I want to study in Iwama -
Here are the basics of what you will need to know for a successful period of study in Iwama.Probably the most important aspect is to understand that all parts of the uchideshi life are training, it's all training. Perseverance and a positive mental attitude will make your experience a life enhancing one, good luck!

Lengths of stay at the Dojo -
There are three lengths of stay you can do.
A. Short time visit to the Dojo; from a weekend to a few weeks.
B. Middle range commitment; a month, to a few months.
C. Long range commitment; from 6 months to a year. (It is best to decide on the amount of time that you will stay a the Dojo and commit to it so that Sensei will understand how best to lead your training)

Previous Experience in Iwama Style Aikido -
We believe that all Aikido came from O'sensei allstudents with an open mind and willingness to immerse themselves in training welcome to our Dojo.

Physical and spiritual requirements for Uchideshi -
From the beginning when O'Sensei first came to Iwama, up until this moment of time, the training has always been very focused on precision of technique. This is the basic process for developing a person not only technically, but spiritually. Open your mind, leave your ego in your home country, and be ready to experientially take part in training.

There have been people in their 60's that have trained with Sensei that could do all of the training. You have to just take responsibility for your self and know your physical limitations and train appropriately. Focused training should never be synonymous with injuries.

Uchideshi work requirements - off the mat -
This work is part of your training. One of the traditional practices from anchinet times is that of cleaning the Dojo. Not just cleaning for the sake of being clean, but a practice in which you are also cleansing your heart, feelings, and body through the act of cleaning. So there are many opportunities for the practice of cleaning at the Dojo.

Japanese Langauge skills -
If you speak a little Japanese it can't hurt. This shows openesss to the japanese culture. Fluency is not required.

The most important factor is the acceptance of Dojo customs and Japanese culture. Some of this you will already know from your Dojo in your home country, and some of it you will not know. Having your mind open to experiencing the culture will give you the mindset to get the most out of your uchideshi experience.

Uchideshi living arrangement -
There are different arrangements that we have depending on the number of students staying at any given time. Men and women have separate living quarters at all times. The main thing to understand is that it is definitely communal living. Consideration for others and practicing blending is very important to be successful in the Dojo.  Not only is there a different culture in Japan that you will need to blend with, but also many times there are people from different parts of the world that you might be uchideshi with. If you embrace this unique opportunity it can be one of the most memorable experiences in your life.

Meals/Food at the Dojo -
Generally all the students sit down and has their meals together. The evening meals are more formal in which the uchideshi take turns shopping and preparing the dinner meals. Things at the Dojo are flexible and you should also be flexible so that you won't get indigestion.

Making Arrangements for your Stay -
Please make contact with Hitohiro Saito Sensei's Dojo and get approval in advance.
This is most important, we want to make sure that Sensei will be at the Dojo when you arrive. His schedule is busy and varied. Please contact the Dojo directly at this email address -   iwamajuku@ybb.ne.jp