O Tomo and Deshi Training

Etiquette training for senior students should be undertaken with the same dedication as other techniques and it should be understood that each form has meaning and purpose and must be practiced with full commitment. Senior Reigi has its roots in the Uchi Deshi and O Tomo traditions. Uchi Deshi means "house disciple" and denotes an apprentice who lives in the dojo and spends most, if not all, the time training or taking care of the dojo and/or the sensei. In some dojo, Uchi Deshi training lasts for a set period of six months to a year. In others, the arrangement might develop naturally from the needs of the dojo, the sensei, and the student. It is a very intense and special time in one's training.

O Tomo means "friend" and is the person who serves the sensei during special training sessions, trips, and other times away from the dojo. The O Tomo is in service around the clock while the Uchi Deshi usually serves in the confines of the dojo. The O Tomo must accompany the sensei for longer periods and is oftentimes required to share meals as well as sleeping quarters. S/he is responsible for assisting the sensei in all aspects of daily living and the extra complications of seminars and travel. This type of training creates more of a personal bond between student and teacher. However, it should be avoided if it begins to interfere with regular practice. Both traditions require acute awareness and a willingness to serve. Uchi Deshi often become instructors and, indeed, senior level instructors who help to carry on and develop the arts they represent. The roles of Uchi Deshi and O Tomo are advanced types of training and are generally undertaken by Yudansha (black-belt students) of the dojo. However, with the changing times, many variations and gradations on this theme are available. Most programs do not require a live-in student; the current trend is for many members of each dojo to share the traditional duties of O Tomo and Uchi Deshi. The Purpose
The purpose of these traditions is to train the student in awareness, posture, breathing, and commitment. Most often there is a personal dedication to the sensei. The reigi training should be directed at all times equally. It is for our own training that we follow the forms of reigi. We learn what not to do as much as we learn what we should do by serving the dojo and the sensei. The Pitfalls
There are a number of pitfalls in this type of intensive training. One is the assumption that the dojo and the sensei are infallible or provide the only "true way". Another pitfall is viewing reigi training as an activity reserved for an elite corps. The deshi are the servers of the dojo and are there to help everyone. Far from receiving special treatment, deshi are the first to leave an important training session to pick up lunch or do the laundry. The reward for undertaking this training is the training itself. The following rules were created for this dojo in careful awareness of these needs:

• Typically the deshi attends all classes. If the deshi is of an appropriate rank, s/he will assist certain classes and eventually teach. The deshi is responsible for the everyday operations of the dojo, with special emphasis on cleaning. If possible, the deshi should open and close the dojo each day. When the sensei arrives, s/he must be greeted as close to the entrance as possible and relieved of any bags and/or equipment. The proper greeting is the Rei (bow) from the seiza position. The reverse process occurs when the sensei leaves the dojo.
• Deshi who arrive after or leave before the sensei should, in a sense, ask leave, by greeting the sensei and/or saying goodnight. Helpful Japanese phrases for these situations are: "Gomen kudasai osoi desu" (Sorry, I¹m late) and "O saki ni shitsurei shimasu" (Excuse me for leaving before you).

The care one takes toward the Sensei as deshi or O Tomo could transfer readily to a sick friend, relative, or to anyone in need of such attention. The sure sign that one is a deshi is the lack of any ill feelings when one is expected to act or is treated like, one who serves.