In martial arts, senpai refers to a senior student or “elder” peer. Someone with more experience or time in the dojo than you.
Dictionary
- Senpai
- sen-pie
- Sensei
- sen-say
A teacher or instructor in martial arts.
- Sensei ni rei
- sen-say knee ray
A phrase used in martial arts to show respect to the instructor, typically meaning ‘bow to the teacher.’
- Shi
- she
The number four (4) in traditional Japanese.
- Shichi
- she-chee
The number seven (7) in traditional Japanese.
- Shomen ni rei
- show-men knee ray
A phrase used in martial arts to show respect to the front of the dojo, typically meaning ‘bow to the front.’
- Shorin-Ryu Matsumura Seito
- show-rin ree-you mots-sue-moo-ruh say-toe
An Okinawan martial art based on the teachings of Bushi Matsumura Sokon (1798–1890), traditionally preserved by Hohan Soken (1889-1982).
- Yame
- yawh-may
Yame is a Japanese command meaning “stop,” “cease,” or “discontinue”.
- Yon
- yawn
The number four (4) in Japanese.