Ahmed Nasri
September 2008 - November 2008
Nationality: TunisianDojo: Tunisie Aikido
Mr. Nasri stayed in Tokorozawa dojo as an uchideshi for twomonths. This is his first experience to stay in Japan. Not justaikido, he seemed to have gained many things in many ways throughthis uchideshi experience.

Uchideshi Training Experience
Ahmed Nasri
The purpose of this letter is to provide a report on the results of our twomonths attending Kobayashi Dojo’s Uchideshi program.
As you will recall, I was officially presented to the Kobayashi Dojogroup in September 2008 at birth of 40 years' of Kobayashi Dojo.
After several months of administrative procedures, I was delighted to beable to start ASTER Uchideshi program in early September 2008. Now, having
completed nearly two months uchideshi of life and training at Kobayashi Dojo, I
love to share the following observations on my experience with you.
First, I was very impressed by the methodical and systematic way ofteaching which is applied at Kobayashi Dojo. I have noted that the training
began exactly on time and end on time. The same routine is used to warm upeach practice session so that all participants are willing to train. I also notedthat for each session one method of attack is usually maintained. However, dayby day, the way to attack is systematically changed so that all students regular
opportunities to practice the full range of basic techniques of aikido. This isdifferent from many other dojos aikido, where the majority of time is devoted totraining a small core of basic techniques. I even noted that the technicalcontent of the Tokorozawa dojo and Kodaira dojo are generally wellcoordinated.
I also observed that each training session includes a technique based onsuwariwaza and that near the end of each session at least 15 minutes is devoted
to training either Jo or Bokken. The systematic focus on Jo-Bokken training issomething that is very distinctive Kobayashi Dojos. In addition, I found thatmost sessions include a short period of time to study the latter part of the session.
This allows students to practice specific techniques in preparation forclassification. The structured approach each practice used in the system
Kobayashi actually a very rich learning environment. He also aikido easiest tolearn and is certainly a factor that has contributed to growth in student numbersin the network Kobayashi Dojo.
The last two months he gave me an excellent opportunity to observe andlearn from Kobayashi style of Aikido. I have been impressed by the circularand fluid style of Aikido practiced in the system of Kobayashi dojo. Although
I am trained in "hard" before styles, there is no doubt that the style Kobayashi
Dojo may be an effective method when applied by a qualified practitioner. Thestyle of Aikido Kobayashi seems to be well adapted to an environment wherestudents of all ages and skill levels practice together. It seems to foster acollegial atmosphere in the dojo and results in a remarkably low level of injuries.
I have been surprised how few accidents occurred in the dojo, especially given
the relatively large number of students training in a small amount of space.
Kobayashi sensei also noted that Kobayashi Dojo’s instructors toparticipate fully in training with other students. Unlike most instructors inother dojos, Kobayashi sensei and demonstrate its technical instructors withpartners of all skill levels and take systematically "ukemi" as well as delivery
techniques. This "humble" approach to teaching creates an atmosphere werestudents feel comfortable to make mistakes and learn without fear ofembarrassment or ridicule. It also allows students to feel good Ukemi"first-hand. I have observed the same difference in approach to Aikido Enbukai(demonstration), where Kobayashi sensei selected a section of students as his"UKE" instead of the instructors or a young uchideshi. This was in contrast todemonstrations by many other shihans.
Another feature of my experience at Kobayashi Dojos was anopportunity to participate in regular training of children. I took many notes thespecial attention given by the system Kobayashi to training and nurturing young
Aikido-ka. The emphasis on making Aikido fun for children while graduallybuilding their physical and mental skills is something that Kobayashi Dojo
seems to have really developed. I noted how young students are gradually
integrated into classes for adults through training on Sunday. The higheststudents seem happy to accept the responsibility to teach younger students, even
if they end up sacrificing their own training from time to time.
Another distinctive feature of Aikido Kobayashi is the atmosphereprevailing in the dojo, before, during and after training. I noted that all
students have always been courteous and polite to each other and respect for thedojo's label carefully. After training, it has always been an informal meeting ofstudents around tea and sweets.
This post-social contributes to asense of the dojo as a "club" rather
than just "gym". I also had theprivilege to participate in manyother social activities with othermembers of the dojo. All theevents of the obligations to help
students with the dojo and isprobably an important factor thathas contributed to the success ofKobayashi Dojo. I noted that although the instructors were all treated withgreat respect by students, they participate in all social events and mix withstudents. I noted how instructors seem to take a real interest in life andactivities of their students.
My experience as an uchideshi has also given us an insider view of theadministrative part of running a successful dojo. There is no doubt in my mind
that one of the main factors for the success of Kobayashi Dojo superb hotel iswhat happens behind the scenes. I had the privilege to attend the weekly
meeting of the "inner circle" of Kobayashi Dojo instructors. From thisexperience, I realize how much effort is required to maintain such anorganization to work well and avoid problems in administrative matters.
Indeed, because the administrative part of the Dojo is running so well, theireffort is barely visible to most students. I was very impressed by the role
played by senior uchideshi, Mr. Shinozaki, to facilitate the functioning of dojo
and uchideshi program. Just look at the long legacy of the former Kobayashi
Dojo uchideshi who have "graduated" and open their own dojos to achieve thesuccess of the uchideshi is in preparation for future instructors of Aikido.
One of the distinguishing features of the uchideshi is the level of activity.
I originally planned to have more free time to use the dojo of the vast library of
Aikido and videos or books. Unfortunately, the timing of intensive training,travel between the dojos and constant cleaning routine left me little free time.
Even the preparation of regular meals and get adequate sleep proved to be achallenge.
To come to Japan to deepen my knowledge of Aikido has been a dreamfor me. Making this dream come true at Kobayashi Dojo was an experience I
will never forget. I hope to express my sincere gratitude to Yasuo Kobayashi
dojocho, Hiroaki sensei, and the other instructors of Kobayashi Dojo for theopportunity they gave to me. I am grateful to the contributors of Musubi
Fund for financial assistance, without which I will not have benefited from thisexperience. Thank you Kasahara sensei for his guidance and translation
during my stay and my co-uchideshi Mr. Shinozaki for his help. I also
express special thanks to both Mrs. Kobayashi and Miyoko-san, who treatedme like their family member, opening their homes for my food when I mostneeded. Finally, I express my gratitude to all the Kobayashi Dojo students
with whom I trained with.
In conclusion, please accept my most sincere thanks for this "once in a
lifetime experience."