Thank you for the heart Jesse 🙂 I made a DAN ranking chart for Kyokushin karate showing the higher ranks in my 10kyu video 6 days ago.Check it out if you like th-cam.com/video/s1Uj_KK2_94/w-d-xo.html Note that some names above shihan might vary depending on organization. Thank you
In our Tang Soo Do / Taekwondo hybrid association (descended from Kyongwon Ahn), Sa Boehm Nim means "instructor", and is the honorific greeting for 1st through 4th degree Black Belt. Moving up, Kwan Ji Nim means "Master", referring to 5th, 6th, and 7th degree black belt. And Kwan Jang Nim means "Grandmaster", reserved for 8th and 9th degree black belts. Many Tang Soo Do schools use different terms in place of Sa Boehm Nim and Kwan Ji Nim, but all of them reserve Kwan Jang Nim for the highest ranks. We use these honorific greetings during the Bow-in and Bow-out, the rest of the time Sir or Maam will suffice.
In Ireland same as the US In Kenpo i am a black belt so was called Mr or Sir back in the day although some Kenpo schools use Sifu. Moved on to Shotokan Where I am a Shodan so was called Sensei Currently in Kyokushin I am a Shodan so am a Sempai, At home I am just call You EG" you do this" or " you do that" My wife is the Sosai in my family :-)
In Korean Tang Soo Do, Sabom Nim is how we refer to our chief instructor, 4th Dan, 5th would be Sunim Sabom Nim...it goes on and on but there are differences between how we refer to our instructors vs some Tae Kwon Do. Tang Soo!
This also applies to other Korean arts, like Taekwondõ, Hapkidõ, Hwa Rang Do and Kuk Sool Won. Although sometimes the term Sabumnim is simply used like the term sensei, in Japanese arts.
Many schools are different when it comes to TKD. Assistant Instructor (1st-3rd Dan) | Cho Kyo Nim Instructor (1st-3rd Dan) | Kyo Sa Nim Master Instructor (4th-6th Dan) | Sa Bum Nim Grand Master Instructor (7th-9th Dan) | Kwang Jang Nim President / Pioneer | Choong Jang Nim The suffix "Nim" is supposed to mean Mr. or Madam. We didn't use Cho Kyo Nim at all in my school, as Kyo Sa Nim was our go to for 1st-2nd degree. Often times we used Sa Bum Nim for 2nd degree to 7th degree. 8th degree and 9th were Kwang Jang Nim
Great video Mr. Dan. Personally at my club we have a lot of high ranking instructors due to the fact that we have many branches and at times I find myself not remembering which teaching title they represent when we may get together at an all dojo evaluation or graduation. Having said that, as a result I will just refer to them as Sensei as I’m still showing respect as I know they have been in the art for many years before me.
In Tang Soo Do (generally) in America, Kyo Sa Nam is a 'certified instructor' and usually awarded no earlier than 2nd dan. Sa Bom Nim is a 'master instructor', and almost (if not always) awarded at 4th dan. Kwan Jang Nim is a 'grand master' and generally reserved for the sole head of a federation, i.e. KJN Robert Cheezic (buonanima) or KJN Marco DiScipio. However, I have read that some TSD federations use the title for any master who achieves 7th dan rank. One personal thought I have always had is that Kwan Jang Nim actually means head or school master. The various TKD and TSD schools in Korea in the 40's and 50's were called kwans, and the idea of a federation of schools did not exist. So Hwang Kee was initially KJN of HIS own school only, not a 'grand' master of a collection of schools.
When I first began my training...back in 1972 at the ages of six...the head of the school introduced himself as a Shidoshi, a word which he said meant leader, although I have later learned that the word may also mean "Teacher of the way" or "Four Ways of the corpse" depending onw ho you talk to and whether or not they accept the word as a legitimate honorific, or accepts the claim that it was created by either Masaki Hatsumi in his system of Ninjutsu or by Frank Dux for his. The actual word for leader in Japanese is Meishu. I will acknowledge that outside of my original group of instructors I had not heard the word used by anyone until I watched the movie Bloodsport some 15 or so years later so I cannot speak to its legitimacy, or its origins. Fact of the matter is that I have plugged the word into a couple of different translation programs and they could not translate it into English. When I was studying the Korean Art of Hwa Rang Do we referred to our instructor as Sabomnim and when I was studying Choy Lay Fut we referred to our instructor as wither Sifu, or Master interchangably. I have also seen the word Guru used to refer to an instructor in some of the Silat styles, particularly Pencak Silat and Maphilando Silat. Most of the Karateka I have known over the years have referred to their instructor as either Sensi, or simply as Master, depending on how strict the instructor was about using only Japanese terminology, or both or, in some cases only English terminology. Don't know if any of that helps, or just muddies the waters more...but that has been some of my experiences with honorifics and titles over the years.
We just called everybody sir or ma’am for the most part, which is great because Korean teaching titles are numerous and sometimes have a different meaning depending on who you ask. My title is Cho Kyo Nim.
My first instructor in the early to mid 90s was a 6th degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu. We called him "sir" when he was teaching, and "Frank" when he wasn't, because that's what he wanted. Not using the formal title "Sensei" in no way diminished the respect we had for him or his authority as our teacher. Sometimes I think we in the martial arts can get too caught up in these details. Tradition is fine, but it's OK if schools adopt different customs.
In my experience with chinese martial arts, the word for teacher is actually laoshi, my teacher, who we call Shifu, told me that there isnt a degree or rank to become one, its, like you said, very familial, the day one of his students opens up a school and has students of his own, that student becomes a shifu and he will inturn become Shi Gung, grand master, almost like a granfather. For that to happen thou the Shifu will give the student a letter to grant permission to teach his system. Our version of senpai is Shi Shung, big brother and if you are the most elder student in a school you are Da Shi Shung, biggest brother.
@@kaz5150619 ive only done 2 years of chow gar with an american instructor so no cantonese spoken in class, my teacher is from Shandong so everything was in mandarin
That's interesting about laoshi. When I went to learn Xingyi from a Chinese Shifu, he told his existing students to address me as Laoshi, because I was already a recognised teacher of another kung fu style. O happened to be a few years older than my Xingyi Shifu too, but that doesn't really matter. Laoshi literally means "old teacher", shifu means "teacher father". It's a shame that so many people misunderstand the meanings and then misuse the titles.
When I was in Korean Hapkido. we had a deputy black belt at warmups and the head of the school we callec Master who made it clear his title was instructor. in Kung fu sifu
This one I've not heard in a while. Isn't it sort of made up ? Well all titles are made up. Shidoin as in Instructor. 🧙♂️🤔 I forget what Pat McCarthy said about the various titles. Renshi, Hanshi. I've heard Hanshi used by some highly graded Karate teachers visiting the west (on the Posters and promos at least).
@@DragonDreamVNY actually Shidoshi simply translates to director, and often pertains to businesses more than it does to teaching as far as martial arts go.
Korean Titles: Junior Student 후배님 Hoo-bae-nim Senior student 선배님 Seon-bae-nim Black Belt 유단자 Yu-dan-ja 1st 조교님 Jo-kyo-nim 2nd Instructor 부교범님 Bu-kyo-bum-nim 3rd Senior Instructor 교범님 Kyo-bum-nim 4th Master Instructor (Junior Master) 부사범님 Bu-sa-bum-nim 5th Master 사범님 Sa-bum-nim 6th Senior Master 큰사범님 Kun-sa-bum-nim 7th Junior Grandmaster 부관장님 Bu-kwan-jang-nim 8th Grandmaster 관장님 Kwan-jang-nim 9th Senior Grandmaster 큰관장님 Kun-kwan-jang-nim You're right, when you call people by name you omit the "nim." For example, you would say: "Lee Sa-bum," not "Lee Sa-bum-nim." However when you refer to "the master" or you just call someone "master," you say: Sa-bum-nim. Also, you generally omit the "Bu" or "Kun" that stand for junior and senior because it is simpler. One other thing: if you read carefully, you will notice that in Korean the literal translations for 2nd and 3rd degree are "junior instructor" and "instructor" respectively. I guess people don't like to be "junior instructors." In case you are wondering how qualified I am to provide this information: I hold black belts in two different Korean martial arts, speak Korean with an elementary level of proficiency and am married to a Korean woman who checked all of this. If you would like any other Korean martial arts or language information, feel free to ask.
