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Old 08-06-2004, 01:35 PM   #6
akiy
 
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Re: Waka Sensei question

The current Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba sensei, was called "Waka sensei" at Aikikai Hombu Dojo until several years ago when he took on the Doshu title. Kisshomaru sensei also had that nickname when he was young, too.

As far as "O" in "O-sensei" meaning "senior" and "Waka" meaning "junior," I do not believe that is the case. The "O" is often written as the same character as "dai" meaning "big, large, and/or grand," but it's probably more often written in Japanese as the same character as "okina" meaning "revered." The "waka" in "Waka sensei" basically means "young" (as Greg wrote above).

Chris? Any other thoughts?
-- Jun

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