PROGRAMS: UCHIDESHI TRAINING PROGRAM
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Uchideshi literally means "inside student". In the traditional Japanese arts, it has been the custom for certain committed students to reside with their teachers, similar to the apprenticeships of European tradition. Through the constant daily contact afforded by a live-in training situation, uchideshi gain knowledge from the teacher through a direct, wordless transmission, a mechanism described in Japanese as isshin den shin: "mind to mind." The student is said, over time, to take on the kiai (energy, vibration) of the teacher, similar to the way a guitar string can catch the vibration of an adjacent string.
Thus, uchideshi training is more than simply intensive practice of technique. It involves the transmission of an art's essence, from teacher to student, in a very direct and personal manner that transcends mere conceptual understanding. By living a life in which even the smallest daily activity is viewed as an opportunity for training and refinement, uchideshi seek not only to understand their art, but to embody it with their entire being.
Particularly in the martial arts, this sort of apprenticeship is somewhat severe in flavor, in keeping with the urgent, life-and-death atmosphere of the martial context. The student is challenged physically, mentally and emotionally to overcome all self-imposed limitations. Attention to detail, strong energy, and a dauntless, brave state of mind are stressed. Training can at times be harsh, and little attention is paid to an uchideshi's personal feelings. Criticism is biting and pointed. Very direct methods are used to motivate or scold uchideshi. Often, the manner in which this type of training is taken by the uchideshi is more important than the actual words said by the teacher.
However, the ultimate goal of the training is not simply to transform students into tough martial art practitioners. It is to very directly show them their mental, physical and even spiritual weaknesses, and the way to overcome them. Uchideshi learn quickly that their capabilities as human beings are much greater than they had thought. Like a shining sword that is forged from rough ore through constant fire and hammering, the end result of uchideshi training should be something both strong and beautiful. A compassionate, focused and intensely energetic individual is the goal. These are the people who should be qualified to carry on the lineage of an art, and to help others using the wisdom gained from long years of self-forging.
Shinjinkai Uchideshi Program Details
Residence and Training
Uchideshi train at Shinjinkai Headquarters, in Chicago. The residence for uchideshi is an apartment near the dojo. Facilities are spartan; uchideshi do not have room for personal belongings other than clothing, training equipment and necessary effects.
Uchideshi must attend all Aikido classes at Shinjinkai headquarters, and all Zen training activities. An average of four hours per day is spent training. As part of their instruction in dojo and organizational operation, they will be called upon to also assist in office and other activities.
Uchideshi must provide their own food and cook for themselves. In order to do this, time will be granted daily for outside work if necessary. Other than approved work schedules, all remaining uchideshi time is spent focused on training and dojo activities. Uchideshi may have leave to visit their families or take care of other out-of-town responsibilities generally twice per year, during a summer break and during end of year holidays.
Lifestyle
The primary focus of an uchideshi at each moment of the day is training. All other activities, personal relationships, hobbies, etc. are to be put aside. Personal relationships and free time activities are not permitted to interfere in any way with training and dojo activities. Uchideshi must continuously forget themselves, and focus solely on perfecting their art.
Honesty and direct communication with the teacher is fundamental to the success of this training. Dishonesty or avoidance, disrespectful conduct toward instructors or others, excessive expression of ego, and other such things are not tolerated. Uchideshi must be willing to take orders from their teacher or seniors. Even when fatigued or injured, there are times when things must be done. Again, the spirit and energy of someone entering into a life or death battle must be maintained.
Program Commitment
The minimum time commitment for uchideshi training is one year, unless otherwise arranged in advance. The complete period is three years, to which a commitment is made one year at a time. The three years of training follow a specific year-by-year schedule of instruction established by the late Aikido and Zen master Fumio Toyoda Shihan. For this reason, completion of three years is considered to be "graduation" from the program. However, completion of the three years is not itself considered successful graduation. Unless constant effort is maintained, it is entirely possible to endure the program, yet fail it. As described by Toyoda Shihan, it is very common for uchideshi to manage to reside for a certain period of time, but to never actually grasp what this training means. Nothing less than one's full effort, moment to moment, is demanded; anything less is a waste of time for all involved.
Upon initially entering the program, uchideshi are considered probationary participants for three months. At the end of that period, if their participation is not successful, they may choose to leave or they may be removed from the program by the Director. If the first three months are successfully passed, the uchideshi must then commit to remaining for the balance of the first year.
Uchideshi pay a monthly rent to support their residence, but pay no additional fee for training. Three times per year, uchideshi are also asked to make a small donation according to their ability to Daiyuzenji for participation in Sesshin, an intensive Zen training retreat. Other than these fees, they must simply take care of their personal and food expenses. It is strongly recommended that uchideshi arrange for health insurance. Again, time for work is allowed to cover these various living expenses.
Application and Interview
Uchideshi training is personally conducted by the Shinjinkai Director, Meido Moore Sensei. Moore Sensei completed the three year uchideshi training under Toyoda Shihan in 1993, and went on to live for an additional three years in Toyoda Shihan's dojo as Ryo-cho ("dormitory chief"), the person responsible for training other uchideshi. He is one of two persons acknowledged by Toyoda Shihan to have successfully completed this training, and to be qualified to conduct it.
Persons wishing to apply for uchideshi training should personally contact the Director by email. At a minimum, a face-to-face interview is required before acceptance into the initial three-month probation period. Unknown persons may expect to be asked to first relocate to Chicago and begin regular training before being considered for uchideshi training. Letters of recommendation may also be requested.
Note: as we receive many requests for uchideshi program information, please understand that we cannot spend time answering casual inquiries. This page contains all information available to unknown persons. If you are interested in this training and would like to pursue the first steps of the application process, you will be required at a minimum to come to Chicago to train for several days: please do not inquire unless you are prepared and willing to do so. Also note that Shinjinkai does not have the resources to support your living expenses; we do not have "paid internships" or "work exchange" programs available. Thank you for your consideration.