I practise Okinawan Kempo. So, it's kind of there to address sensei to the instructor. Recently, I started Taekwondo as a cross training. I address my tkd instructor also as sensei, while others calling him as 'Sir'. It's ok with our tkd dojang.
In the school of Kung-Fu I studied at, under Paul Eng of the Tai-Mantis Kung-Fu Association, the typical levels were, as you say, more familial in nature. We'd use "Sifu" for Sifu Eng, which we were told is like unto "Father". "Si-Hing" referred to the disciple level, or "Older Brother", and "Si-Dai" was a beginning student, or "Younger Brother". There were similar terms for female students and practitioners as well. "Si-Gung" was used for Grand Master, and "Si-GungGung" for Great Grand Master, rather like Great Grand Father.
And for those rare situations you also have Dojumnim, which is often the equivalent of the Japanese term Soke, meaning founder or Inheritor of a system.
thanks for the video. we haven't used the Korean word for teacher at my dojang yet. so this video helped me understand that to say just in case. also, i didn't realize how many terms there are for a martial arts instructor in Japanese other than sensei.
Great video! :) I practice Kung Fu and we do use a belt system. I admit that it's not "traditional" to do so in Chinese based systems but there was a time when it wasn't in Okinawa or Japan either. My system evolved from Yau Hawk Tao Kung Fu (and blended with Pencak-Silat and other Kung Fu systems) and we use the term, "Sifu" for "instructor".
Hello Sensei Dan. Do you have any information regarding the old ryuha "Kojo-Ryu" from Okinawa? I have heard that this should apparently descend directly from the old chinese envoy families from the 14th century...
Please do a video on the concept of "Bunkai" in terms of karate and a video about "Drunken Fist" for your history of Kung fu playlist. Also, I watched the video by Jesse and Yusuke that you showed. It was awesome
Nice vid. Will, from Monkey Steals Peach, posted a similar video in relation to Chinese Martial Art in early October 2020. Monkey Steals Peach's vid is also a source of knowledge for those interested.
Good intro on kung fu. There are of course differences based on location and school. In the West many schools go with terms for junior student, senior student, teacher (sifu/shifu), the teacher's spouse, and the teacher's teacher. That would probably have to be it's own video though!
could you please do a vid on street martial arts like combat hapkido and krav maga, I hear so many good things about them, thanks and keep up the great work!
I think a cool video idea would be you and Jesse talking about the differences between “Japanese style” Karate, like traditional Shotokan or like what Jesse does, vs Kenpo/more Chinese and American Influenced styles of Karate
Great video Art of One Dojo, thank you for clarifying the name for a teacher in the Chinese styles. As a deciple of Shaolin Kung Fu, I often hear both practitioners and lay people call a Chinese training hall, a dojo. The word dojo is Japanese and refers to a Japanese training hall, in China a training hall is called a Kwoon and it is never called a dojo. Another, term that practitioners, including lay people use for forms is the word Kata, which is correct; if you are training in a dojo. But, if you are training in a Chinese Kwoon, then you would call a form a Taolu. Often I have heard Kung Fu referred to as Karate, by both practitioners and lay people, but in China they don't call Kung Fu, Karate. Because the Chinese people believe it to be a separate martial art form from Karate. While, Kung Fu was the inspiration for Karate in 18th century Okinawa, the original Taolu taught to the people of Okinawa was modified. Including remodified over the centuries, modified so much that it became its own style of martial arts. In reality, many of the martial arts in China are martial arts such as: Kung Fu, Wushu, Hung Gar, Taekwondo, etc, and the only Japanese style of martial arts taught in China, is Judo.. Other than a Judo dojo, including Korean dojang you will be hard pressed to find any other Dojos, throughout China. The only other exception is Korean Taekwondo, where the training hall is known as a dojang.. While a few practitioner come to China to study Judo or Taekwondo, the majority of practitioners come to China looking to study Kung Fu, Hung Gar, including various other Chinese martial arts.
At 10th Planet Livonia and Detroit Michigan, our instructor doesn’t care if we call him Sensei, Coach, Or Mr. Cleveland. However, in my Kenpo school before we closed. My instructors who are 4th went my Ma’am and Sir or Mrs and Mr. Perkins. They had the students call me Sensei Ryan when I started teaching.
Excellent explanation of the term 'Sensei' as used typically in Japanese martial arts, such as Judo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Karate and so forth. Though you are right, I have also seen the term sometimes used in Korean martial arts styles, such as Tang Soo Do, in the West. Thank you also for covering the terminology to address a martial arts teacher (Sensei), in other styles such as Kung Fu, Capoeira, Taekwondo and so forth. In Muay Thai traditionally they refer to their teacher or master, as 'Kru'.🇲🇽🇦🇺🐨🦘🥋🤟👍✌😊
I have a Black Sash in Sun Xing Yi, Bagua and Tai Chi, this only means that I have accomplished the basics and I am considered an assistant instructor, if/when I get a title (if any) it will be given to me by my Head instructor. I also have a 3rd degree black belt in Aikijujutsu and there I was awarded a Menkyo and title of Sensei.. so yes, it all varies. I'm not a formal person though so I don't care if someone uses a title when addressing me or not, just as long as they are not rude.
I was taught the name Sensei means, "One who has gone before". To be called Sensei is a high honor. We Never called anyone below the rank of 5th Dan a Sensei in our dojo. We called them either Renshi or Sempai or just teacher. Enjoyed the video. Oss. Master K, MA PS I enjoyed you breaking down the American Kenpo ranks and titles I was always confused on that one. In our karate school it was easier. 1st Dan, no title; 2nd Dan, Sempai; 3rd Dan, Dai Sempai; 4th and 5th Dan, Renshi with 5th Dan and higher we also called a Sensei when teaching a class; 6th through 8th Dan we called a Kyoshi; 9th Master; and 10th Grandmaster or Hanshi. Always enjoyed studying Kenpo though for only a short while (1987 - 1990); training under the tutelage of Grandmaster Ed Parker was awesome. PSS You are always welcome to subscribe to my new channel if you would like. Oss.
When people call me Sensei I quickly corrected them and remind them this is Japanese for teacher, and there is more to it then that. When they call me Master, I quickly remind them this is not true either, I tell them I am an instructor yes but in this system I am called sabum (sah - boom) or sabumnim as I am a 5th Dan. This is correct thank you for the video!
In Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, once the person achieves the 1st dan we call them “Kyo Sa Nim”, that is instructor. Once they earn the 4th dan (or more) we call them “Sa Bom Nim” that it will be a master. The term “Kwan Jang Nim” it’s to refer to the headmaster of the style, in the past Grand Master Hwang Kee and now his son, Kwan Jang Nim H.C Hwang. Sorry for the bad english btw :) Soo Bahk! 💪🏻
In arts like Silat and some FMA, you have the title of Guru/Guro, depending upon the region and system, and even the more advanced title of Tuhon, but this varies.
