and hears your students addressing you improperly, as soon as you leave the room the world as they know it will come to an end.)

“That is Bob Wilson Sensei.”
Wrong!: Don’t include the first name. Note that this is different than in English, where Mr. Bob Wilson’ is correct.

On A Business Card or Letterhead

“Wilson Sensei” or “Bob Wilson, Karate Sensei”
Wrong!: For the same reason as you wouldn’t use “Mr.” when referring to yourself. Titles are awarded, not assumed.

All instructors are advised to study these forms carefully and note whether or not your students are using them properly, as mistakes reflect on the reputation both you and your school.

The End