LESSON: KOHAI, SEMPAI & SENSEI

What is a Kohai, Sempai and Sensei?

In simple terms Kohai means "junior" student whereas Sempai refers to a "senior" student and Sensei means "teacher".

Historically and traditionally these terms mean so much more. Being Sempai means you are personally responsible for the training of Kohai (juniors). Upon review by Sensei, all Kohai must measure up to Sensei’s standards or the Sempai was directly to blame. Historically, Sempai was personally responsible for Kohai ettiquette. This was most important. Any breaches in ettiquette in the dojo were reprimanded by Sempai, not Sensei. If Sensei had to make the correction, it simply meant Sempai was not doing his job. Most often Sempai was the fiercest and smartest person in the warrior group besides Sensei.

The difference was that it was Sensei’s position to lead in a calm, controlled and sophisticated manner, whereas Sempai maintained control through toughness, fierceness, and a no-nonsense attitude.