Shihab in most Japanese system now are given in most case after 3rd dam can be kept up to 7th degree. Senpai tittle in some Japanese system can come before 1 degree black belt. Sometimes given Simpai after brown belt. In system. Senpai is given its own rank and belt this before black belt
I spent a few years involved in the European kendo community and they tend to be very strict on who gets to use the title sensei. The head of my particular club took over while still a second dan and was really unsure if he could call himself sensei because it’s normally the honorific given to a head instructor but most people wouldn’t use it until at least fifth Dan. In the end he had to go to more senior kendoka from other clubs for guidance. The end result was he could use it while teaching but had to ensure no one used it outside of class. Meanwhile those with higher Dan levels, especially fifth sixth or seventh would be very offended if you didn’t use the honorific in all settings, including in the pub after class
I was just saying that you are still a shihan even at 8th Dan it's just that from 7 to 8 Dan you are probably given a honorific title from your organization. I made a graph of that showing the ranking system in kyokushin for my video, The beginner kyu in karate. two weeks ago about that.🙂 Again nice videos I saw the latest one too ground work 🙂🙂
When doing Muaythai if you are training with Thai coaches or learning some of the traditional Muay Broan style. The Kru is used the Thai word for teacher.
interesting vid sir. Yes this can get to be very confusing as people move from one school to another and i have seen the terms cross over a lot and sometimes not in a good way. My history in the arts starts with Kyokushin, moves into Gung Fu then into TaeWonDo then to kempo...and so on. So as you can imagine, I have heard most of the terms used for teacher, and used in multiple formats. In our school we decided to try to keep some small links to our most prominent influences, that being Karate, our terms are basically Sempai for senior student up to 2nd dan, Sensei for black belts 3rd dan and up. Now in Japan and Okinawa the term Sensei is used after the last name, such as Miyagi Sensei. In north America some schools do the same but use their first name. Even more so because of our way of addressing people in English with the title ahead of the last name, therefore you will hear it used like Sensei Tim, or Sensei Posynick. either the first or last but with the title ahead of it. I believe that is heavily influenced by military titles also. Overtly formal titles are ignored for the most part, such as Shihan etc., for us anyway. There are way too many things that are given titles to make them seem more important and way too many people that abuse them in order to seem important. As far as "sir" or "ma'am" we are trying to be all inclusive to everyone and there are many more people everyday now that don't use traditional pronouns, so we generally use OSS, for answering questions instead of yes sir, or thank you ma'am etc. Keep up the good work, I enjoy the vids... Oss!
In jidokwan taekwondo: jo kyo neem 1st degree teacher it mean assistant instructor. 2nd degree kyo so neem instructor. 3rd Seo neem kyo so neem senior instructor. 4th -7 sabum neem chief instructor for 4th Dan and master for 5 thru 7. 8th and 9th Dan is Kwan chang neem grandmaster
@@fredricclack7137 hmmm... Maybe it's because in Japanese arts Sensei often used for both male and female teachers. Although The kanji for Sensei I believe actually is read in Chinese as "Mr". Lost in translation, plus making it easier for western students, the term Shifu/Sifu has come to mean a generic "teacher".
I was training in Wing Chun with a Sifu though I had more experience in martial arts in general and age. I would call him SeeHang(Bad American spelling/ Kung Fu Uncle).
Interesting, I also practice wing chun but I've never heard the term SeeHang or anything close to it outside of SiHing (older kung fu brother). I would call my kung fu uncles SiSuk or SiBa. May I ask whether this kung fu uncle was older or younger than your Sifu in terms of kung fu experience, and who taught you the term SeeHang.
@@marcow246 I think it was SiHing....He was younger by about 5 or more years. I had 20+ years in various martial arts(Goju Karate, Arnis, Aikido, Chi Kung, and HS Wrestling). He also cross trained with my Sensei(Goju and Chi-Kung). I was the superior martial artist overall but he was my Wing Chun teacher for a year. I never went out of my way to pull rank or challenge him. I wanted to learn so I actually made it a point to avoid my theories or ever try to out maneuver him.
I am a big believer in learning other arts with respect. A few times with this SiHing/Sifu it was difficult. He was an excellent Wing Chun practitioner but a beginner instructor. I had more experience in this area. When other students asked my opinion I gave the answer....."Ask Sifu". But this instructor lacked street and teaching experience. One time that sticks out to me was he tried to throw me from a clinching position. As mentioned I wrestled. I stopped him and embarrassed him in front of potential students. I did warn him.....he turned it into a d#%$ measuring contest. But overall training with him was fruitful.
love your honest call here . seido karate has this line 4th dan sensei 5th dan kyoshi 6th dan jun shihan then sei shihan same grade and so on from there. nice video for a change
I think that you are right, on many occasions due to the style that I teach and put together along the way for different aspects, I have my sparring partners depending on skill level call me sensei, but I more than likely should be called senpai because I have not gone through the classes as many people have, but I perfect what I can from many of my books on some of the arts that I do, but I also do it to command respect due to grit and determination that exceeds many of the afterborn people that learn from me. I make a big harmonious whole there Dan sama.
For the ITF titles you got it mostly right. I think I may have learned a slightly different spelling/ pronunciation but that tends to happen when translating to English. 1-3 dan = boo sa-bum 4-6 dan = sa-bum 7-8 dan = sa-hyung 9 dan = sa-sung The term for 9th dan is probably the same as sonsaeng but with a very different anglicized spelling. Perhaps a little more phonetic? Anyway, not that it matters. Just FYI.
In Chinese culture, "Sensei" is just a polite way of greeting a gentleman, which is a courtesy that has its roots in Confucianism. For example, if someone met me for the first time, they will greet me as Mr Khew, or 丘先生。 But in Japanese culture, it has evolved as a greeting of a skilled artisan, craftsman, and later on a professional or instructor. Also, in Japan, they use "San" for both "Sir" and "Madam" for common courtesy instead. So it's not really specific to martial arts per se, but rather a language and cultural thing.
My Sensei kept making me addressing him as Sensei in front of my wife, it was really degrading. He kept making me work with other people he could demonstrate with her and I eventually left the class. My wife hasn't quit as it was apparently in my head, but I find the wing chin crowd to be a bit friendlier so I do that now instead.
He's sounds like a predator, trying to belittle you in front of your missus. I'm sure he's very happy that you left the class. I'd get your wifey out of there before he shows her his "secret technique".
I taught Kung Fu for about ten years, but the way I came into it was kind of through the side door. My instructor was leaving the area and could either shut down or leave it to me. I said I would be willing to take over, but I had stopped testing years before and was still a first degree black belt, that was a problem for the organization he was affiliated with. They normally didn't allow people to teach independently until they were third degree. For those who were there two years later when I decided to test for my second degree and saw me, it stopped being a problem. It was clear that I was among my peers with the third and fourth degree black belts, but because I was hundreds of miles away from another teacher there were second degree forms I had never learned. It turned into enough of an issue that I separated from the organization shortly after. I'd picked up enough other places along the way that I could avoid the family style forms I know and focus on things with a wider distribution or of my own design. Some people strongly objected to me calling myself "sifu." There were a variety of reasons given. One person told me that being declared a sifu was comparable to being ordained, another that it was only if I reached a certain level set by a grandmaster, others just said it's not possible for a white guy. A few years later I hired a woman to teach Tai Chi (because I wanted to learn Tai Chi and I had enough money to hire one.) She was born and raised in China. After about two weeks she sat down and asked me why I called myself sihing instead of sifu. I explained the whole situation, and that I had religious convictions against being called "teacher," but that it mostly suited my personality better. (Sihing is senior student. I always had a feeling that we're all learning together, in just a few steps further on the path.) She looked me square in the eyes and said, "You're a sifu. If anyone I've ever met is a sifu, you're a sifu." Which felt great, but didn't change anything for me.
I once had a sensei tell me that "Sensei," without attaching the person's name to it, carries a more significant meaning. So like, I could call you "Dan-sensei," but if I just call you "Sensei" without a name attached, and my real sensei caught wind of that, he could potentially take offense to it. He wasn't Japanese (although he did spend years living there and translated the Japanese texts to English at Hombu), so to a point this could just be an assumption, but still interesting to think about.
Personally, I think too many traditional schools put too much emphasis on titles. I like the use of Sir/Ma'am for respect but I have seen way too many "masters" that demand their titles always be used and they are usually very egotistical jerks who arent even that good.
