Soto Deshi

KOGEN NINPO DOJO

SOTO DESHI PROGRAM

Kogen Ninpo Dojo teaches the highest form of Ninjutsu and Samurai arts.

At Kogen Ninpo Dojo we have 3 Traditional Intensive Training Options (TITO).

• The First is a Kenkyusei (Student seeking research) student must be 3^rd Dan in Ninpo.  
• The Second is an Uchi Deshi (An apprentice student/disciple that lives at the Dojo) student must be 3^rd Kyu in Ninpo.  (may be waived by Sensei)  
• The Third is a Soto Deshi (An apprentice student/disciple that lives outside the Dojo) student must be 6^th Kyu in Ninpo.  (may be waived by Sensei)

SOTO DESHI

Kogen Ninpo Dojo Soto Deshi’s have the flexibility to work and study outside the dojo while dedicating themselves to a more intensive Ninpo Taijutsu training. 

Our Soto Deshi’s are required to work hard and train even harder than other students.  The program is for anyone willing to dedicate themselves to T.I.T.O. and dramatically improve their goal of becoming a Ninpo Taijutsu instructor some day.

While the expectations are high and very demanding you will rapidly increase your skills and knowledge of Ninpo Taijutsu and a deep understanding of Budo. 

A Soto Deshi lives outside the dojo but will spend a specified amount of time at the dojo or home of Sensei Corder.  Being one of Sensei’s personal apprentices and close contact with other students that may be having problems.  This program is NOT all fun and games, and is for someone willing to work hard inside and outside the dojo.  The Soto Deshi is provided a Red Uniform no cost with Special Soto Deshi Patch, so that they're easily identified in the Dojo by other fellow students.

The program benefits consist of:

·        Develop experience in dealing with students and people outside the Dojo.

·        Discover the integral relationship between self-study and service.

·        Answering the phone, and taking messages.

·        Become a steward of the dojo and draw students into the dojo.

·        Deshi will receive both formal private and informal private training.

·        Deshi classes are private and closed to other students.

·        Intensive meditation or Zen retreats.

·        A wholesale price on anything Sensei has access too.

·        All Soto Deshi will be subordinate to Uchi Deshi if Sensei is not present.

·        Fast track toward higher rank or becoming a Ninpo instructor.

·        Greater focus and more intensive training in Ninpo than a regular student.

·        A special award certificate for each year completed

·        Deshi may wear special patch on uniform signifying their status in dojo.
 

SOTO DESHI PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 6^th Kyu ranking (may be waived by Sensei)
• Over 21 years old (may be waived by Sensei if student shows maturity)
• High school diploma or GED
• In excellent health, and physically able to lift 80 lbs.
• Have health insurance during their program
• Must attend all classes, seminars, special camps, other events, and private lessons. (Seminars will be 50% if other instructors are teaching)
• Be at the dojo 1 hour before the first scheduled class, and ½ hour after the last class of the day.
• Be available 5 days.  (may change if special camps or other events are planned)
• Minimum 12 month commitment in writing.  Subject to written contract.
• After a 12 month commitment a student may apply for Uchi Deshi.
• Letter of recommendation from either current Sensei or someone that have known you for 5 plus years.  (no parents, wives, or partners)
• Daily training and daily dojo responsibilities.
• Cleaning and maintaining the dojo and surrounding grounds.
• Working on special projects that have valuable skills that will be beneficial to you and others.
• Registration of new students or seminars.
• Assist at special classes or events for the benefit of others.
• No illegal drugs or smoking tobacco.
• No felons
• 120.00 Per month (U.S. Dollar) 

As you can see the requirements for being a Deshi are very demanding and not for everyone.  However the rewards of taking the hardest path soon out weigh the sacrifices one must endure.  You will rapidly sharpen your Ninpo skills and have a deeper understanding of the Budo arts.  While maturing and gaining inner fortitude you will know what inner balance and harmony can do for you and the people around you.

Which ever path you choose I will be honored to share it with you for as long as you are here.

Best Regards,

Corder Sensei

Kogen Ninpo Dojo

President and Chief Instructor

Kancho of Honbu Dojo