The word ‘sensei’ is an honorific term used in Japan to show respect to someone who has attained a certain level of mastery in an art form or another skill.
In the martial arts world, it’s a title to refer to and address your teacher or instructor. However, the word’s literal meaning isn’t teacher or instructor; its true meaning is translated as ‘one who has come before.’
It’s someone who has gone on and completed an arduous journey. A journey of blood, sweat and tears. One that starts as a total beginner, anxiously entering the dojo (training hall), wearing a brand new starched white belt. To one day bowing and leaving the dojo, wearing a frayed and well-worn black belt.