Can you do a video on specifically how Kung fu relates to American kenpo? In your video about kenpo styles you touched on shaolin kenpo and other systems. The crane kick that you mention in cobra Kai videos is used in the vallari system. It is also part of white crane Kung fu in one form or another. I am a huge fan of Dr Yang Jwing Ming. I see a lot of overlap and I also love how you relate styles so how does tai chi and Kung fu relate to American kenpo
Personally, I ask my students to refer to me as sir or Mr. Rios. I am still called Master or Sah Bay Nim. I always thank them and remind them that I too am still a student. We are always learning in the arts.
In our schools, we don't connect rank with titles, your rank is your own journey, your title more reflects your ability as a teacher, so we have quite a few Dan grades but a lot less get the title sensei, or other titles. Ive always been told the ability as a martial artist and the ability to teach are all different skills.
In the japanese politeness, antes honorary title never Is used by oneself; as well as one can't oneself as "San", it should de salud for others; un the same way, "sensei" should be used for the students, not by oneself
There's another Korean martial art called Kuk sool won. It's takes all the Korean martial arts and puts them all together. If it's possible could you do a video on Kuk sool won please and thank you
Honestly I got tired of all the titles. At my dojo we are sempai, jr black belt and sensei for adults. We do degrees, but just stick with the 2 titles.
My Vale Tudo master, told us to call him "Master". My Kung-Fu master, told us to refer to him as Sifu, and my Karate and Muay Thai master, didn't care about titles, and we called them in their private names. So you see, it's up to the master himself, do decide how you call him. I think that titles are important, love your students yes, but to be hard on them you need to also create a distance.
In Muay Thai ur instructor is Kru (LITERALLY means teacher) whereas Ajarn is more closely related to Master like Grand Master Toddy over in Bangkok is a TRUE AJARN (the man is a walking encyclopedia of Muay Thai)
Sensei means Doctor in common speech in Japan. A serious master is commonly called Masuta (Master) as in Sushi Master. Shidoshi Commander but that’s all Japanese. Since Kenpo comes from Taiji shouldn’t Kenpo teach both Chinese and Japanese? That was my impression by my teachers.
There was a title in never heard anywhere other than Bloodsport, which was Shidoshi, used for Tanaka who taught Frank Dux. Is that an actual title, and if so, what does it mean?
Yes. In the Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) we've used Soké for the founder Kanazawa Hirokazu (may he rest in peace) . In General when we see them we just call them Sensei. I've heard my uncles in Hong Kong refer to Carpenters as "Sifu" 🤔
You're scholarship is impressive. I would like to present a different take though. What if we embrace the idea that the Eastern custom of bowing may have originated from the belief that we are all individual aspects/avatars/manifestations of the Godhood and that the action is meant to demonstrate recognition of and respect toward a fellow god or equal you are greeting? I've always though this was a sublime take on it. Guess it's just about giving respect to get respect. Nothin' but love Dan. I called my instructor 'Ed'.
I remember reading somewhere that the title means something like remover of darkness. Hence someone who helps you towards enlightenment / knowledge. But I can’t remember what title it was referring to. Anyone here know what I’m talking about?
When I saw the thumbnail and the title my first thought was: "Ha!Of course not!Sensei is Japanese and that dude is wearing Chinese clothes.Clearly he's a Shifu!"
In respect to Kenpo, Shifu/Sifu I would speculate appplies more to the Tracy System of Kenpo because after the Tracy Brothers split from Ed Parker's American Kenpo, Tracy's Kenpo was called "Chinese Kenpo" because it reverted back to the Chinese methodology and principles ( from James Mitose and William Chow).
A lot of Kenpo guys do use Sifu. The Tracy's didn't revert back so much and they went forward building on the Kenpo Ed Parker taught in the 50s. The Tracys branched and did their thing while Ed Parker continued to revamp the system but it's was still built on the same foundations. American Kenpo still retains the Chinese roots.
Sun ba nim senior gup student Ya Dan ja Nim black belt holder Kyo sa nim certified instructor 2nd or 3rd can’t be a master till 4Th degree u get the red stripe thru the belt Sa bo nim master instructor 4Th 5th 6th Kwan jang nim grand master 7th 8th 9th two red stripes thru the belt But the school I’m at now we call our head instructor sensei
"Kru" in Muay Thai. In the Thai language, the literal meaning of Kru is teacher or instructor. A Muay Thai Kru is a Master of Muay Thai who teaches new generations authentic Muay Thai traditions and techniques.
I always preferred "His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hajj Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of all the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular."
The word or title sensei has different meanings and uses. its origins are Japanese, however, it has been adopted into the English language. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensei when you are in an English-speaking country or Dojo, I don't see a problem using it in the English way, ie before the name or on its own. Yes if in Japan use it correctly for there.
Ryukyu Kempo karate Kobu do( Oyata) we start as first shidosha small tree , because u still have to grow. We consider a grand master or master that have passed way. Because u can no longer pass on what u have learned. We have the traditional ranking. With rank comes responsibility. but rank is not its your attitude and skill . Good attitude good karate, bad attitude bad karate. We are taught the belt only tells us where u are in your training colored belts . Black belt ranks are just continue education and pass on the teachings.
It's all very complicated and seemingly unnecessary. In China all teachers are simply called Sifu/Shifu. Sifu in this context means "teacher father". More than an instructor, a person who guides. But the most important thing is that calling your kung fu teacher Sifu is up to the student. It is NOT a title or rank that is awarded, like is sometimes erronously seen in many Wing Chun schools. My own students call me by my first name when they are beginners. It is up to them to decide whether to call me Sifu. Some do so early on (often the Chinese students as they understand the culture) will start to use the term after a few weeks or months once they have decided I am worthy.
Third!
Oh look who it is 🤓
You know you are doing well wen Jesse Enkamp checks in... 👍🏻
Yes Third
1dan and 2nd is senpai the 3rd and 4th sensei.
Thank you for the heart Jesse 🙂 I made a DAN ranking chart for Kyokushin karate showing the higher ranks in my 10kyu video 6 days ago.Check it out if you like
th-cam.com/video/s1Uj_KK2_94/w-d-xo.html
Note that some names above shihan might vary depending on organization.
Thank you
1153rd
In our Tang Soo Do / Taekwondo hybrid association (descended from Kyongwon Ahn), Sa Boehm Nim means "instructor", and is the honorific greeting for 1st through 4th degree Black Belt. Moving up, Kwan Ji Nim means "Master", referring to 5th, 6th, and 7th degree black belt. And Kwan Jang Nim means "Grandmaster", reserved for 8th and 9th degree black belts. Many Tang Soo Do schools use different terms in place of Sa Boehm Nim and Kwan Ji Nim, but all of them reserve Kwan Jang Nim for the highest ranks. We use these honorific greetings during the Bow-in and Bow-out, the rest of the time Sir or Maam will suffice.
In Ireland same as the US
In Kenpo i am a black belt so was called Mr or Sir back in the day although some Kenpo schools use Sifu.
Moved on to Shotokan Where I am a Shodan so was called Sensei
Currently in Kyokushin I am a Shodan so am a Sempai,
At home I am just call You
EG" you do this" or " you do that" My wife is the Sosai in my family :-)
In Korean Tang Soo Do, Sabom Nim is how we refer to our chief instructor, 4th Dan, 5th would be Sunim Sabom Nim...it goes on and on but there are differences between how we refer to our instructors vs some Tae Kwon Do. Tang Soo!
This also applies to other Korean arts, like Taekwondõ, Hapkidõ, Hwa Rang Do and Kuk Sool Won. Although sometimes the term Sabumnim is simply used like the term sensei, in Japanese arts.
Sensei can also call anyone else, like Doctor, Professor, Associate or an instructor.
Many schools are different when it comes to TKD.
