The Sempai - Kohai Relationship

•  The Sempai/Kohai (Senior/Junior) relationship is based upon the deep respect for loyalty and obligation that characterized old Japan. It is one that often extends throughout the lives of those involved in it. It allows Kohai (Junior) to begin to develop the attitudes of helpfulness and leadership that are necessary for mastery and so in a reciprocal way the lives of the Sempai (Senior) and Kohai (Junior) are bettered.
• The Sempai/Kohai (Senior/Junior) relationship is bound by On-Giri (debt, duty or obligation).
• The Kohai (Junior) has a certain debt, which he owes his Sempai (Senior) by virtue of their willingness to pass on what they have learned. The Sempai (Senior) in turn has a duty to his sensei and dojo to bring his Kohai (Junior) up through the ranks as a big brother would a little brother (whether 'brother' is either male or female).
• Being a Sempai (Senior) does not mean one has control over Kohai(Junior), rather Sempai (Senior) has responsibility for Kohai’s (Junior) growth.
• The responsibilities of the Sempai (Senior) include: assistance with training, kicking Kohai (Junior) in the rear when they are lazy, acting as an advisor, coach and confidante. This is a tremendous responsibility and it should not be abused.
• The Kohai (Junior) who has been tutored and taken care of by his Sempai (Senior) becomes an OnJin (A person under obligation), and as old Japanese adage goes, " Life and death are light as a feather, but obligation, obligation is heavy as a mountain.".
• It is the Sempai’s(Senior) responsibility to tutor the Kohai (Junior) along and help whenever possible. Often the instruction is given by example and not as formal as the Sensei.
• Sempai/Kohai(Senior/Junior) is most often based on who has been training the longest, or rather, who has the most experience in the Dojo. Regardless of physical skills, the person with the most experience is always regarded as Sempai (Senior) and the person with lesser experience is regarded as Kohai (Junior).
• If you are beginner in the martial arts, always remember to listen carefully to the advice of your Sempai (Senior). Their experience is hard won. If you are a more advanced student, keep in mind that training is only a part of your purpose in the dojo. There are Kohai (Junior) in need of your guidance and it is up to you to set the example.
• When in doubt of one’s seniority, it is best to use respectful deference. Eventually ranks will be known. Taking the Sempai (Senior) role without assuredly knowing your seniority shows immaturity and arrogance.
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