Etiquette out side the Dojo?

[bushido_man96]

No you show your sensei respect like you would anyother person. don't go calling him/her sensei in the street it's mr/ms is the street.

If you show the exact same respect to your instructor that you show to "any other person" then you should probably reevaluate your outlook on your instructor and his/her rank. When you properly address your instructor, you are honoring the art that you study as well.

I agree with this...... inside the dojo.

I on the other hand, disagree. Respect should be given to your instructors at all times. Titles such as Sensei, Sifu, Professor, etc, whatever title(s) your instructor has earned. It's much similar to college professors - you don't approach them and address them as Mr. Johnson, you would address them as Professor Johnson.

Addressing your instuctor by their rank is tradition. You wouldn't see old school karateka bumping into their sensei in a social setting and address them as Mr. so-and-so. Not unless that karateka would like a severe lesson in disciple and respect next class (if not on the spot).

This is why we always bow in and out of the dojo and to our instructors. It's a sign of respect.

When I call my sensei on the phone I only address him as sensei. When I run into him at the grocery store (it's happened a few times), I immediately stop, bow, and address him as sensei. I'm paying respect for his accomplishments and thanking him for allowing me to study under him. To do less is not how I was brought up in the MA world.

There are times when these things won't really apply. Here is a scenario: I work at the Jail here in Ellis County. Lets say that something bad happened, and my instructor came to jail. I will not be calling my instructor "sir" or "Master so and so" while he is behind bars. Not with the way things work in an environment like that.

[Brandon Fisher]

Well the title of professor is not a martial arts title. Its been adapted to martial arts. I am not greatly familar with Korean martial arts titles but the Okinawan / Japanese titles I am familar with. Courtesy and respect begins with those who truly earn it. Those who demand it don't deserve it. Those that demand it are more cult like than most anything I have seen. Those who demand it and beat it out of people are not truly sensei they are dictators. My students call me Sensei because I have earned their respect, I do not nor have I ever asked them to do so. They do it on their own free will. The only time I correct someone is when they call me Master Brandon. I hate the title of Master I don't feel I am anyones master, teacher yes but not master.

Sensei

Is not a title that is given by certification. Sensei (teacher or one who has gone before) is a title of resepect for ones instructor. Traditionally only one Sensei is within a dojo many use it to much describing all black belts within a dojo.

Sempei

Is more or less nothing but a apprentice instructor.

Renshi

First level of the teaching certifications. (Man of High Attainment) Usually used at 5th and 6th dan.

Kyoshi

Second level of the teaching certifications. A fully liscensed master instructor or "wizard" (according to Unante) Typically you will find this title used by those not less than 7th dan but on rare occasions possibly 6th dan.

Hanshi

The highest level of teaching certification. Usually awarded the most senior karateka holding rank of 9th & 10th dan. On some occasions like with Patrick McCarthy the title has been awarded to those who hold the rank of 8th dan.

Kancho

Superintendent or dojo cheif. The director of a club.

Kaicho

President of an organization

Soke

Head of family

Shihan

Liscensed instructor. Implies high level or master instructor.

Sempai

Senior

Kohai

Junior

Sorry for the rant but seriously professor of martial arts and many other titles are not a traditional title.

[karatekid1975]

Well the title of professor is not a martial arts title.

As far as I knew it is. I call my jujitsu instructor Professor Mike. First name yea, that's wierd. But he's a friend, but a great martial artist and a 5th dan. I respect him and his wife ALOT! Whatever he or she wants me to call them, they deserve it. Even if they don't want me to.

[Syphax]

Well the title of professor is not a martial arts title.

Whatever he or she wants me to call them, they deserve it. Even if they don't want me to.

Amen to that.

[Jiffy]

I hate the titles Professor and Doctor.

As far as I'm concerned, these should be reserved for people with a PhD etc.

Titles as a whole are way over-rated.

[username8517]

Sorry for the rant but seriously professor of martial arts and many other titles are not a traditional title.

karatekid1975 is correct. Professor is the term used for BJJ black belts. While it may not originally been created for it, it is the title the founder(s) chose. Me personally, I don't like it either as it implies something akin to a degree. However, I merely respect and follow tradition

[wolfen]

about "kancho"

In Toshikan we refer to Shigeki Umemoto as kancho; he is the founder and head of the house; he is at least 8th dan (I'm not sure exactly).

is this abnormal?

[bushido_man96]

about "kancho"

In Toshikan we refer to Shigeki Umemoto as kancho; he is the founder and head of the house; he is at least 8th dan (I'm not sure exactly).

is this abnormal?

No, that doesn't sound abnormal to me.

[Brandon Fisher]

No that is common to call a founder of a organization kancho.