Of Dojos and Study
In Rokugan, all children between the ages of about six until their gempukku at between thirteen and sixteen are expected to be receiving education in a dojo from their sensei. Each clan's form for this education vary based on their own history and traditions. This section describes the education of children in Rokugan into their adulthood. Note: Some of this comes from the Legend of the Five Rings source books, some of this comes from Chinese and Japanese martial arts traditions, and some is created by myself to fill in the gaps in the lore for Rokugan.
Education in Rokugan hinges on the relationship between three people:
The most valuable resource for any student under instruction is time with the Sensei. They compete with each other to be noticed and recognized, both in the quality of their own work and in the quality and behavior of their students. In the end, if they are lucky, they will win the opportunity to train from the true masters of the art.
The Kakita Academy
The Crane Clan established many of the traditions of the Empire, and the Kakita Academy established by Kakita's sister Kiyamori, and his son Shimizu, is the foundation for many traditions across the Empire. This section will go into depth for education at the Kakita Academy, and how that education carries out into future training for duelists and artisans.
Other Clan Traditions
Despite the prominence of the Kakita style of training, other clans maintain their own traditions. This section explores the training of other clans, but less in depth than the Kakita Academy.
Education in Rokugan hinges on the relationship between three people:
- Sensei - The most senior instructors for a school or dojo, the pinnacle of their art. Sensei is a very respected title, and is one of the most coveted positions in any clan.
- Senpai (先輩)- The senior students who do most of the instruction. Senpai is a title a student would give to the one teaching or who has taught him, unless they were being taught by the Sensei himself.
- Kohai (後輩)- The student under instruction. A Kohai for a Senpai may in turn be serving as a Senpai for younger students
The most valuable resource for any student under instruction is time with the Sensei. They compete with each other to be noticed and recognized, both in the quality of their own work and in the quality and behavior of their students. In the end, if they are lucky, they will win the opportunity to train from the true masters of the art.
The Kakita Academy
The Crane Clan established many of the traditions of the Empire, and the Kakita Academy established by Kakita's sister Kiyamori, and his son Shimizu, is the foundation for many traditions across the Empire. This section will go into depth for education at the Kakita Academy, and how that education carries out into future training for duelists and artisans.
Other Clan Traditions
Despite the prominence of the Kakita style of training, other clans maintain their own traditions. This section explores the training of other clans, but less in depth than the Kakita Academy.