Makotokan Aikido

Sempai and Kohai

Japanese Budo brings with it elements of Japanese culture. One aspect which establishes the hierarchy in the dojo and governs etiquette is the relationship between Sempai and Kohai. This hierarchy is important for the harmonious running of the dojo and for instilling the correct attitude among its members.

Two important points must be understood regarding the dojo:-
1. The dojo is not a democracy!
2. the welfare of the individual comes a distant second to that of the group.

You may have heard the term Sempai used to denote the senior student in the dojo, however the term is more general than that and applies to the senior person in any relationship between any two members of a dojo. Kohai is simply the converse of Sempai…like two sides of a coin!

In the dojo, Sempai/Kohai is based on who has been training the longest, or rather, who has the highest rank and has no bearing on talent or technical/ physical ability or status in the outside world.

The system of Sempai/Kohai is regulated by the Japanese class system or "Mibun Seido", which is the system of rights and responsibilities. No one can have absolute authority over another without a concomitant share of distinct responsibilities. All doka have obligations dependant on their position in the hierarchy.
We are all ”Onjin”, - one who has an obligation. The Japanese have a saying…."life and death are light as a feather, but obligation..........is as heavy as a mountain"

Kohai is expected to adhere to certain patterns of behaviour, i.e:-
• Be generally respectful towards Sempai
• Seek out sempai to train
• Offer assistance to sempai

Kohai should not…….
• Offer advice to Sempai
• Question Sempai’s technique /judgement

If Kohai steps out of line at all, he/she is considered “a nail sticking up” and it is Sempai’s obligation to hammer him/her back down.

“Oh dear, a nail sticking up…down you go!”

Sempai is expected to…….
• Assist Kohai in all aspects of training, often sacrificing his/her own
• Set a good example to Kohai in his/her actions/conduct/spirit.
• Generally take responsibility & the initiative around the dojo.

In Japanese society the sempai-kohai rules are applied far more rigidly, to the point that there is a different use of language depending on whom you are addressing. We certainly don’t need to go to quite such extremes but should uphold the basic principles for it is said the sempai-kohai is the essence of Budo. Knowing and accepting your place in the dojo hierarchy is important for a number of reasons:-

TO FACILITATE LEARNING
A beginner , in order to learn, must be open and receptive not doubting and disrespectful. You cannot broadcast and receive at the same time!

TO REMAIN IN THE DOJO
A key aspect of Aikido philosophy is that one should learn to be humble and subdue the ego. The brash , the boastful and the self-important are ultimately shown the door or find it themselves.

TO PROGRESS
Seniority and advancement in aikido can only be earned in one way, by long term dedication and by sticking to the rules. There is no short route no matter how talented you may be and no place for ‘mavericks’!.

Please note that complying with all of the above is extremely difficult and as hard as we try we are constantly falling short of the ideal behaviour. It is therefore important to develop an attitude of constant self- examination.
So , if you aspire to the greater heights of Aikido stardom, you have little choice but to train hard and be patient.

Tony