An Essay by Otto Lam
Without question, a one week stay at Kobayashi dojo
was far too short. However, as anyone familiar with theKobayashi family would agree, this would hardly be any
cause for complaint. The opportunity to train with theKobayashi family in the traditional Japanese apprentice styleis something that apart from its modern day unwontedness,
is quite a privilege. Those experienced with uchideshi
training and the rigors of the daily chores andresponsibilities that come with it are able to focus more on
the training itself, and attune themselves to Kobayashi sensei’s spirit imbued in
the dojo’s training methods, rituals, members and of course Aikido. It is
important for those of us who are serious about Aikido, to learn all that we can,from as close to O-sensei as possible. To be trained in a style similar to how Osensei himself trained and by no less than yet another one of his live in students,
one always has so much farther to go and yet we know that we are on the rightpath.
The uchideshi lifestyle can be quite profound for many, but for those whoare dedicated to anything in life, it goes without saying that elements of any
disciplined lifestyle become matters of routine, facilitating deeper focus to theskills one is trying to develop. Being no stranger to this way of life, the quick
adjustment to the uchideshi program here was both seamless and beneficial
considering the shortness of the stay. The focus therefore, was clearly centeredon the Aikido itself as it was presented by Sensei and the dojo’s regular students.
The life of the uchideshi is not a troublesome or difficult thing, but merely adifferent mode. If one regularly treats daily life in this way, things such as
waking up early, being self sufficient, hygienic, training hard, and supporting
others, adjusting to life at Kobayashi dojo, should present little difficulty.
Sensei’s classes would always be a fullhouse leaving everyone squandering for mat
space, increasing each person’s awareness of
their surroundings both when applying andreceiving techniques. It was always important to
get up quickly after being thrown as well as tostay sharp, making split second decisions as towhen to take tobi-ukemi, or when to role backand stop, or when to role out of the way.
Throughout such crowded sessions, Sensei
would wander randomly through the crowded
tatami creating an ever watchful presence, as
well as an additional random element to avoid
when being thrown or when throwing. As

randomly as Sensei would wander, it became quite normal to get up from athrow and suddenly find Sensei himself in front of you as your next uke or nage.
Sensei’s being permeated the dojo through the techniques that all the senior
students applied and that all the junior students reflected in their various stagesof competency. Though we don’t always have the chance to physically connect
with Sensei in a technique, we are always tuned into him through a heightenedawareness of each other in this way.
One of the best things about training in traditional settings is the custom,
often new to the visitor but well rooted in tradition. One of the customs in
Kobayashi dojo is that of sharing tea after practice. After each session, a large
picnic like mat would be spread on the tatami and tea and sometimes sweets
would be served. During such times, Sensei would sit in a spot overlooking thedojo, sometimes sipping his tea, sometimes sharing light conversation, and often
just watching as other students continued free practice. Feeling that connection
with Sensei meant that weather you were sipping tea or talking to sempai or
whether you were free practicing, you would always be aware of Sensei sittingat the edge of the tea mat, watching, and monitoring everything, and everyone. It
was like a father watching his children in the yard from the living room window.
It was yet another one of those things that made training at Kobayashi dojo,
more like being part of a family, a very strong and good feeling that sort ofhummed in the background sub-consciousness during free practice.
Though it was really too short a stay to comment profoundly, it wascertainly a rare opportunity and a privilege. The experience offered yet anotherchance to connect directly with O-sensei’s remaining deshi. After establishingsuch a connection, further time spent could only transmit deeper levels oftradition, training and of course, Aikido. Perhaps the fondest experience wassharing tea with Sensei after practice as he showed his old photo album. It had
pictures of Kobayashi Sensei and my old teacher Kanai Sensei, when they
themselves were uchideshi under O-sensei at Hombu dojo. It truly makes one
feel close, like part of a great family. It has been quite fortunate for me to havecreated a rapport here, and the deepest appreciation goes out to Kobayashi
sensei for granting this special opportunity as i look forward to further training
and cups of tea.