Life of an Uchideshi, part 2

As a potential uchideshi candidate, one has to deeply examine the motivations for considering such a program. Although the reasons for staying in such a program will change over time, the initial reasons for entering an uchideshi program must be based on a strong desire to be pushed physically, mentally, and spiritually.

After the “honeymoon” period is over, the live-in student begins to realize that the glamour and excitement of the initial decision has worn off and now life consists primarily of training, eating, cleaning, meditating, training, cleaning, painting, building, training, cleaning…a little sleep, and then; more training, eating, cleaning…

The daily existence of an uchideshi is actually not that different from the average person in that the live-in student is required to have a job. So, every uchideshi, at least at the Toyoda Center, gets out of the dojo to work each day. After work, the dojo becomes the next most important focus of their lives which is where the difference between a civilian and an uchideshi begins. While the average person that comes to dojo once or twice a week for training has the typical priorities expected of a normal individual, the uchideshi only has 2 priorities: work and dojo.

One looking from the outside in would, most likely, see the uchideshi running around the dojo in a somewhat frantic pace taking care of office duties, stocking the bathrooms with supplies, cooking meals for the Sensei and other deshi, in essence, nothing much different than what they might have to do at home.

See, an uchideshi is learning through every activity undertaken and each activity is an opportunity to learn. Cleaning becomes an act of thanksgiving while also creating an opportunity to settle the center, move from the hara, breathe with deep extended breathing, and focus on the act at hand without distraction but also without losing ones awareness.

Correction of an uchideshi is not limited to training on the mat. Live-in students have given the Sensei the implicit permission to correct and point out any and every minute detail that the Sensei feels is not in line with the ultimate development goal. That goal will vary with each individual and will depend on each persons particular background, desires, history, abilities, strengths and, of course, weaknesses.

In fact, an uchideshi’s weaknesses inevitably become their worst enemy since the Sensei will undoubtedly poke and prod these weaknesses to find the uchideshi’s breaking point. What would the purpose be of this type of interaction? Stay tuned for part 3…

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