At the beginning of each class, and before paired training we say to our instructor and to our partner "onegaishimasu", pronounced o-ne-guy-she-mass; this term is short for "yoroshiku onegaishimasu" a set phrase used when making a request. Aikido is partnered practice. We each play a role that allows us to learn the forms and in turn the principles of the art. "Onegaishimasu" is the basis of a humble request: to our sensei and senpai, it is a request for their knowledge, advice, and time; to our partner and kohai it is acknowledgement that we need each other to train, and we are responsible for taking care of them.
At the end of each class, after receiving advice from the instructor, and at finishing our partner practice we say to our instructor and to our partner "arigatou gozaimasu", pronounced a-ri-ga-toe go-zaeye-mass. It is: "thank you for taking care of me"; "thank you, I appreciate you giving me your time and energy"; "thank you, I appreciate you allowing me to practice with you"; and the like.
In the dojo and in life practice of basic etiquette is demonstration of mutual trust and respect. Though the context may shift when the above phrases are used, the intention of making a humble request and show of appreciation remains. This is merely one element of the traditional practice we try to maintain.
Sensei, pronounced sen-say, is in its most basic sense a covers-all Japanese word for a teacher. This applies to teachers from grade school level up to university professors. It also includes instructors such as dance instructors and training instructors at a aikido dojo, or other martial arts school.
The title "Sensei" is a Japanese title of respect. It is used to address teachers or professionals. Outside Japan, many people, due to the natural "cultural gap", have little experience with this title and sometimes unintentionally do not use the title correctly. Since this particular title comes from the Japanese culture and they are the authorities when it comes to their own language, those of us outside that culture must strive to use the title correctly by Japanese definition, if it is to be used correctly within each respective Aikido and American martial arts dojo. This is similar to addressing your university teacher as Professor.
In Japan anyone who teaches is referred to as sensei. This is similar to using the Mr, Miss, or Ms - it merely indicates respect toward the person who is instructing. In general however, a Japanese teacher is usually addressed as sensei by their students all over the world.
In the martial arts, we call a teacher "sensei", whether or not we are actually studying under that person; this is how we show our appreciation of their experience, contribution, and time. The title "sensei" is attached to the end of a teacher's name at all times – not just in the dojo. If you hear your Sensei refer to an assistant teacher in the dojo by their first name, it does not necessarily mean that you should do the same. That individual is the Sensei's student and he or she is your senior and should be addressed as sensei. The study of the martial arts is a way of life and the same respect that is shown in the dojo should be practiced in our everyday life outside the dojo.
One unique aspect of Japanese culture is the emphasis placed on the relationship between two people and how it impacts their interactions with each other. ‘Senpai’ (pronounced sen-pie — pie, as in the baked good) is a term used to describe a person of more seniority and experience who is there to mentor and support their juniors. This goes for students, sports players, office coworkers, and even professional experts. In fact, someone who is considered a sensei to their students may in turn have their own senpai whom they look to for professional advice and guidance.
On the flip side is the ‘kohai’ (pronounced ko-high), or more junior member of the relationship. Senpai and kohai are two people who always exist in relationship to each other, so a person cannot simply be a senpai or kohai without a matching counterpart. In some cases, a senpai-kohai pairing where the two form a close bond can become a relationship for life, and the kohai will continue to turn to their senpai for help or advice in both personal and professional matters even as adults.
You can find a handy list of terminology and techniques we study available in the Student Handbook: Understand Your Basics and more under Student Resources on our website.
Kodokan Aikido at Virginia Tech, October 2019