Assistant Instructor (1st-3rd Dan) | Cho Kyo Nim
Instructor (1st-3rd Dan) | Kyo Sa Nim
Master Instructor (4th-6th Dan) | Sa Bum Nim
Grand Master Instructor (7th-9th Dan) | Kwang Jang Nim
President / Pioneer | Choong Jang Nim
The suffix "Nim" is supposed to mean Mr. or Madam. We didn't use Cho Kyo Nim at all in my school, as Kyo Sa Nim was our go to for 1st-2nd degree. Often times we used Sa Bum Nim for 2nd degree to 7th degree. 8th degree and 9th were Kwang Jang Nim
Great video Mr. Dan. Personally at my club we have a lot of high ranking instructors due to the fact that we have many branches and at times I find myself not remembering which teaching title they represent when we may get together at an all dojo evaluation or graduation. Having said that, as a result I will just refer to them as Sensei as I’m still showing respect as I know they have been in the art for many years before me.
Great video Dan, this is a common topic of confusion.
Medical doctors here in Japan are referred to as sensei also.
In Tang Soo Do (generally) in America, Kyo Sa Nam is a 'certified instructor' and usually awarded no earlier than 2nd dan. Sa Bom Nim is a 'master instructor', and almost (if not always) awarded at 4th dan. Kwan Jang Nim is a 'grand master' and generally reserved for the sole head of a federation, i.e. KJN Robert Cheezic (buonanima) or KJN Marco DiScipio. However, I have read that some TSD federations use the title for any master who achieves 7th dan rank.
One personal thought I have always had is that Kwan Jang Nim actually means head or school master. The various TKD and TSD schools in Korea in the 40's and 50's were called kwans, and the idea of a federation of schools did not exist. So Hwang Kee was initially KJN of HIS own school only, not a 'grand' master of a collection of schools.
The Japanese equivalent to Kyosanim would be Senpai
When I first began my training...back in 1972 at the ages of six...the head of the school introduced himself as a Shidoshi, a word which he said meant leader, although I have later learned that the word may also mean "Teacher of the way" or "Four Ways of the corpse" depending onw ho you talk to and whether or not they accept the word as a legitimate honorific, or accepts the claim that it was created by either Masaki Hatsumi in his system of Ninjutsu or by Frank Dux for his. The actual word for leader in Japanese is Meishu. I will acknowledge that outside of my original group of instructors I had not heard the word used by anyone until I watched the movie Bloodsport some 15 or so years later so I cannot speak to its legitimacy, or its origins. Fact of the matter is that I have plugged the word into a couple of different translation programs and they could not translate it into English.
When I was studying the Korean Art of Hwa Rang Do we referred to our instructor as Sabomnim and when I was studying Choy Lay Fut we referred to our instructor as wither Sifu, or Master interchangably. I have also seen the word Guru used to refer to an instructor in some of the Silat styles, particularly Pencak Silat and Maphilando Silat. Most of the Karateka I have known over the years have referred to their instructor as either Sensi, or simply as Master, depending on how strict the instructor was about using only Japanese terminology, or both or, in some cases only English terminology.
Don't know if any of that helps, or just muddies the waters more...but that has been some of my experiences with honorifics and titles over the years.
Great explanation! I always enjoy these videos. Thanks for sharing!
We just called everybody sir or ma’am for the most part, which is great because Korean teaching titles are numerous and sometimes have a different meaning depending on who you ask. My title is Cho Kyo Nim.
My first instructor in the early to mid 90s was a 6th degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu. We called him "sir" when he was teaching, and "Frank" when he wasn't, because that's what he wanted. Not using the formal title "Sensei" in no way diminished the respect we had for him or his authority as our teacher. Sometimes I think we in the martial arts can get too caught up in these details. Tradition is fine, but it's OK if schools adopt different customs.
In my experience with chinese martial arts, the word for teacher is actually laoshi, my teacher, who we call Shifu, told me that there isnt a degree or rank to become one, its, like you said, very familial, the day one of his students opens up a school and has students of his own, that student becomes a shifu and he will inturn become Shi Gung, grand master, almost like a granfather.
For that to happen thou the Shifu will give the student a letter to grant permission to teach his system.
Our version of senpai is Shi Shung, big brother and if you are the most elder student in a school you are Da Shi Shung, biggest brother.
We use Dai Lo (Cantonese big brother)
@@kaz5150619 ive only done 2 years of chow gar with an american instructor so no cantonese spoken in class, my teacher is from Shandong so everything was in mandarin
That's interesting about laoshi.
When I went to learn Xingyi from a Chinese Shifu, he told his existing students to address me as Laoshi, because I was already a recognised teacher of another kung fu style. O happened to be a few years older than my Xingyi Shifu too, but that doesn't really matter.
Laoshi literally means "old teacher", shifu means "teacher father".
It's a shame that so many people misunderstand the meanings and then misuse the titles.
When I was in Korean Hapkido. we had a deputy black belt at warmups and the head of the school we callec Master who made it clear his title was instructor. in Kung fu sifu
You forgot “Shidoshi” that is used in Ninjutsu (Bujinkan Organization).
This one I've not heard in a while. Isn't it sort of made up ?
Well all titles are made up. Shidoin as in Instructor. 🧙♂️🤔 I forget what Pat McCarthy said about the various titles. Renshi, Hanshi.
I've heard Hanshi used by some highly graded Karate teachers visiting the west (on the Posters and promos at least).
@@DragonDreamVNY actually Shidoshi simply translates to director, and often pertains to businesses more than it does to teaching as far as martial arts go.
Korean Titles:
Junior Student 후배님 Hoo-bae-nim
Senior student 선배님 Seon-bae-nim
Black Belt 유단자 Yu-dan-ja
1st 조교님 Jo-kyo-nim
2nd Instructor 부교범님 Bu-kyo-bum-nim
3rd Senior Instructor 교범님 Kyo-bum-nim
4th Master Instructor (Junior Master) 부사범님 Bu-sa-bum-nim
5th Master 사범님 Sa-bum-nim
6th Senior Master 큰사범님 Kun-sa-bum-nim
7th Junior Grandmaster 부관장님 Bu-kwan-jang-nim
8th Grandmaster 관장님 Kwan-jang-nim
9th Senior Grandmaster 큰관장님 Kun-kwan-jang-nim
You're right, when you call people by name you omit the "nim." For example, you would say: "Lee Sa-bum," not "Lee Sa-bum-nim." However when you refer to "the master" or you just call someone "master," you say: Sa-bum-nim. Also, you generally omit the "Bu" or "Kun" that stand for junior and senior because it is simpler. One other thing: if you read carefully, you will notice that in Korean the literal translations for 2nd and 3rd degree are "junior instructor" and "instructor" respectively. I guess people don't like to be "junior instructors."
In case you are wondering how qualified I am to provide this information: I hold black belts in two different Korean martial arts, speak Korean with an elementary level of proficiency and am married to a Korean woman who checked all of this. If you would like any other Korean martial arts or language information, feel free to ask.
Also, love this channel!
That is very helpful! The diversity is so interesting. Thank you for sharing that!
I practise Okinawan Kempo. So, it's kind of there to address sensei to the instructor.
Recently, I started Taekwondo as a cross training. I address my tkd instructor also as sensei, while others calling him as 'Sir'. It's ok with our tkd dojang.
In the school of Kung-Fu I studied at, under Paul Eng of the Tai-Mantis Kung-Fu Association, the typical levels were, as you say, more familial in nature. We'd use "Sifu" for Sifu Eng, which we were told is like unto "Father". "Si-Hing" referred to the disciple level, or "Older Brother", and "Si-Dai" was a beginning student, or "Younger Brother". There were similar terms for female students and practitioners as well. "Si-Gung" was used for Grand Master, and "Si-GungGung" for Great Grand Master, rather like Great Grand Father.
I enjoy your videos. In Korean: Sonsangnim = educator/ school teacher
Sabumnim = martial arts teacher
Kwanjangnim = grandmaster
Agreed.
And for those rare situations you also have Dojumnim, which is often the equivalent of the Japanese term Soke, meaning founder or Inheritor of a system.
thanks for the video. we haven't used the Korean word for teacher at my dojang yet. so this video helped me understand that to say just in case. also, i didn't realize how many terms there are for a martial arts instructor in Japanese other than sensei.
