I often listen students called there instructor sensei. What is the exact meaning of sensei.

Sensei (先生) is a Japanese word for teacher. As an exemple, it would be used as a title for school teachers aswell as martial arts instructors. Hence why "Sensei" is only used in Japanese martial arts.

Sensei (先生) is a Japanese word for teacher. As an exemple, it would be used as a title for school teachers aswell as martial arts instructors. Hence why "Sensei" is only used in Japanese martial arts.

As xDrayken says it refers to teacher in Japanese.

The Kanji can be read in a number of ways but in this case it mostly means "the one who has been before".

In otherwords - someone who has already aquired the skill or skills - of which you are trying to learn.

K.

Because you're a Taekwondo student, the word sensei is not usually appropriate, since it is a Japanese term & Taekwondo is a Korean Art. The Korean term is Sa Bom. To address a specific teacher, we'd use the honorific "Nim." I would describe myself as a TKD Sa Bom, but if I were referring to another person I'd refer to them as Sa Bom Nim.

Like in Japanese use of sensei, the person's name would be said before the title. "That is Jones Sa Bom Nim." But Mr. Jones would refer to himself as Jones Sa Bom.

Does that make sense?

I also believe that it's what an individual does with said title that separates one from another. Humble OR Arrigant