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Being Uchi Deshi |
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Sleeping traditional style in
Japan
When laying out the futons for sleeping,
put them in orderly rows. In the mornings, make sure to wake
up and get get out of bed right away. Do not lie around.
Bedding is folded properly and put away directly after
getting up. There is a certain way of folding the bedding
and a certain place for it as well. Ask someone to show you
how. Make sure to always place it neatly as shown. In some
places there is a closet (oshiire) specifically for storing
futon and bedding. Your bedding should either be hung out to
air or stowed away in the oshiire, or other designated
storage space. |
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Oshiire |
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Inside / outside
Be aware of the different levels in Japan; the ground is
considered dirty and shoes are taken off when you step up
one level, as when entering a house, dojo etc. When in
doubt, look to see if other people’s outdoor shoes are
placed there, or ask! The same goes for things you are
carrying: carry bags and other items should not be put on
the ground if you are going to put them inside a house. Find
an elevated place such as a bench etc. to park your bags
when not holding them.
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In general in the dojo:
food money,
cooking meals (Toban) etc.
Check how much is to be paid per week, and pay promptly.
Apart from the work you are expected to do, you should also
train your awareness to find anything that needs to be done
on your own. Ask the dojo sempai what work should be taken
care of, but try to take the initiative yourself to get the
job done. If you notice something that needs to be picked
up, cleaned up or repaired, do it !
In Japan energy is very expensive. Make a habit of turning
off lights when you do not need them, or when you leave a
room. Remember also to close doors after you. Observe what
other people who know about the dojo are doing, and follow
suit.
Expenses
If extra practice is scheduled during your uchi deshi stay,
you should not use the excuse of insufficient funds to not
participate in these practices. Be prepared for extra
expenses during your stay.
Keiko gi
Wash your keiko-gi frequently - after every practice if you
sweat heavily. Japanese people are sensitive to body odors (
and many Western people are not - especially not to their
own! ). Shower every day, and use cold water as much as
possible. If during the cold seasons, use the warm water
sparingly.
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Shoes for training outdoors
You will need outdoor shoes if you are doing outdoor weapons practice.
Sandals are not allowed, since your feet will get muddy and
this will be the same as walking barefoot if you have to go
back into the dojo. Get some kind of rubber-soled shoes or
sneakers, slip-ons are good since you will be doing a lot of
getting in and out of them. You will also need them for
wearing around the dojo area.
Clothing
You will need easy everyday clothes such as sweat suits for
working in, as well as wearing around the dojo and in Iwama.
Also one good set of clothes for parties and going out: A
shirt with a collar ( poloshirt / short sleeved shirt for
summer or long sleeved shirt with collar for fall / winter)
and a pair of pants ( not jeans ) will be good enough for
most occasions. You may also need a pair of presentable
shoes for dressing up. No sandals! Note: you will have your
shoes off inside houses and dojos in Japan. Take care that
your socks are clean, and without holes.
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