Another awesome video informative and educational
My former taijiquan school uses "Laoshi".
*GREAT* video!!!
Yeaaaahhh!!!! Capoeira!!! great shout out! I would add contramestre in there as it's usually the title before one is a full mestre
Great video! :) I practice Kung Fu and we do use a belt system. I admit that it's not "traditional" to do so in Chinese based systems but there was a time when it wasn't in Okinawa or Japan either. My system evolved from Yau Hawk Tao Kung Fu (and blended with Pencak-Silat and other Kung Fu systems) and we use the term, "Sifu" for "instructor".
Hello Sensei Dan.
Do you have any information regarding the old ryuha "Kojo-Ryu" from Okinawa? I have heard that this should apparently descend directly from the old chinese envoy families from the 14th century...
Please do a video on the concept of "Bunkai" in terms of karate and a video about "Drunken Fist" for your history of Kung fu playlist. Also, I watched the video by Jesse and Yusuke that you showed. It was awesome
Mestre= teacher in Portuguese (also Master)
Great vid bud i have a verry mixed martial arts background and this one touched me. Keep up the good content
Nice vid. Will, from Monkey Steals Peach, posted a similar video in relation to Chinese Martial Art in early October 2020. Monkey Steals Peach's vid is also a source of knowledge for those interested.
Good intro on kung fu. There are of course differences based on location and school. In the West many schools go with terms for junior student, senior student, teacher (sifu/shifu), the teacher's spouse, and the teacher's teacher. That would probably have to be it's own video though!
Very nice sir you are doing great job
Oss!
Respect & Love from Pakistan Peshawar!
When I studied TKD under Keith Yates, we used "sensei","dojo", and "gi".
could you please do a vid on street martial arts like combat hapkido and krav maga, I hear so many good things about them, thanks and keep up the great work!
I think a cool video idea would be you and Jesse talking about the differences between “Japanese style” Karate, like traditional Shotokan or like what Jesse does, vs Kenpo/more Chinese and American Influenced styles of Karate
Great video Art of One Dojo, thank you for clarifying the name for a teacher in the Chinese styles. As a deciple of Shaolin Kung Fu, I often hear both practitioners and lay people call a Chinese training hall, a dojo. The word dojo is Japanese and refers to a Japanese training hall, in China a training hall is called a Kwoon and it is never called a dojo. Another, term that practitioners, including lay people use for forms is the word Kata, which is correct; if you are training in a dojo. But, if you are training in a Chinese Kwoon, then you would call a form a Taolu. Often I have heard Kung Fu referred to as Karate, by both practitioners and lay people, but in China they don't call Kung Fu, Karate. Because the Chinese people believe it to be a separate martial art form from Karate. While, Kung Fu was the inspiration for Karate in 18th century Okinawa, the original Taolu taught to the people of Okinawa was modified. Including remodified over the centuries, modified so much that it became its own style of martial arts. In reality, many of the martial arts in China are martial arts such as: Kung Fu, Wushu, Hung Gar, Taekwondo, etc, and the only Japanese style of martial arts taught in China, is Judo.. Other than a Judo dojo, including Korean dojang you will be hard pressed to find any other Dojos, throughout China. The only other exception is Korean Taekwondo, where the training hall is known as a dojang.. While a few practitioner come to China to study Judo or Taekwondo, the majority of practitioners come to China looking to study Kung Fu, Hung Gar, including various other Chinese martial arts.
At 10th Planet Livonia and Detroit Michigan, our instructor doesn’t care if we call him Sensei, Coach, Or Mr. Cleveland. However, in my Kenpo school before we closed. My instructors who are 4th went my Ma’am and Sir or Mrs and Mr. Perkins. They had the students call me Sensei Ryan when I started teaching.
Excellent explanation of the term 'Sensei' as used typically in Japanese martial arts, such as Judo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Karate and so forth. Though you are right, I have also seen the term sometimes used in Korean martial arts styles, such as Tang Soo Do, in the West.
Thank you also for covering the terminology to address a martial arts teacher (Sensei), in other styles such as Kung Fu, Capoeira, Taekwondo and so forth. In Muay Thai traditionally they refer to their teacher or master, as 'Kru'.🇲🇽🇦🇺🐨🦘🥋🤟👍✌😊
I have a Black Sash in Sun Xing Yi, Bagua and Tai Chi, this only means that I have accomplished the basics and I am considered an assistant instructor, if/when I get a title (if any) it will be given to me by my Head instructor. I also have a 3rd degree black belt in Aikijujutsu and there I was awarded a Menkyo and title of Sensei.. so yes, it all varies. I'm not a formal person though so I don't care if someone uses a title when addressing me or not, just as long as they are not rude.
I was taught the name Sensei means, "One who has gone before". To be called Sensei is a high honor. We Never called anyone below the rank of 5th Dan a Sensei in our dojo. We called them either Renshi or Sempai or just teacher. Enjoyed the video. Oss. Master K, MA PS I enjoyed you breaking down the American Kenpo ranks and titles I was always confused on that one. In our karate school it was easier. 1st Dan, no title; 2nd Dan, Sempai; 3rd Dan, Dai Sempai; 4th and 5th Dan, Renshi with 5th Dan and higher we also called a Sensei when teaching a class; 6th through 8th Dan we called a Kyoshi; 9th Master; and 10th Grandmaster or Hanshi. Always enjoyed studying Kenpo though for only a short while (1987 - 1990); training under the tutelage of Grandmaster Ed Parker was awesome. PSS You are always welcome to subscribe to my new channel if you would like. Oss.
When people call me Sensei I quickly corrected them and remind them this is Japanese for teacher, and there is more to it then that. When they call me Master, I quickly remind them this is not true either, I tell them I am an instructor yes but in this system I am called sabum (sah - boom) or sabumnim as I am a 5th Dan. This is correct thank you for the video!
I remember when I briefly studied Japanese at school, we referred to our teachers as sensei (that’s when I actually first heard the term).
In Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, once the person achieves the 1st dan we call them “Kyo Sa Nim”, that is instructor. Once they earn the 4th dan (or more) we call them “Sa Bom Nim” that it will be a master.
The term “Kwan Jang Nim” it’s to refer to the headmaster of the style, in the past Grand Master Hwang Kee and now his son, Kwan Jang Nim H.C Hwang.
Sorry for the bad english btw :) Soo Bahk! 💪🏻
In arts like Silat and some FMA, you have the title of Guru/Guro, depending upon the region and system, and even the more advanced title of Tuhon, but this varies.
Sensei 先生 This word actually means Mr. especially when it’s used in Chinese as in Japanese and they have more than one meaning
Shihab in most Japanese system now are given in most case after 3rd dam can be kept up to 7th degree. Senpai tittle in some Japanese system can come before 1 degree black belt. Sometimes given Simpai after brown belt. In system. Senpai is given its own rank and belt this before black belt
I spent a few years involved in the European kendo community and they tend to be very strict on who gets to use the title sensei. The head of my particular club took over while still a second dan and was really unsure if he could call himself sensei because it’s normally the honorific given to a head instructor but most people wouldn’t use it until at least fifth Dan. In the end he had to go to more senior kendoka from other clubs for guidance. The end result was he could use it while teaching but had to ensure no one used it outside of class. Meanwhile those with higher Dan levels, especially fifth sixth or seventh would be very offended if you didn’t use the honorific in all settings, including in the pub after class
Nice video. I wrote you a comment on the rank names but it doesn't show up?
You did? I didn't see it in the review filter.
I was just saying that you are still a shihan even at 8th Dan it's just that from 7 to 8 Dan you are probably given a honorific title from your organization.
