knew u would start with that
Kensei (
Japanese: [UWSL]剣聖[/UWSL], sometimes rendered in English as
Kensai,
Ken Sai,
Kensei, or
Kenshei) is a Japanese honorary title given to a warrior of legendary skill in
swordsmanship. The literal translation of
kensei is "sword saint".
[1] Thus, the term is considered by some to imply a higher degree of perfection (possibly also encompassing a moral dimension) than the more commonly used
kengo ([UWSL][UWSL]剣豪[/UWSL][/UWSL]) or "sword master". This is not to be confused with the word
kenshi ([UWSL][UWSL]剣士[/UWSL][/UWSL]), meaning
swordsman. Among the most famous kensei is
Miyamoto Musashi, although not all would apply the term to him. Other historical kensei are often the founders of
popular schools of swordsmanship. Although there is no such written rule, the title carries such prestige that it is commonly understood that there should be no more than one kensei at any given time.