The Teacher and Student Relationship
“Shi to Deshi”
| shi | 師 | teacher or master |
| deshi | 弟子 | student or adherent |
The first word of the title translates to master but also means teacher. This is not the master of a master/slave pairing but refers to an accomplished teacher – a master teacher. The second word, deshi, translates to disciple but also means student or adherent. Both words, master and disciple, have uncomfortable connotations for some people. Therefore, “shi to deshi” may be more appropriately is used to refer to the master teacher and his or her adherents.
Mentor and Apprentice
| sensei | 先生 | teacher |
| shihan | 師範 | “master example” |
In karate we have two words to describe the role of teacher. The first is sensei. In Japan, a person referred to as sensei commands respect. It is used to address teachers, doctors or lawyers – and karate instructors. Above sensei there is shihan, with the meaning of “master example.”
A student who truly respects the teacher and follows his or her teachings with humility and respect can learn a great deal from the teacher. However, growth will stop if the student begins to criticize or superficially serve the teacher. Similarly, a teacher who fails to be a mentor to the student, who fails to act as an experienced and trusted adviser, will prevent the student from reaching his or her full potential.
A Teacher Is Like a Bell
A Japanese temple bell is struck by pulling back a heavy log suspended at the side of the bell. No matter how full of potential sound the bell is, it takes a great deal of effort to make the bell ring. The stronger the pull the louder the bell will ring. The melodic tones and overtones reverberate long after the bell is struck
It is Sōke Kaichō Kinjō’s hope that we will make the extra effort required to ring the bell strongly so that his teachings will continue to reverberate long after he is gone.
A teacher is like a bell. The loud and small sounds depend on the power of the person who draws it.
Watanabe Shōichi
About Watanabe Shōichi
Watanabe Shōichi was an English scholar, university professor, and one of Japan’s foremost cultural critics. He was also advisor for the popular Japanese monthly magazine, Chichi (致知), a magazine of “philosophical anthropology” with essay topics that concern the nature of man and the human condition.
Master and Disciple
Shi to Deshi (師 と 弟子)
Chichi (致知), July, 2017