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Uchideshi Program
Programa
de Ushideshi (Español)
Programa de Uchideshi (Portuguese)
Uchideshi Program(Hungarian)
In keeping with the spirit and tradition of
Aikido, Nippon Kan offers an Uchideshi Program for serious Aikido
students. The
Uchideshi program enables students to live and practice at the
dojo. Long-term live-in student programs are available on a three-month
semester basis. Interested students should write to Nippon Kan
for further information. (Homma Sensei’s book, Aikido
Sketch Diary: 365 Days offers an in-depth look at the Uchideshi Program
at Nippon Kan.)
Click here to read a Way of the Warrior: Gaku Homma found his domo on the range, a Westord article about Nippon Kan's Uchideshi Program
Click here to read an Aikido
Today Magazine article about Nippon Kan’s Uchideshi Program.
Other articles on the uchideshi program:
What is an uchideshi program?
The word uchideshi translates in English to mean “live-in
student.” A student who joins in an uchideshi program lives
at a dojo not only to train—every part of his or her daily
life becomes part of the training as well. Traditionally in Japan,
this kind of training the martial arts has been available only
to those students who were earnest about dedicating their time
for serious practice.
Nippon Kan’s uchideshi program has been in existence since
its doors opened in 1978. At Nippon Kan, uchideshi students practice
Aikido daily—usually two classes per day plus special practices.
Uchideshi training does not end on the mat, however, and live-in
students also participate daily in various duties from dojo maintenance
(including cooking and cleaning) to assisting in dojo operations
and special projects. Presently, there are on-site accommodations
to house up to ten uchideshi.
Most uchideshi practice and fulfill their other dojo responsibilites
during the evenings, while attending school or working during the
day. It is about a fifteen-minute walk from Nippon Kan to the Auraria
Campus, which includes Metro State College, the Community College
of Denver, and the University of Colorado at Denver.
Uchideshi who qualify are also eligible to join Nippon Kan's cross-cultural
exchange program as a sponsored intern. Students live six months
to one year in a remote village on northern Japan where they are
exposed first-hand to traditional culture as it has been passed
down over the centuries. There is also an opportunity to practice
Aikido in a traditional dojo setting.
Uchideshi at Nippon Kan practice on an average, about three times
as much as regular attending students during the same period of
time. Uchideshi usually develop a proficiency very quickly in their
Aikido, while simultaneously learning teaching and administrative
skills.
The challenge of life as an uchideshi is one that must be chosen
by the individual. Accepting this responsibility leads to valuable
development through training that is useful for a lifetime. Over
250 students from all over the world have participated in Nippon
Kan's uchideshi program.
For more information on Aikido Nippon Kan’s uchideshi program,
Aikido Sketch Diary: Dojo 365 Days is recommended reading. It was
written by Gaku Homma Sensei, founder of Nippon Kan.
Uchideshi Enrollment Qualifications
Joining the uchideshi program is not a way to run away from society
or oneself. A positive attitude is required to be a successful
uchideshi.
- Both men and women are eligible.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Healthy physical condition and the ability to train daily.
- Individual health insurance in good standing.
- Financial capability to support oneself for the length of the designated term.
- Minimum education- high-school diploma (or native country equivalent) required.
- Religious and other lifestyle preferences are private and should be kept to yourself.
- At Nippon Kan we value and appreciate the fact that all members reflect a great level of diversity.
As a result, all members are expected to respect these differences and not act in any manner which might cause discomfort or offence to other members.
Nippon Kan reserves the right to refuse anyone from participating at the dojo in the interest of safety and welfare of other students and regular members.
Uchideshi Program Tuition
Each 3-Month Semester.....$900.00
Tuition includes private or semi-private lodgings, use of Kippon
Kan’s facilities, all instructional feels, participation
in cultural events, and seminar fees.
Meals and Personal Expenses
Lunch and Dinner are included There are grocery stores and laundry
facilities withing walking distance from the dojo and kitchen
facilities on the premises. Usually, the uchideshi share cooking
responsibilities on a rotation basis. Other personal expenses
such as laundry are each individual’s responsibility.
Uchideshi from Countries Outside of the United States.
Nippon Kan does not act as a sponsor for visa applications. Uchideshi
applicants must obtain their own visas (if required) for their
intended stay in the United States. All uchideshi at Nippon Kan
must be in full legal status with US Immigration regulations.
A non-refundable deposit of $200 is due at least two weeks before
your term begins. This deposit is applied to your tuition. The
balance of your tuition is due upon your arrival. Three weeks before
the end of the term you must re-apply for a succeeding term. Tuition
is non-refundable once the student term begins.
How to enroll…
Occupancy varies throughout the year as individual terms do not
begin at the same time. It is best to apply early for the time
you wish to participate in the program. It is suggested to include
a first- and second-choice of when you would like to begin your
first term.
Please send a letter of request to enter the program that includes
a personal resumé, starting dates, tentative length of stay,
and a brief explanation of why you wish to enter the program. A
photo is requested for our files. Your letter will be responded
to promptly.
You may apply by email to info@nippon-kan.org or send your application,
along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to:
Uchideshi Program
Nippon Kan
1365 Osage Street
Denver, Colorado 80201 USA
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