One of the most confusing parts of Ninja training, especially for the non-Japanese student, is the terms and names of skills, techniques, strategies, and other aspects of the art. It can be a daunting task for the Western student to have to learn the many Japanese names that developed naturally as part of the art over the centuries.

One area of ​​concern, especially for the respectful student, is making sure they are correctly using the titles of authority and respect reserved for their teachers and seniors. And, while pronunciation is a major concern for many, it would also be helpful if they knew what word or title is appropriate when referring to or interacting with a particular person. Along those lines, this article highlights some of the titles that are used to extend proper respect towards your teacher and older people while participating in the training.

Soke – Often mistranslated as “great teacher,” this is the title of the “lineage chief.” Soke is a position, not a rank. In fact, the soke of any particular school or lineage is “outside” the concept of rank, and is the person from whom the rank extends or flows. So there is only 1 Soke within a lineage.

Sensei – This is the term that is generally used and is most easily recognized in the context of Japanese martial arts. The term simply means “teacher” and can be used to identify anyone who is giving you a lesson.

Shidoshi – This is a teaching title, used especially with Ninja training. One possible definition is “master of the warrior ways of enlightenment.” However, if you look at the basic components of the word – “SHI” and “DOSHI” – you will find a meaning of “teacher of teacher”, or a teacher of teachers, rather than the common idea of ​​a teacher of students – as it implies the word “sensei”.

Shihan – This is not an official rank or self-imposed title, as many believe, but rather an honorific used to identify someone who is an excellent “role model” and worthy of being followed. You would hardly call yourself shihan, since I would introduce myself to someone as “Miller role model!”

Kansho – While there may be multiple Shidoshi or sensei within a given school, there is only one at the head of the group. So, just as Soke is the “lineage chief”, a Kansho (sometimes spelled “kan-SHI”) is the “school director” or the “dojo director”. ).

Sempai – In contrast to the word “KO-hai”, which means “junior student”, sempai refers to any student higher than you in rank. Kohai are the third-year or “newer” students, and sempai are the seniors. But, again, this term is relative to YOUR position in relation to the other students within the dojo environment. When you joined, all students who were already members of the dojo were, by default, your elders, regardless of their rank. Just as you will be the sempai, or the eldest, or anyone who joins after you.