{{More citations|date=March 2022}} {{Nihongo|'''Uchi-deshi'''|内弟子||{{lit|inside student}}}} is a Japanese term for a live-in student/apprentice who trains under and assists a sensei on a full-time basis. The system exists in ''kabuki'', ''rakugo'', ''shogi'', ''igo'', ''aikido'', ''sumo'', ''karate'' and other modern Japanese martial arts.
==Lifestyle== ''Uchi-deshi'' usually live in the dōjō or the home of the teacher, or in separate accommodations near the dōjō. The deshi serves the teacher all day, every day. Duties may include cleaning and secretarial work. In contrast to ''uchi-deshi'', students who live outside are referred to as {{Nihongo|''soto-deshi''|外弟子||lit. "outside students"}}. Some dojo have uchideshi rooms right in the dojo.
Historically, an ''uchi-deshi'' was typically chosen and groomed to become the next head of a school of martial arts when a direct family member was not available. Nowadays, the term is used synonymously as an apprenticeship.
==Related terms== In modern times, the role is also referred to as {{Nihongo|''tsukibito''|付き人||lit. "attached person"}}. Other terms include {{Nihongo|''senshūsei''|専修生||"specialized student"}} and {{Nihongo|''kenshūsei''|研修生||"intensive training student" or "research student"}}, although these terms are more general and do not necessarily indicate a live-in apprentice. ''Senshūsei'' and ''kenshūsei'' often refer to set training programs or goal-oriented training rather than students who have a special relationship with a teacher. For example, ''kenshūsei'' of the Kodokan dojo began training for Olympic Judo competition in 1960.<ref>Bluming, J. [http://ejmas.com/jcs/jcsart_bluming1_0300.htm "The Beast of Amsterdam"], ''Journal of Combative Sport'', March 2000. Retrieved on 3 September 2014.</ref> The term ''renshū-sei'' (練習生) is used in Japanese pro wrestling. The term ''jikideshi'' translates to "personal pupil" and is a term used for students who show dedication and commitment to their master and/or school.
==See also== *Gurukula *Senpai and kōhai
==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== *Patrick Augé [https://web.archive.org/web/20111227150039/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=1 Becoming an Uchideshi: How to Train Seriously in Japan] aikidojournal.com
Example Uchideshi Program [https://www.aikidoinfredericksburg.org/uchideshi-program/]
{{Japanese martial arts}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Uchi-Deshi}} Category:Japanese martial arts terminology