Kensei

In ancient Japan, a kensei (剣聖, master swordsman?) was an honorary title given to a warrior of legendary skill in swordsmanship. The literal translation of "kensei" is "sword saint". 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 kengō (剣豪?) or "great swordsman", "master fencer". This is not to be confused with the word kenshi (剣士), meaning "swordsman", "fencer".