Learn Ninjutsu: Japanese Teaching, Authority, and Respect Titles Used in Ninja Training

One of the most confusing parts of Ninja training, especially for non-Japanese students, 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 naturally developed as part of the art over the centuries.

One area of ​​concern, especially for the respectful student, is making sure that you are correctly using the titles of authority and respect reserved for your teachers and seniors. And, while pronunciation is a major concern for many, it would also help if they knew what word or title is appropriate to refer to or interact with a particular person. In that sense, this article highlights some of the titles used to extend due respect to your teacher and seniors while participating in the training.

Soke- Often mistranslated as “grandmaster”, this is the title of the “head of the lineage”. 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 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 gives you a lesson.

Shidoshi- This is a teaching title, used especially with Ninja training. One possible definition is that of “master of the warrior paths of illumination”. However, if you look at the basic components of the word, “SHI” and “DOSHI”, you will find a meaning of “teacher of teachers” or a teacher of teachers, rather than the common idea of ​​a teacher of students – as implied by 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 following. As soon as you would call yourself a shihan, I would introduce myself to someone like “Role Model Miller”.

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 “head of the lineage”, a Kansho (sometimes written as “kan-SHI”) is the “head of the school” or “head of the dojo”. ).

Senpai- In contrast to the word “KO-hai”, which means “junior student”, sempai refers to any student higher in rank than you. The kohai are the third year or “newer” students, and the 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 seniors, regardless of rank. Just like you’ll be the sempai, or senior, or whoever joins after you.