I made a graph of that showing the ranking system in kyokushin for my video, The beginner kyu in karate.
two weeks ago about that.🙂
Again nice videos I saw the latest one too ground work 🙂🙂
When doing Muaythai if you are training with Thai coaches or learning some of the traditional Muay Broan style. The Kru is used the Thai word for teacher.
interesting vid sir. Yes this can get to be very confusing as people move from one school to another and i have seen the terms cross over a lot and sometimes not in a good way. My history in the arts starts with Kyokushin, moves into Gung Fu then into TaeWonDo then to kempo...and so on. So as you can imagine, I have heard most of the terms used for teacher, and used in multiple formats. In our school we decided to try to keep some small links to our most prominent influences, that being Karate, our terms are basically Sempai for senior student up to 2nd dan, Sensei for black belts 3rd dan and up. Now in Japan and Okinawa the term Sensei is used after the last name, such as Miyagi Sensei. In north America some schools do the same but use their first name. Even more so because of our way of addressing people in English with the title ahead of the last name, therefore you will hear it used like Sensei Tim, or Sensei Posynick. either the first or last but with the title ahead of it. I believe that is heavily influenced by military titles also. Overtly formal titles are ignored for the most part, such as Shihan etc., for us anyway. There are way too many things that are given titles to make them seem more important and way too many people that abuse them in order to seem important. As far as "sir" or "ma'am" we are trying to be all inclusive to everyone and there are many more people everyday now that don't use traditional pronouns, so we generally use OSS, for answering questions instead of yes sir, or thank you ma'am etc. Keep up the good work, I enjoy the vids... Oss!
In jidokwan taekwondo: jo kyo neem 1st degree teacher it mean assistant instructor. 2nd degree kyo so neem instructor. 3rd Seo neem kyo so neem senior instructor. 4th -7 sabum neem chief instructor for 4th Dan and master for 5 thru 7. 8th and 9th Dan is Kwan chang neem grandmaster
Sifu/Shifu- 👁was taught- 'uncle' teacher: female inst hav own term. my Mandarin Taiji inst (fem) had us call her Shifu- so it varies
She should be Shimu, not Shifu.
In the context of Kung Fu:
Shi = teacher
fu = father
mu = mother.
@@Cailean_MacCoinnich Sorry- Shifu is what she went by(🇺🇸) although u r correct- 2 hard 4 round👀 2 remember 🤓
@@fredricclack7137 hmmm... Maybe it's because in Japanese arts Sensei often used for both male and female teachers. Although The kanji for Sensei I believe actually is read in Chinese as "Mr".
Lost in translation, plus making it easier for western students, the term Shifu/Sifu has come to mean a generic "teacher".
I was training in Wing Chun with a Sifu though I had more experience in martial arts in general and age. I would call him SeeHang(Bad American spelling/ Kung Fu Uncle).
Interesting, I also practice wing chun but I've never heard the term SeeHang or anything close to it outside of SiHing (older kung fu brother). I would call my kung fu uncles SiSuk or SiBa. May I ask whether this kung fu uncle was older or younger than your Sifu in terms of kung fu experience, and who taught you the term SeeHang.
@@marcow246 I think it was SiHing....He was younger by about 5 or more years. I had 20+ years in various martial arts(Goju Karate, Arnis, Aikido, Chi Kung, and HS Wrestling). He also cross trained with my Sensei(Goju and Chi-Kung). I was the superior martial artist overall but he was my Wing Chun teacher for a year. I never went out of my way to pull rank or challenge him. I wanted to learn so I actually made it a point to avoid my theories or ever try to out maneuver him.
I am a big believer in learning other arts with respect. A few times with this SiHing/Sifu it was difficult. He was an excellent Wing Chun practitioner but a beginner instructor. I had more experience in this area. When other students asked my opinion I gave the answer....."Ask Sifu". But this instructor lacked street and teaching experience. One time that sticks out to me was he tried to throw me from a clinching position. As mentioned I wrestled. I stopped him and embarrassed him in front of potential students. I did warn him.....he turned it into a d#%$ measuring contest. But overall training with him was fruitful.
First! and freezing here in Texas :/
love your honest call here . seido karate has this line 4th dan sensei 5th dan kyoshi 6th dan jun shihan then sei shihan same grade and so on from there. nice video for a change
For a change? Do you not...normally like our videos? :P
@@ArtofOneDojo no i mean you give a honest opinion where many other videos from other sites are just crap
I think that you are right, on many occasions due to the style that I teach and put together along the way for different aspects, I have my sparring partners depending on skill level call me sensei, but I more than likely should be called senpai because I have not gone through the classes as many people have, but I perfect what I can from many of my books on some of the arts that I do, but I also do it to command respect due to grit and determination that exceeds many of the afterborn people that learn from me. I make a big harmonious whole there Dan sama.
For the ITF titles you got it mostly right. I think I may have learned a slightly different spelling/ pronunciation but that tends to happen when translating to English.
1-3 dan = boo sa-bum
4-6 dan = sa-bum
7-8 dan = sa-hyung
9 dan = sa-sung
The term for 9th dan is probably the same as sonsaeng but with a very different anglicized spelling. Perhaps a little more phonetic? Anyway, not that it matters. Just FYI.
Very cool! Thank you for clarifying that!
In Chinese culture, "Sensei" is just a polite way of greeting a gentleman, which is a courtesy that has its roots in Confucianism.
For example, if someone met me for the first time, they will greet me as Mr Khew, or 丘先生。
But in Japanese culture, it has evolved as a greeting of a skilled artisan, craftsman, and later on a professional or instructor. Also, in Japan, they use "San" for both "Sir" and "Madam" for common courtesy instead.
So it's not really specific to martial arts per se, but rather a language and cultural thing.
My Sensei kept making me addressing him as Sensei in front of my wife, it was really degrading. He kept making me work with other people he could demonstrate with her and I eventually left the class. My wife hasn't quit as it was apparently in my head, but I find the wing chin crowd to be a bit friendlier so I do that now instead.
He's sounds like a predator, trying to belittle you in front of your missus.
I'm sure he's very happy that you left the class.
I'd get your wifey out of there before he shows her his "secret technique".
Yeah, that does not sound on the up and up at all. I'm glad you left and found a better school but she needs to leave too.
I taught Kung Fu for about ten years, but the way I came into it was kind of through the side door. My instructor was leaving the area and could either shut down or leave it to me. I said I would be willing to take over, but I had stopped testing years before and was still a first degree black belt, that was a problem for the organization he was affiliated with. They normally didn't allow people to teach independently until they were third degree. For those who were there two years later when I decided to test for my second degree and saw me, it stopped being a problem. It was clear that I was among my peers with the third and fourth degree black belts, but because I was hundreds of miles away from another teacher there were second degree forms I had never learned. It turned into enough of an issue that I separated from the organization shortly after. I'd picked up enough other places along the way that I could avoid the family style forms I know and focus on things with a wider distribution or of my own design.
Some people strongly objected to me calling myself "sifu." There were a variety of reasons given. One person told me that being declared a sifu was comparable to being ordained, another that it was only if I reached a certain level set by a grandmaster, others just said it's not possible for a white guy.
A few years later I hired a woman to teach Tai Chi (because I wanted to learn Tai Chi and I had enough money to hire one.) She was born and raised in China. After about two weeks she sat down and asked me why I called myself sihing instead of sifu. I explained the whole situation, and that I had religious convictions against being called "teacher," but that it mostly suited my personality better. (Sihing is senior student. I always had a feeling that we're all learning together, in just a few steps further on the path.) She looked me square in the eyes and said, "You're a sifu. If anyone I've ever met is a sifu, you're a sifu."
Which felt great, but didn't change anything for me.
I once had a sensei tell me that "Sensei," without attaching the person's name to it, carries a more significant meaning. So like, I could call you "Dan-sensei," but if I just call you "Sensei" without a name attached, and my real sensei caught wind of that, he could potentially take offense to it. He wasn't Japanese (although he did spend years living there and translated the Japanese texts to English at Hombu), so to a point this could just be an assumption, but still interesting to think about.
When i studied Taekwondo in the UK, we simply used SIr. I dont know how widespread that is/was in the UK, but its how we did it.
