Uchi No Deshi is the term which signifies the personal student of the dojo sensei. He is one who lives and trains in the dojo, exclusively immersing himself in "The Way".
A person contemplating becoming an uchideshi should understand that this commitment is not to be taken lightly. Although the rewards for one who completely immerses himself in Aikido training are great, the demands of uchideshi life can correspondingly be just as great. Living conditions are austere, and the demands for strict care, maintenance and discipline of the dojo are unrelenting. Training is the foremost priority in the life of an uchideshi. This training is not only more demanding than that asked of the dojo members at large, but far more frequent. For these reasons, one should consider very carefully before committing to a period of study as an uchideshi.
The fundamental philosophy of being an uchideshi is the willingness to submit oneself without limits. To understand the demands of curing one’s mind body and spirit through the responsibilities of serving and submitting to the practice of Aikido.
Aikido of South Florida is one of the few and fortunate dojos in the United States that offers an uchideshi program to students all around the world. We have accommodated foreign students from Japan, Germany, Israel and throughout the United States. For over two decades, Yap Sensei herself has been devoting one to two months every year in Japan as an uchideshi to Morihiro Saito Sensei, 9th dan, and since his passing in 1992, to Hitohiro Saito Sensei, and believes that Aikido is a never-ending process of learning. As a teacher, being an uchideshi herself is the foremost educational way to continue the learning process of Aikido, the essence of recapturing being a student and opening her mind to totally absorb techniques that never seem to end.
Uchideshi Enrollment Qualifications
- Both men and women are eligible.
- Applicants must be between at least 18 years old, in healthy physical condition and have the ability to train daily.
- Applicants must have a minimum high-school education (diploma or native country equivalent).
- Valid health insurance through the desired length of stay.
- Applicants must be financial capability to support themselves for desired length of stay.
- Religious and other lifestyle preferences are private and should be kept to yourself.
- 1 week $200.00
- 2 weeks $300.00
- 3 weeks $400.00
- 1 month $500.00/month
- Training overnight $40 per night
The dues are to be paid at the beginning of your uchideshi period. Please be sure to take care of all your financial responsibilities before your departure, and if you have made any long distance telephone calls, please be sure to account for those bills also.
Departing uchideshi gift to the Kamisama:2 ½ liter bottle of sake and the monetary gift of:
- less than or equal to one month: $40.00
- more than one and less than three months: $80.00
- more than three and less than six months: $120.00
- more than six months: $160.00
Apply online for Uchideshi Program
