One of my goals before coming to study in Kyoto was to practice karate-do in Japan. I began shitō-ryū karate-dō when I was seven years old back home in California and I spent much of my childhood and early adulthood in the dōjō. Away at school in Boston, I have found it difficult to continue competition training and I mainly practice or teach when I am back home during vacations. Therefore, other than summer breaks, it had been a while since I had trained rigorously and continuously. Before leaving California, I talked to my sensei about karate-do in Japan, wondering how different it would be and whether I would be able to fit in easily. My sensei told me about locations in Osaka where I could practice, but, luckily, I was able to find a club that practices shitō-ryū karate-dō at Kyoto University.
Since I began practicing with the Kyoto University karate club, I have learned a lot about both karate techniques and also relationships within Japanese extracurricular activities. The first thing that was apparent to me was the senpai-kōhai social hierarchy within this club, which is prevalent among various groups. Though I had studied a bit of keigo before, I did not actually have experiences in which I could practice, so my keigo knowledge was put to the test during my initial contact with the club through email. When I showed up during the first week of the semester, I could immediately discern who were senpai and team captains. Though this karate club is taught by senpai who are either graduate school students or fellow undergraduate students, kōhai still bow to them in passing. Yet, at the same time, high and low level belts all train together and I was impressed by the skills of the lower levels students. Thus, the senpai-kōhai relationship is definitely intimidating, but the respect towards other members the club produces a great practice environment.
Additionally, I have learned quite a bit about kumite, or sparring, technique. This club splits up based on those who want to practice kata, or form, and those who want to practice kumite. I stuck with the kumite group, mostly because that’s what the majority of the group practices. Back home in my dojo, I take on a senpai role to many of the younger kids and I am expected to teach at times. At Kyōdai’s practices, I am once again kōhai and I have had to adjust my training mentality to accept critique and to be willing to change my techniques. This was not an easy thing to accept at first, but, truly, I know that I have learned a great amount of new skills. As a result, I have become more comfortable and confident in my kumite techniques thanks to Kyoto University karate club, and I hope to bring back what I have learned to my dōjō.
Joseph, your CIP sounds like it was an incredible experience! I think it’s so awesome that you already had an interest and lots of experience in something that is specific to Japan.
The senpai-kohai relationship definitely seems like quite an adjustment to make, especially since you’re switching from being a senpai in most environments to more of a kohai here. It must have really taken a lot of emotional strength and resilience on your part to adjust to a different role! It’s really interesting to read about how strict these relationships are in Japanese student-led clubs and circles- because my CIP had a mixture of high school and college students and teachers who are much, much older, the senpai-kohai situation felt much more natural and much less pronounced. I can see why it would be so intimidating to remember to (and correctly) use keigo with people who are even just a little bit older than you!!!
Thanks so much for your comment, Elizabeth! The senpai-kohai relationship is definitely something that should be looked out for when looking to join Japanese social spaces. For me, it was intimidating at first and perhaps could be read as cold to some. However, I soon realized that there are immense levels of respect in the dojo and this is enabled by the senpai-kohai hierarchy. I think that being in this kohai position during the semester allowed me to critique my skills and I’m really appreciative of this.
Joseph! The experience you got from the karate circle sounds amazing. I am glad that you were able to learn more about Japanese culture while practicing karate. The senpai-kohai relationship sounds interesting and intimidating at the same time. Did you have a hard time getting used to the senpai-kohai culture? As a kohai of the group, what was something that was surprising to you?
Hi Timi!
Thank you for your comment. The senpai-kohai relationship is one that is apparent in most of Japanese social circles and varies in degree of strictness depending on the group. For me, it was a bit difficult to adjust to being a kohai in the beginning of the semester, especially because the senpai in the club were not that much older than me. Also, I had been used to teaching younger kids back at home. Overall, I’m glad that I was patient and took on this role of kohai with an open mind. In return, I think I have learned a lot!
Something that was surprising to me was that white belts practice with the higher belts, and we all do the same sparring drills together. This is interesting because usually these groups are split when I practice at home. However, I was really impressed with the level of skill of the white belts. They definitely train hard.
Hi again Joseph- first of all thanks for letting me know that my post got deleted for some reason! Here it is again.
Joseph, your CIP sounds like it was an incredible experience! I think it’s so awesome that you already had an interest and lots of experience in something that is specific to Japan.
The senpai-kohai relationship definitely seems like quite an adjustment to make, especially since you’re switching from being a senpai in most environments to more of a kohai here. It must have really taken a lot of emotional strength and resilience on your part to adjust to a different role! It’s really interesting to read about how strict these relationships are in Japanese student-led clubs and circles- because my CIP had a mixture of high school and college students and teachers who are much, much older, the senpai-kohai situation felt much more natural and much less pronounced. I can see why it would be so intimidating to remember to (and correctly) use keigo with people who are even just a little bit older than you!!!
Also editing to add- did training with all different levels of belts cause any difficulties or problems? Ballet classes are always organized so that most people are close to the same level- so how does it work with a variety of levels?