AR3, why do you say Sensei out of Karate context?

I studied Shorei Goju Ryu at Adamson’s Karate when I was a teenager.

We were taught that it is called Martial Arts because it is fluid, forever changing. There are techniques and tactics however, it is not a science to be proven or disproven… it is an art that lives and breathes.

We were taught that we don’t “do” Karate, we “practice” Karate. Again, leaning into the humility that comes from knowing that you can never truly “master” anything. You may be practicing at a higher level or for longer than others. You may even teach others. We say we practice to indicate the fact that we are leaving into and embracing the infinite possibilities before us — which allows us to grow.

We were taught about respect. There are two primary terms that indicate respect. Senpai is an honored and respected student. Sensei is an honored and respected teacher. A person who doesn’t only teach you the techniques, a person who also teaches you the philosophy behind the martial art that you’re studying, a person who’s wise and sage, and a person who teaches by example.

This respect needs to be earned, which is one of the reasons the belt system exists. To indicate the deliberate practice a person has put in. White belt meaning you’ve put in no deliberate practice yet. Black belt means your belt is soaked with the by-product of your effort for years… so much so that it has turned your belt black.

I believe Product is similar to martial arts in that it can only be practiced. It can’t be “done”. It has many different styles and flavors… and the best practitioners of the art are open to them all, because they see them all as opportunities to learn and grow.

I want to show my respect to those who share their wisdom born from their deliberate practice of this beautifully messy artform we call Product. I do that by calling them Sensei. I originally got the idea from a character in the Phoenix Project who referred to titans of the industry like Sensei Deming and Sensei Goldratt as, well, Sensei.

Note: I am a little worried that it is cultural appropriation. If I have a conversation with someone in the culture and they tell me that my use, even though it is pure in intent, is inappropriate I’ll stop using the prefix.

I seek to be a humble and open Senpai. I also seek to learn from amazing Senseis. Finally it is one of the greatest honors of my life when someone experiences my coaching, guidance, and writing as worthy of learning from.