Kohai / Kōhai

後輩

Junior or less experienced student relative to senior peers.

Quick Facts

CategoryTitle

Pronunciation/[koh-hye]/

Alternative NamesJunior student

Definition

Kohai is the counterpart to Senpai, denoting a student who joined the dojo at a later date. A Kohai displays deference to seniors and attentive willingness to learn. In return, the Kohai expects patience, encouragement, and constructive feedback from their Senpai.

Related Terms

Dojo道場

Traditional training hall for Japanese martial arts and meditation.

Sensei先生

Honorific title for a teacher or instructor in Japanese culture.

Senpai / Sempai先輩

Senior or more experienced student in Japanese dojo hierarchy.

Associated Martial Arts

Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Kosen Judo Byakuren Kaikan Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Seidokaikan Karate Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Jundokan Goju-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Kyokushin Budokai Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu