Life of an Uchideshi, part 1

An Uchideshi is a traditional Japanese term for a live-in student who trains under and assists a sensei, or teacher, on a full-time basis. (From uchi for “inside” and deshi for “student” or “disciple”). The system has existed in many societies over a long period of time, including those of Aikido, Judo, kabuki, sumo, Kendo, and other budo arts, and even non-budo arts like the game of Go, and still partially remains in them.

The precise definition of uchi-deshi might be difficult to pinpoint; according to some definitions an uchi-deshi of the budo arts lives in the dojo where he trains or in the home of the teacher. In other words, he serves the teacher all day, every day. In contrast, students who live outside are referred to as soto-deshi (“soto” for outside). However, there are many people who are often referred to as uchi-deshi who did not live in the very dojo. In this case the distinction is between the full-time apprentice and regular students.

In many uchideshi programs today, the focus of the program is as varied as are the different styles and techniques. What was once a program of mentorship focusing primarily on developing the best, and most motivated, into full-time instructors has become a valuable program for students from all backgrounds to take part in a lifestyle that most will never have the opportunity to experience (or ever desire to experience).

Living in a dojo and committing oneself to his or her chosen art, as well as to the service of others, can be a very rewarding and life altering experience. I took part in an uchideshi program under a renowned Aikido master more than 15 years ago and have found, as I look back over the years, that the training and lessons I received have affected almost every decision I have made since leaving the program.

Of course, when my uchideshi term was completed I embarked on a journey of opening a full-time martial arts center offering martial arts like Aikido, Kendo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and aesthetic arts like Zen Meditation, Yoga, and Japanese Language. So I have chosen to immerse myself in the training and culture that an uchideshi program and lifestyle entail.

However, the real benefits of a true live-in style program are the personal insights gained from intense training, the shedding of personal comfort requirements, service to the dojo, the Sensei, and the other students, and, if the main instructors are properly qualified in this area; the leadership lessons gleaned from the direct and personalized training from the Chief Instructors.

An uchideshi, upon entering a live-in student program, will typically go through a “shock” period where time seems to be altered a bit. Due primarily to the abrupt change in schedule, the increased amount of time spent in physical training, and the change in living conditions one may have been used to, the new uchideshi finds him or herself in a confusing world where values and personal comforts become deep initial reflections.

After acclimating to the new schedule of an uchideshi lifestyle (usually about 1 to 2 months) and falling into a routine, the new uchideshi finds her world, once again, turned somewhat upside down as the instructor team sets out to strip away any newfound comforts and routines to keep the student on her toes. The focus of a good uchideshi program will always be on stripping away the layers of weakness and comfort seeking to ultimately rebuild the deshi into a completely new, and much stronger, individual.

Keep your eyes out for part 2…

About the author-Blaine A. Feyen is the founder and Chief Aikido Instructor of the Toyoda Center. The Toyoda Center Grand Rapids is West Michigan’s premiere academy for training in the Martial Arts of Aikido, Kendo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and Shinkendo. Aikido in Grand Rapids has been defined by the instructional insights taught at the Toyoda Center. Mr. Feyen has, since the mid 1990’s, been leading one of the most successful uchideshi programs in the art of Aikido and has built a very prominent program for developing professional Aikido instructors and leaders.    http:/www.ToyodaCenter.com