addressing one's Sensei?

Question

What is the proper etiquette in addressing one's Sensei? I have always presumed the term/title Sensei should come after the surname. Should the title/term Sensei come before or after the Sensei's surname?

I have also read addressing one's Sensei should NOT include their "rank", such as Hanshi Jones or Kyoshi Smith. They should always be respected by addressing them as Jones Sensei or Smith Sensei. But I found other students addressing their Sensei and other students with their rank.

What is the proper Dojo etiquette?

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Tamiko
**I have asked this question on several Japanese language sites and several martial arts sites, all respond differently. I would sincerely like to learn the proper etiquette.

Answer 1

When addressing, the "rank" shouldn't be included. The surname comes before the sensei. Like in chinese martial art, when addressing a instructor, it's the same. E.g. Takashi Sensei or Liang Shifu.

Answer 2

LOL, the proper etiquette is that which is expected, and desired by the sensei you are studying under or working with.

This will vary depending upon their adherence to tradition, how they were taught, what their philosophy is on the matter, and a number of other possible factors.

Truth is, no-one can really establish the right or wrong way to address your sensei, other than the sensei or top instructor in the school you train at.

I would think that, provide you address them respectfully, most would not worry to much about the particulars of the use of language in this sense, especially if they do not clearly define it themselves.

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 3

Proper japanese is to say the surname followed by sensei.
ex. Saito sensei, unless you are familiar with your teacher, or they are easier going, you can use their first name followed by sensei (although that is not common).
As for Hanshi, Kyoshi, and Renshi......these are more like academic titles....Kind of like having M Sc. or PhD after your name. You wouldn't say "Good day PhD Jones.", or "hello there Takuya, Master of Science."

Those titles would be used for introduction or in print.

Shihan on the other hand is used as an addressable rank in some systems.

In the system I study, we call the head "hanshi" as sort of a term of endearment......It is proper to call him sensei in the dojo.

Answer 4

We've always said "sensei" after an Okinawan sensei's name, and before an American sensei's name. This is more a convention of the language, and neither are disrespectful. Just you like Yoda sound, to either culture if you do it the wrong way.

Answer 5

Here's my rule of thumb, If you happen to be one of the following: a Japanese, a person residing in Japan or are addressing a Japanese teacher in Nihonggo or the Japanese language, then sensei comes after the surname, since that is the custom in Japan. But if you're in the U.S. or Europe and you are speaking to him in English, then it's acceptable to use sensei before his surname since titles come before a name in English speaking countries. Think Daniel san and Mr.Miyagi in the Karate Kid films, their situation is a perfect example. Miyagi follows Japanese custom and Daniel follows western custom when addressing one another.

Answer 6

There are three forms of address for a reigning monarch who happens to be an Emperor in English. 1) When addressing the Emperor you either refer to him as ''Your Majesty'' or ''Sire'' NEVER Sir. e.g. ''Your Majesty, May I present Joe Bloggs? or ''Sire, May I present His Grace The Duke of X?'' 2)When referring to the Emperor in conversation, you would say ''His Majesty'' or simply ''the Emperor'' e.g. ''His Majesty will be in attendance'' or ''the Emperor will not be present''. 3) Before addressing His Majesty you would bow (if a man) or courtesy (if a woman) 4) Sidenote: The reason you never use Sir is because that is a style reserved for lower ranking persons (who are not Kings, Grand Dukes etc) e.g. when addressing the Prince of Wales you would say ''Sir, Will be requiring tea?''

Answer 7

How do you address Sensei if you meet at a social function or business meeting?

Answer 8

Shito-ryu Itosu-kai Karate:
eg. North America - Sensei Sue
Japan(ese) - Iwata Sensei
OR
- Sakagami Soke

Title used, not rank.
Here in Canada, we call our "Head Teacher" Tsumura Shihan or just Shihan.
When our Soke came to Canada, we called him Soke or Sakagami Soke. at his request

We always ended a training session with "Sensei (or Soke or Shihan),Doumo Arigatou Gozaimashita" meaning -
Thank you very much!!!

Answer 9

hmm I think in my Japanese class we call our teacher Shibamiya Sensai. I've never been in a Japanese dojo but I call my Taekwondo teacher Mr. Morris.