Uchi-Deshi [内弟子]

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

This particular term translates to English to mean, "private pupil; apprentice." The first character translates to mean in English, "inside; within; between; among; house; home," the second to, "younger brother; faithful service to elders," and the last one to, "child; sign of the rat; first sign of the Chinese zodiac." 

Before we continue, most of us have already noticed that when translating individual kanji we sometimes get some strange English meanings. This is what is wonderful about using these terms, ideograms and translations is you get a variety of possibilities and that is the point. Like the Zen Koan's, it triggers in my mind the creative mind so I can go beyond what is taught to what is "possible." Ok, nuff said, let's continue.

At this source (https://tinyurl.com/y64x98rz) it refers to a meaning of, "inside student." It continues to explain what that means, it refers to a live-in student or apprentice who, "trains under and assists a sensei on a full time basis." I feel where it diverges is the mythical stories about how a student must prove their commitment by first working at menial tasks until they finally reach a point of discouragement and frustration and ready to quit state. 

I really do believe this was fostered by the story telling in the last century or so along with the fairy-tale like stories that are handed down. In karate, this is in my mind a false term because karate has not been around long enough to have that type of commitment, live-in students. Then I consider the translation, private pupil; apprentice, to mean "not a live-in" but rather the type of student that we often call, "senpai." Someone dedicated enough, who works hard enough and has a strong commitment who is tasked to teach the novices, i.e., an assistant teacher under sensei's guidance. 

Go ahead and click that link above and read more in the wikipedia section, it is interesting. Note the principle of yin/yang appears, i.e., Uchi-deshi has its opposite of "soto-deshi [外弟子] to mean in this instance, "outside student." 

I quote also, "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." 

Just remember, there is little or no true documented by an acceptable authority that uchi/soto-deshi actually existed historically except in the tall tales passed down by word of mouth until they finally were written into books. Remember also, the book on the Samurai Code, bushido, didn't exist until late 1800's/early 1900's when written by Nitobe Sensei. Yet, many believe wholeheartedly that it was the guide to all Samurai of the feudal era of Japan. 

Note as well, just because I say it is so does not mean or prove that it is so simply because many of the modern Japanese/Okinawan dojo today actually use the term and have uchi-deshi, etc. 

For instance, at koryu.com, the question was asked, "Are there any uchi-deshi programs in classical martial arts?" They answered thusly, "We've never heard of any such programs, but that doesn't mean that one couldn't possibly exist somewhere. Ask your instructor."

Granted, it is a fun story and it is interesting and it does make for a good story line as insinuated by the movie, "Karate Kid." But, the reality of it is highly questionable. Nuff said...

Note: "East Asian culture, especially in regards to martial arts, tends to be mystified in mainstream media representations in North America, which is a distinct contrast to the far less exotic reality of physical violence." - The Martial Poet

Note: "Although I have very rarely competed in martial arts, those I know who have all say the same thing—it’s nice to be recognized if you win, get a medal, and have your picture taken, but it doesn’t change your life. The same is true for rank promotions and seminars." - The Martial Poet

Note: I like this one especially. "In Karate, it has long been asserted (optimistically to a fault) that a practitioner’s moral development and skill acquisition are inexorably linked to one another, such that, “No matter how you may excel in the art of Te or your scholastic endeavors, nothing is more important than your behavior and your humanity as observed in daily life.” Ethics aside, The Karate Kid reinforces the fallacy that if you’re a good person, you will be better at martial arts." - The Martial Poet

https://themartialpoet.home.blog/2020/10/01/what-the-karate-kid-taught-me-wrong/

For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)