Soto = Outside            Deshi = Apprentice

     One way to intensify your training is to live in the dojo and attend every class. Since this is not practical, or feasibly, for the average student who holds a job and has a family, the Soto Deshi Program was developed as a way to closely approximate what it would be like to have this sort of commitment in one's life.

     Traditionally, while most students lived at home, outside ("soto") the dojo, from time to time, a few students would give up the comforts of home and choose to live inside ("uchi") the dojo. These "uchi deshi" would attend every class and be responsible for opening and closing the dojo. Their commitment and responsibilities were 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for as long as they lived in the dojo, which could be anywhere from 3 months to several years.

     During this time these students would not only be responsible for taking care of the dojo, but would also be responsible for taking care of the sensei. Originally, the "uchi" in uchi deshi meant "house" and the uchi deshi lived in the sensei's house where they would take part in the sensei's daily routine as part of their training. This could mean anything from taking ukemi during class demonstrations, to traveling with the sensei and carrying luggage, to weeding the garden or scrubbing the kitchen floor.

     The obvious value of this sort of commitment was that it accelerated one's skills since daily practice was mandatory. The less obvious, but equally important, value was a deepening of the student/teacher relationship. By having this close relationship with the sensei, the student became privy to "inside" information that gave them insights into understanding the practice as well as what it means to be a sensei.

     The Soto Deshi Program is built on this foundation. 

     This program is not for everyone and not everyone who applies will be accepted. This type of commitment is not to be taken lightly and only students who have already shown initiative in the dojo will be considered.

     If you are accepted, you will need to be able to train at least 4 times a week in classes that are taught by the Chief Instructor.

     In addition, you will have a weekly meeting with the Chief Instructor outside of the regular class times to discuss your progress and to pass on information vital to your success in the program.

You may choose a one, two, three, six or twelve month commitment.

If you are interested in more information, talk to the Chief Instructor. Do not email!

What you put into your training is what you will get out of it.

Suggested reading: Becoming an Uchideshi by Patrick Augé.