[nuveem7070]

Should we publish a list of sensei who subscribe to this forum? I wouldn't want to be disrespectful to anyone who claims that title.

According to Harutane Chiba Sensei, the literal translation of "sensei" is "one who is born before". Since I'm over 50, does that mean that I shouldn't call my assistant sensei, 6th dan, renshi, who is 38 years old a "sensei"? I know that the term has come to mean "teacher" or "instructor" or "guide".

As a side note, I seem to recall reading that if a person claims a title for themselves, then it's just a title. The title should come from those who are of greater experience than the person claiming the title, similar to being promoted. We aren't promoted by our peers or our juniors, but those who are senior to us.