One thing that's come up lately in my dojo is the issue of who is a "sensei." Some people say "teaching rank" (the only "senseis" in the club) is fifth dan and above. Others say it is third dan and above.
I usually refer to anyone I know is third dan and above, or anyone with a black belt I don't know, as "sensei [first name]." But that's just been my practice, I could be completely out of line.
To avoid the waters being muddied, the bylaws of the dojo say nothing on the point of "teaching rank." The question would be answered exclusively via what the Kodokan gives as guidance or what is generally accepted.
I usually refer to anyone I know is third dan and above, or anyone with a black belt I don't know, as "sensei [first name]." But that's just been my practice, I could be completely out of line.
To avoid the waters being muddied, the bylaws of the dojo say nothing on the point of "teaching rank." The question would be answered exclusively via what the Kodokan gives as guidance or what is generally accepted.