Personally, I think too many traditional schools put too much emphasis on titles. I like the use of Sir/Ma'am for respect but I have seen way too many "masters" that demand their titles always be used and they are usually very egotistical jerks who arent even that good.
Can you do a video on specifically how Kung fu relates to American kenpo? In your video about kenpo styles you touched on shaolin kenpo and other systems. The crane kick that you mention in cobra Kai videos is used in the vallari system. It is also part of white crane Kung fu in one form or another. I am a huge fan of Dr Yang Jwing Ming. I see a lot of overlap and I also love how you relate styles so how does tai chi and Kung fu relate to American kenpo
This might be something we explore in the future. There is a lot of research to do on the Kung fu side to see what the connections are
Personally, I ask my students to refer to me as sir or Mr. Rios. I am still called Master or Sah Bay Nim. I always thank them and remind them that I too am still a student. We are always learning in the arts.
In our schools, we don't connect rank with titles, your rank is your own journey, your title more reflects your ability as a teacher, so we have quite a few Dan grades but a lot less get the title sensei, or other titles. Ive always been told the ability as a martial artist and the ability to teach are all different skills.
Agreed!
In the japanese politeness, antes honorary title never Is used by oneself; as well as one can't oneself as "San", it should de salud for others; un the same way, "sensei" should be used for the students, not by oneself
KOREAN = JOSABUNIM, SABUNIM, QUANJANGNIM
Forgive my spelling... i murdered those words.
My instructure was called Mr. G. Because that is what he wanted to be called:-)
There's another Korean martial art called Kuk sool won. It's takes all the Korean martial arts and puts them all together. If it's possible could you do a video on Kuk sool won please and thank you
Honestly I got tired of all the titles. At my dojo we are sempai, jr black belt and sensei for adults. We do degrees, but just stick with the 2 titles.
My Vale Tudo master, told us to call him "Master". My Kung-Fu master, told us to refer to him as Sifu, and my Karate and Muay Thai master, didn't care about titles, and we called them in their private names. So you see, it's up to the master himself, do decide how you call him. I think that titles are important, love your students yes, but to be hard on them you need to also create a distance.
In Muay Thai ur instructor is Kru (LITERALLY means teacher) whereas Ajarn is more closely related to Master like Grand Master Toddy over in Bangkok is a TRUE AJARN (the man is a walking encyclopedia of Muay Thai)
Coukd you do a video on Chi Kung, Iron shirt or iron palm?
Sensei means Doctor in common speech in Japan. A serious master is commonly called Masuta (Master) as in Sushi Master. Shidoshi Commander but that’s all Japanese. Since Kenpo comes from Taiji shouldn’t Kenpo teach both Chinese and Japanese? That was my impression by my teachers.
There was a title in never heard anywhere other than Bloodsport, which was Shidoshi, used for Tanaka who taught Frank Dux. Is that an actual title, and if so, what does it mean?
I believe it means licensed instructor within the art of Bujinkan. I don't believe it's used anywhere else.
Kyoshi means Professor in some Japanese karate system. Soke means head of family.
I think I ve heard Soke in yakuza temrms as well, if Im not mistaken, that and Kancho I heard both in kempo karate and yakuza settings
Yes. In the Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) we've used Soké for the founder Kanazawa Hirokazu (may he rest in peace) .
In General when we see them we just call them Sensei.
I've heard my uncles in Hong Kong refer to Carpenters as "Sifu" 🤔
I am called Soke because I found my own martial arts school. It's a honor having this title
You're scholarship is impressive. I would like to present a different take though. What if we embrace the idea that the Eastern custom of bowing may have originated from the belief that we are all individual aspects/avatars/manifestations of the Godhood and that the action is meant to demonstrate recognition of and respect toward a fellow god or equal you are greeting? I've always though this was a sublime take on it. Guess it's just about giving respect to get respect. Nothin' but love Dan. I called my instructor 'Ed'.
I remember reading somewhere that the title means something like remover of darkness. Hence someone who helps you towards enlightenment / knowledge. But I can’t remember what title it was referring to. Anyone here know what I’m talking about?
When I saw the thumbnail and the title my first thought was: "Ha!Of course not!Sensei is Japanese and that dude is wearing Chinese clothes.Clearly he's a Shifu!"
In respect to Kenpo, Shifu/Sifu I would speculate appplies more to the Tracy System of Kenpo because after the Tracy Brothers split from Ed Parker's American Kenpo, Tracy's Kenpo was called "Chinese Kenpo" because it reverted back to the Chinese methodology and principles ( from James Mitose and William Chow).
A lot of Kenpo guys do use Sifu. The Tracy's didn't revert back so much and they went forward building on the Kenpo Ed Parker taught in the 50s. The Tracys branched and did their thing while Ed Parker continued to revamp the system but it's was still built on the same foundations. American Kenpo still retains the Chinese roots.
Honestly, Anime people have ruined the name Senpai, etc. They use it in weird ass ways that is disturbing. Sad they literally ruin everything.
True that :/
W Kung fu mozna jeszcze powiedzieć Lao shy, ale raczej jest to przeznaczone do nauczyciela oddziału, a głównego szkoły Sifu.
I heard once that sensei means many things it could mean dad mom teacher big brother overseer protector
Sun ba nim senior gup student
Ya Dan ja Nim black belt holder
Kyo sa nim certified instructor 2nd or 3rd can’t be a master till 4Th degree u get the red stripe thru the belt
Sa bo nim master instructor 4Th 5th 6th
Kwan jang nim grand master 7th 8th 9th two red stripes thru the belt
But the school I’m at now we call our head instructor sensei
"Kru" in Muay Thai. In the Thai language, the literal meaning of Kru is teacher or instructor. A Muay Thai Kru is a Master of Muay Thai who teaches new generations authentic Muay Thai traditions and techniques.
I would prefer to be addressed as, “oh captain my captain.”
I always preferred
"His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hajj Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of all the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular."
@@sweynforkbeard8857 may I call you Field Marshal for short!
@@robertnguyen9493 Only my wife gets to call me that.
@@sweynforkbeard8857 huh......really......well okay then
The word or title sensei has different meanings and uses. its origins are Japanese, however, it has been adopted into the English language. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensei when you are in an English-speaking country or Dojo, I don't see a problem using it in the English way, ie before the name or on its own. Yes if in Japan use it correctly for there.
Nice breakdown and explanation. We are native English-speaking Westerners working with traditional Eastern terms. Some things get lost in translation.
I study Lau Gar kung fu in the UK. We refer to out instructor by their first name.
Ryukyu Kempo karate Kobu do( Oyata) we start as first shidosha small tree , because u still have to grow. We consider a grand master or master that have passed way. Because u can no longer pass on what u have learned. We have the traditional ranking. With rank comes responsibility. but rank is not its your attitude and skill . Good attitude good karate, bad attitude bad karate. We are taught the belt only tells us where u are in your training colored belts . Black belt ranks are just continue education and pass on the teachings.
The color of one's belt (or any belt at all) does not constitute a Sensei. The ability to impart wisdom is what makes a Sensei.
In ITF in Britain, I’ve never called someone sensei
This Sosai in kyokushin karate
What made you change the cover photo for the video 🙂🙂
We change thumbnails from time to time to test the algorithm. We have more in the works and we'll be swapping out more thumbnails soon.
Shidoshi and Shidoshi-ho.👍🏼
GRAND MASTER in kung fu is SI Ti Gung or Si Gung
It's all very complicated and seemingly unnecessary.
In China all teachers are simply called Sifu/Shifu.
Sifu in this context means "teacher father". More than an instructor, a person who guides.
But the most important thing is that calling your kung fu teacher Sifu is up to the student.
It is NOT a title or rank that is awarded, like is sometimes erronously seen in many Wing Chun schools.
My own students call me by my first name when they are beginners. It is up to them to decide whether to call me Sifu. Some do so early on (often the Chinese students as they understand the culture) will start to use the term after a few weeks or months once they have decided I am worthy.
I don't like plan fish so much I prefer my sushi with rice! Shishimi