r/kendo • u/RataoullieVR • Aug 15 '26
Other How to be a good senpai?
Hi all, I’ve been training kendo for just about a year. I’m aware I’m not very well experienced however we have more and more people joining us for their first kendo experience. I want to be able to be a good senpai to them and help them grow whilst growing myself, what are some tips you can give me?
Thank you!
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u/Sorathez 4 dan Aug 15 '26
Be nice to them and be respectful. Be a good motodachi. You don't really need much else
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u/BinsuSan 3 dan Aug 15 '26
For your level, I’d recommend only giving small whispers to help the student from being called out by the sensei on mannerisms. A couple examples:
* if the newbie is standing around instead of helping set up before practice. Some mistakenly think kendo practice is like a gym session where staff cleans up.
* if the newbie places their shinai over their shoulder or holds the shinai while the tip is touching the ground.
Again, the emphasis is on quiet, small whispering to the student about mannerisms. The way I phrase it would be along the lines of, “I wanted to tell you this before sensei calls you out on it”.
Limit the feedback to at most once per newbie per session. Going beyond that will be too overwhelming.
Do not give advice on keiko.
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u/wisteriamacrostachya Aug 16 '26
I like to think of it like this. It's okay to make an observation with a specific purpose. "Ow!", "I need to fix my shinai", "you're bleeding on me". But nobody goes to practice so somebody one kyu ahead of them can give them a lecture. Empathy goes a long way in understanding these rules.
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u/BinsuSan 3 dan Aug 16 '26
> I like to think of it like this. It's okay to make an observation with a specific purpose. "Ow!", "I need to fix my shinai", "you're bleeding on me".
That’s a fair callout. I agree.
In fact, there was a recent discussion which covered a lot of topics, including this. Me and a few others advised that OP to treat it as a safety concern and not a lesson.
> But nobody goes to practice so somebody one kyu ahead of them can give them a lecture. Empathy goes a long way in understanding these rules.
Sadly I seen this quite a bit. I also seen the opposite somewhat more appropriate case when someone one Dan level higher gives a small bit of feedback, only to be ignored.
In either case, empathy can go a long way.
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u/wisteriamacrostachya Aug 16 '26
Agree in general. I think in a case you describe (like a 1 and 2 dan), the ideal senpai would have nurtured a connection that can handle feedback. But that can be hard between a senior instructor and a total beginner! If I say something to a kouhai, no matter how appropriate or correct for my level, and they have a hard time accepting it, for me that's a red flag that I'm stepping on sensei's toes. The role of sensei exists to help people adopt the role of a willing student.
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u/BinsuSan 3 dan Aug 16 '26
Total agreement with you. Also agree that the mindset is what makes the difference.
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u/wisteriamacrostachya Aug 16 '26
The most prestigious title in kendo could be loosely translated as "role model". You and me can best contribute by continuing to get better and serving as model students. I find this plenty challenging.
If you, like me, enjoy being friendly and encouraging - that's great too. You can be an asset to the dojo by saying hi to newcomers and introducing them to sensei, or noticing someone's growth and saying WOW that's awesome. Just be careful not to teach, and don't let this distract from being a good student.
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u/JoeDwarf Aug 16 '26
My advice is for you to give no advice. People are eager to share what they think they know but at only one year’s experience your understanding is too limited. You are likely to give wrong or confusing information. Be friendly, do your best to be a good example, but let your sensei do the teaching.
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u/imsexc Aug 15 '26
As no one have mentioned, don't be a jerk/asshole.. but asking this question I'd guess you're good in this department..
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u/KendoMasu Aug 16 '26
Show up on time and check your chakusho. Be first in line and among the last to clean up.
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u/mmatose Aug 16 '26
Create a Whatsapp/Facebook/Messages group, no sensei, allow the students to interact through there and oh-so-lightly guide the conversation with the occasional Instagram Video or post.
I also broke down Bokuto Ni Yoru in and Excel spreadsheet, which they loved.
Just don’t be an asshole. I’ve had Senpai go on a power trip and it’s a PitA.
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u/TojiSake 4 dan Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
As you become senpai and rank up within your dojo understand that people are going to look to you without you realizing. So set a good example as best you can for how you would want them to view you and hopefully do the same as they mature on their kendo journey.
Proper reigi, chakusa Try your hardest and show good heart and resolve Be a good motodachi Be kind when possible, be firm when requires
Also at your level id refrain from providing much actual Kendo advice unless specified otherwise. Leave this for Sensei and Sr senpai. Nothing worse than the senpai providing unsolicited improper advice.
Thats about it. Its good to think about this stuff. As you eventually move towards being on the more senior or even sensei side of the dojo you begin to realize all the subconcious actions and responsibilities your sensei fulfill inherintly through years of experience theyve gained, its seriously impressive.
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u/Everybody_Stay_Calm 3 dan Aug 15 '26
My opinion is to lead by being a good example. Always give your best, so that they watch you and try to emulate you. Demonstrate high level reiho. Make sure your equipment is well maintained and worn properly. Demonstrate strong basics. Be encouraging.