SENPAI / KOHAI
August 28th, 2010 Posted in Knowledge Base | No Comments »The terms Senpai and Kohai are definitions used in Japanese culture to describe seniority based status relationships. These classifications are similar to the way in which a family may create a system of rank or seniority based upon age.
The term Senpai can be roughly translated into the English language as a mentor while the term Kohai is roughly the equivelent of a protégé.
In the Dojo the Senpai / Kohai relationship is most often based on who has been training the longest or who has the most experience and knowledge, regardless of physical skills. The Senpai has the responsibilities for the development and advancement of the Kohai and the Kohai has the responsibilities for tending to the needs of the senior members. Anyone who is higher in ranking is a Senpai and anyone of a lower ranking is Kohai.
The relationship between Senpai and Kohai is regulated by a system of rights and responsibilities known as Mibun. The term Mibun describes the rules or legal sanction through which caste / rank / or seniority is governed.
The Mibun system restricts the ingenuity and actions of the Kohai but also creates a system of codependence and a share of responsibilities between Senpai and Kohai.
Many scholars attribute the collapse of Japan’s Warrior Class in the 1800’s because of the collapse of this ancient system Hokensei during and after the Meiji Restoration.


