Uchi-deshi

Uchi-deshi (内弟子, lit. "inside student") is a Japanese term for a live-in student/apprentice who trains under and assists a sensei on a full-time basis. The system exists in kabuki, rakugo, shogi, igo, aikido, sumo, karate and other modern Japanese martial arts.

Lifestyle

Uchi-deshi usually live in the dōjō or the home of the teacher, or in separate accommodations near the dōjō. He serves the teacher all day, every day. Duties may include cleaning and secretarial work. In contrast to uchi-deshi, students who live outside are referred to as soto-deshi (外弟子, lit. "outside students"). Some dojo have uchideshi rooms right in the dojo.

Historically, an uchi-deshi was typically chosen and groomed to become the next head of a school of martial arts when a direct family member was not available. Nowadays, the term is used synonymously as an apprenticeship.

Related terms

In modern times, the role is also referred to as tsukibito (付き人, lit. "attached person"). Other terms include senshūsei (専修生, "specialized student") and kenshūsei (研修生, "intensive training student" or "research student"), although these terms are more general and do not necessarily indicate a live-in apprentice. Senshūsei and kenshūsei often refer to set training programs or goal-oriented training rather than students who have a special relationship with a teacher. For example, kenshūsei of the Kodokan dojo began training for Olympic Judo competition in 1960.^[1] The term renshū-sei (練習生) is used in Japanese pro wrestling. The term jikideshi translates to "personal pupil" and is a term used for students who show dedication and commitment to their master and/or school.

Current uchi-deshi programs

• Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu^[2]
• Aikido Shudokan, Melbourne^[3]
• Aikido of South Florida^[4]
• Aikido in Fredricksburg^[5]
• Nippon Kan^[6]
• Aikido of San Leandro^[7]
• Kyokushin Karate Goki-Ryo^[8]
• Aikido Heiwa^[9]
• Seibukan Jujutsu, Monterey Budokan, Monterey, CA^[10]
• Shinjinkai, Chicago^[11]
• México Aikido, Mexico City^[12]
• Jugoshin Ryu Jujutsu

See also

• Senpai and kōhai
• Sensei
• Gurukula

References

1. Bluming, J. "The Beast of Amsterdam", Journal of Combative Sport, March 2000. Retrieved on 3 September 2014.
2. "YOSHINKAN AIKIDO RYU / CHIBA URAYASU". Aikidoryu.or.jp. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
3. "Uchideshi/Dojosei Program - Studying With Us - Aikido Shudokan - Melbourne". Aikidoryu.or.jp. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
4. "Aikido of South Florida - Uchideshi Program". Aikidosouthflorida.com. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
5. "Aikido In Fredericksburg". Familyaikido.org. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
6. "Uchideshi Program". Nippon-Kan.org. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
7. "About Aikido - Aikido of San Leandro". Aikido-sanleandro.com. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
8. "Become an Uchi-Deshi with Shihan Quinn!". Budokarate.com. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
9. "Welcome to AIKIDO HEIWA - Martial Arts For Peace. Aikido, Nihon Goshin Aikijutsu. Seattle WA". Aikidoheiwa.com. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
10. "Monterey Budokan - Martial Arts Academy". Montereybudokan.com. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
11. "Shinjinkai: Aikido, Martial Arts, Zen in Chicago". Shinjinkai.org. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
12. "Uchi Deshi Mexico Aikido". Mexicoaikido.com.mx. Retrieved 2015-12-29.

External links

• Patrick Augé Becoming an Uchideshi: How to Train Seriously in Japan aikidojournal.com