Kyomeikai Karate Club shotokan karate

Club SENPAI

Assistant Instructors

In Japan, the senpai-kohai system underlies nearly all relationships. Although there is no exact translation into English, senpai (先輩) means an upperclassman, senior employee or other older person with whom you have dealings. Conversely, kohai (後輩) is the junior or lower person. Who is senpai and who is kohai is determined by age and rank, which in Japan are often the same thing. This system permeates Japanese society. Within the club it is the formal recognition of the seniority, experience, dedication to the club and teaching capability of those "senior" students we call Senpai. We lean on them to support the club and undertake occasional teaching duties. They are important roles in fostering the senpai-kohai relationship and should be seen as a go to resource. 

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Phil Tabor 1st Dan

Phil is one of the longest serving club members - joining a few months after the club was founded.