KOGEN NINPO DOJO

UCHI 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)

UCHI DESHI

The term Uchi Deshi is Japanese for “live-in student”, totally immersing themselves in “The Way”.  Being a traditional live-in student means that he or she lives with, trains, works, and will learn more than martial arts skills from a true master of budo.  A person applying for Uchi Deshi status should understand that this commitment is not to be taken lightly.  It is very intensive and the hardships will be even greater.  Everything is training and social competence is thereby demanded and taught at all times.

Living conditions are austere, while the demands for care and cleaning of the dojo and the attention to the needs and wishes of the Sensei are unrelenting at best. 

Training is to be the top priority in the Uchi Deshi’s life no matter boring or mundane it may seem.  Our program integrates training full time in a traditional Japanese dojo which includes private meditation with Sensei.  Uchi Deshi students should approach their practice with a merciful heart expressing love for everything, a sincere heart to follow what is right, a heart in tune with natural order, and a heart dedicated to a chosen pursuit.

Students applying for an Uchi Deshi position should consider the decision carefully.  Their responsibilities will not be the same as their fellow students they come in contact with.  The Uchi Deshi life will be monastic with very few distractions. The lifestyle is dedicated to understanding the true art of Ninpo and the other bujutsu arts.  The dedication to the art is the highest priority in the Uchi Deshi’s life.

The Uchi Deshi should have adequate medical insurance and the financial resources to allow for uninterrupted study during their time at the dojo.  Also reduce social activities and notify friends and family of temporary need for isolation.  A person should be ready to make a minimum 6 month commitment or longer.

The program benefits consist of:

Students applying for an Uchi Deshi Program should consider the decision carefully.  Prior to becoming Uchi Deshi a person must have decided that Ninpo will be the First priority in their life.  Second priority is to the Dojo and Sensei’s needs to help maintain the art of Ninpo.  All fees’ are to be paid before the first of the month and if any other bills need to be settled before the Uchi Deshi’s departure. 

UCHI DESHI PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 3^rd 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 2 hours before the first scheduled class, and 1 hour after the last class of the day.
• Uchi Deshi will be responsible for Dojo operations which include opening and closing the dojo for classes, enrolling new students, answering the phone, restocking/ordering supplies, and repairing broken equipment.
• Uchi Deshi should make every attempt to be at Sensei’s side as a personal assistant for all Classes, Events, Seminars, and Trips.
• Help the Sensei, Sempai, and Fellow students in all Ninpo endeavors.
• Dedicate time to academic studies, fitness, and hygiene.
• Be available 5 days.  (may change if special camps or other events are planned)
• Minimum 6 month commitment in writing.  Subject to written contract.
• Letter of recommendation from either current Sensei or someone that have known you for 5 plus years.  (no parents, wives, or partners)
• Personal life partners may not stay with the Uchi Deshi and relationships are for the Uchi Deshi’s 2 days off.
• Cleaning and maintaining the dojo and surrounding grounds of the dojo and Sensei’s home.
• Working on special projects that have valuable skills that will be beneficial too you and others.
• No illegal drugs or smoking tobacco.
• No felons of any type.
• Uchi Deshi must keep their bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom immaculately clean at all times.  Practice “No Trace Camping”
• Be aware that you are living in a sacred place, and take care when dealing with the Kamidana and objects in the dojo.
• Parts of the Corder home are private and must be respected at all times, including 3 dogs.  (greyhounds)
• Sensei feels responsible for the Uchi Deshi and they should let Sensei know where you will be on your two days off.
• Students failing to live up to their responsibilities will be excused from the program not classes.

Uchi Deshi at Kogen Ninpo Dojo on the average will train 3 times more than a regular students.  This speeds up their proficiency in Ninpo while they also are learning teaching and administrative skills.  Accepting this responsibility will lead to valuable growth throughout your lifetime.  The serious student who aspires to go beyond the average level of training and reach new dimensions in the arts of Budo.

Martial art instructors are known for their unpredictability.  You can almost plan on the instructor waking you up to train or go to an emergency in the middle of the night.  The Sensei will also change his mind on planned events or anything without notice.  The uchi Deshi’s mental flexibility and physical will be constantly pushed to their limits.

A parting gift to the dojo is customary and required when the Uchi Deshi’s is departing.  Typically a nice 2.5 liter bottle of sake, and a monetary gift of 200.00 per every six months of service.

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 you 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