Uchideshi

Bluegrass Budokai offers a two year uchideshi training program. The Japanese word uchideshi translated means “inside student.” Uchideshi are required to live in the dojo and attend all classes, exposing the student to a wide variety of training partners and extensive practice in all areas of budo (martial ways) offered by Bluegrass Budokai.

Candidates of the program are required to submit to a personal interview with the Director of Bluegrass Budokai. If the candidate is accepted to the program they will then be subject to a three month probationary period. During this period, living at the dojo is not a requirement but can be arranged with previous agreement. During this probationary period the candidate must attend all classes offered at Bluegrass Budokai and a weekly training session and meeting with the Director. After the evaluation period, the student is permitted to move in to the dojo and begin their integration into dojo life.

The program is split into two distinct developmental areas each consisting of one year. The two developmental areas are; year one - technical development, year two – professional development

Year one involves the student in focused training of the fundamentals of traditional Japanese Budo taught at Bluegrass Budokai. The student is required to become familiar with these fundamentals through regular class, personal training with the Director and other qualified instructors. The student will also be required to travel and train with the instructors who provide instruction and guidance to the Director of Bluegrass Budokai. In particular Meido Moore Sensei of the Chicago-based Shinjinkai dojo, who himself , was uchi deshi for six years under late Aikido and Zen master Tenzan (Fumio) Toyoda Sensei.

During the second year, the student will continue training in daily technical training, but will also begin professional development of the student. This program not only teaches the invaluable lessons that budo has to offer, but also helps prepare the student with a professional mentality for future leadership in the student’s field of choice. The lessons and assignments utilized for professional development build confidence in dealing with other professionals, communication skills, and other important skills. This professional development stage is designed and focused around Japanese Budo to assist the student in becoming a quality martial artist, but have also been proven to assist others in the public, private and governmental sectors of business

The fees for this program are minimal and no healthcare coverage is available. Due to this the student is allowed time off during the day to work and/or attend school to provide for their needs. The area available to uchideshi at the dojo is minimal, so only the necessary personal belongings are allowed and personal time is of no importance to this program. Daily training and education is the focus of this training.

If the uchideshi program interests you or you have general questions about this area of training please feel free to contact Bluegrass Budokai via email or phone, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.