September 6th , 2015

From Emiliano Mazlen Yon-Dan Shihan,

Boston Chinatown Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club

Aspects of Verbal Courtesy

Onegai-shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Shihan and Fellow Deshi,

Hanshi recently emphasized an important part of verbal courtesy. When addressing a senior rank, we must always append the appropriate title (Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Shihan or Sempai). Linguistically, this is particularly important when we use the short form of courtesy that we customarily use (arigato), as in that instance it is only the title that suggests the proper level of courtesy. While the entire courtesy must be clearly and forcefully stated, we put extra emphasis in speaking on the title.

Domo arigato gozaimasu to all.

Emiliano Mazlen Yon-Dan Shihan,

Boston Chinatown Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club