“Don’t pretend to be a great master and don’t try to show off your strength.”

Okay, so it seems I need to clarify the use of the word “sensei” as many people still do not understand its correct usage, or even how to introduce themselves without using the term.
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Sensei (先生) is a Japanese word people all over the world use in place of “teacher.” But the word “sensei” is much more than simply translated as “teacher”.
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Let’s start from the beginning.
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What does the Japanese word Sensei mean? Does it simply mean master, mentor, instructor or teacher?
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No.
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When learning a Japanese word, it’s always a good idea to look at its kanji:
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Sen 先 = previous, before,
Sei 生 = born
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Therefore, Sensei can be referred to as; “a person born before you were.” Back in the day, living longer meant (and still implies) having more experience and knowledge.
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These days Sensei doesn’t necessarily mean someone older, but it still means someone who’s experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable. Traditionally, people in Japan are taught to pay respect to elders, and it’s important to know the word Sensei feels respectful.
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The term Sensei is used with teachers, doctors, and anyone who is at a higher level who is teaching you something. It can also be used to refer to clerics, accountants, artists, musicians, novelists or anyone with a mastery in a certain area that you respect.
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While it’s common for people in teaching positions, especially those educating young children, to explain the use of calling the teacher Sensei, to refer to yourself that way, to call YOURSELF Sensei, would sound pretentious.
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So, when you are being introduced by someone else as a “sensei” that’s fine….. However, introducing and calling YOURSELF “sensei” is WRONG.
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The word is an honorific. An honorific is showing or giving honor or respect: when used in addressing or referring to a person; (Cambridge dictionary), just like Mr. or Mrs.
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But since its Japanese and we are following Japanese arts, and using Japanese language in the dojo, it must go AFTER the person’s name. As an example, it should be “Takahashi Sensei”. But still, you do NOT refer to yourself this way.
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You never use it as an attachment to your own name.
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So, for example, I might refer to someone else as Takahashi-san or Ito-sensei, they themselves would not introduce themselves as Takahashi-san or Ito-sensei, they would just say; “I am Takahashi”, or “I am Ito”, etc. etc…… You just don’t say “I am (insert name here) sensei”….. Have you got it yet?
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If you need to, of course you can explain the meaning and use of the word Sensei in your dojo, especially to the young.
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Its use is also very common just as a nickname, without the need to use it after the name as an honorific. In other words, we can simply call your teachers and mentors Sensei.
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So let’s recap. It is important to note that the word Sensei is usable only from the students’ perspective, it can be used by karate students while referring to their teachers.
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Finally, no one is denying you maybe a “sensei”. However, you should NOT be introducing yourself as Sensei. Remember humility is part of karate-do. It really is not that difficult. 👊🥋
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“Don’t pretend to be a great master and don’t try to show off your strength.” – Gichin Funakoshi Karate-dō Nyūmon: The Master Introductory Text
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