## Roles (6)

In Naginata, you can take many roles. Some roles only apply during practice (like sensei for teacher), while other roles also apply outside practice. You can, for example, have the role of a senpai or kohai. These two roles represent a hierarchical relationship, in which the senpai (senior) has more experience and a higher level in Naginata than the kohai (junior). The picture below represents this relationship.

The senpai has a higher position that the kohai, but he or she should assist the kohai as much as possible in Naginata. This relationship also explains, for example, when you do a line up just before and after practice, the kohai sit away from the shomen while the senpai sit near the shomen. (The shomen is a sacred and safe place and therefore a better spot.