Senpai / Sempai

先輩

Senior or more experienced student in Japanese dojo hierarchy.

Quick Facts

CategoryTitle

Pronunciation/[sen-pye]/

Alternative NamesSempai, Senior student

Definition

Senpai refers to a senior practitioner who began training prior to oneself. Japanese society and dojo structure place great importance on the Senpai-Kohai relationship. A Senpai assists junior students with technical development and serves as a mentor, while the Kohai accords respect to their senior peer.

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.

Kohai / Kōhai後輩

Junior or less experienced student relative to senior peers.

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