| One of the most confusing parts about Ninja | | | | with Ninja training. One possible definition is that of |
| training, especially for the non-Japanese student, | | | | "teacher of the warrior ways of enlightenment." |
| are the terms and names for the skills, | | | | However, if you were to look at the base |
| techniques, strategies, and other aspects of the | | | | components of the word - "SHI" & "DOSHI" - you |
| art. It can be a daunting task for the Western | | | | find a meaning of "teacher's teacher," or a |
| student to have to learn the many Japanese | | | | teacher of teachers, rather than the common |
| names that naturally developed as a part of the | | | | idea of a teacher of students - as the word |
| art over the centuries. | | | | "sensei" implies. |
| One area of concern, especially for the respectful | | | | Shihan - This is not an official rank or self-imposed |
| student, is in making sure that they are using the | | | | title, as many believe, but rather an honorific used |
| titles of authority and respect reserved for their | | | | to identify someone who is an excellent "role |
| teachers and senior students correctly. And, while | | | | model" and worthy of following. You would no |
| pronunciation is a major concern for many, it | | | | sooner call yourself a shihan, as I would introduce |
| would also be helpful if they knew what word or | | | | myself to someone as "Role Model Miller!" |
| title was appropriate when referring to, or | | | | Kansho - While there may be several Shidoshi or |
| interacting with any particular person. In that light, | | | | sensei within a given school, there is only one at |
| this article highlights a few of the titles used to | | | | the head of the group. So, just as Soke is the |
| extend proper respect toward your teacher and | | | | "head-of-lineage," a Kansho (sometimes written as |
| seniors while involved in training. | | | | "kan-SHI") is the "head-of'-the-'school" or |
| Soke - Often mistranslated as "grand master," | | | | "head-of-the-dojo"). |
| this is the title for the "head-of-lineage." Soke is a | | | | Sempai - Contrasted with the word "KO-hai", |
| position, not a rank. In fact, the soke of any | | | | which means "junior student," the sempai refers |
| particular school or lineage is "outside" of the | | | | to any student senior to you in rank. Kohai are |
| concept of rank, and is the person from whom | | | | the junior, or "newer" students, and sempai are |
| rank is extended or flows. So, there is only 1 | | | | the seniors. But, again, this term is relative to |
| Soke within a lineage. | | | | YOUR position relative to the other students |
| Sensei - This is the term that is generally used, | | | | within the dojo setting. When you joined, all of the |
| and most readily recognized within the context of | | | | students already members of the dojo were, by |
| Japanese-based martial arts. The term simply | | | | default, your seniors - regardless of rank. Just as |
| means, "teacher," and can be used to identify | | | | you will be the sempai, or senior, or anyone who |
| anyone who is providing you with a lesson. | | | | joins after you. |
| Shidoshi - This is a teaching title, used especially | | | | |