Sensei is a Japanese term of respect. It is used when addressing teachers or professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and others. In the West many people, due to the prevailing "cultural gap", have little experience with this word, and often use it in a way that is not correct in terms of Japanese culture. This is significant, because Japanese are obviously the authorities when it comes to their own language/culture, and if Westerners wish to use Japanese words, They should strive to use them in a way that is correct by Japanese standards.

You may use the term or title "Sensei" on its own or in conjuction with the person's name.

Sensei always comes after a person's name. Thus Smith Sensei not Sensei Smith. It is used like the similar honorific term -san at the end. Furthermore, because sensei is an honorific term, one must never refer to himself/herself as sensei, as this is seen as arrogant. We call any teacher sensei, whether or not we are actually studying under that person; to fail to do so is deliberately insulting. This is not showing disloyalty to your teacher, and in fact, it is what he would expect. The term sensei is attached to the end of a teacher's name at all times - not just in the dojo. Budo is a way of life, and respect for seniors continues into daily life in Japan, and, one would hope, this country as well.

If you hear your sensei refer to an assistant teacher in the Dojo by his/her first name, it does not mean you should as well. That individual is the sensei's student, but he/she is your senior, and should be addressed as sensei.

While exceptions to these conventions may occur in some dojo or between individuals, by and large, these ideas are universally accepted in the realm of jiu-jitsu. Remember that jiu-jitsu begins and ends with respect.

This is the way you have chosen.                                             

Randy Martin, Shihan