Individuals who apply to live in the dojo (uchideshi) must put their training and the dojo above their own personal needs for the duration of their stay. Applications will be considered for a period of up to three months; after this point, an interview will be conducted to evaluate the student's commitment to training. Uchideshi must:

  • Attend all classes at the dojo. This includes training in Aikido, Weapons, Iaido, Zen and Misogi. An approximate day is four hours of training, not including self study and samu.

  • Perform daily samu. Samu, or work practice, will include: cleaning, repairs to the dojo, gardening, baking, cooking, and other necessary dojo related projects.

  • Train at least once a week with Juba Nour Shihan, Chief Instructor of Aikido of Manhattan.

  • Attend any and all local Birankai training seminars that are being held while living at the dojo.

  • Attend any weekend sesshins held while living at the dojo. The sesshins are conducted by Eido Shimano Roshi, the zen master in residence at Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji.

Individuals living in the dojo will have a free period from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening, provided there are no local seminars, sesshins, or special dojo training events conducted on the weekends.

Application

The application must include:

  • A letter stating the student's interest and intentions for living at the Brooklyn Aikikai dojo.

  • A resume, including a history of education, profession, martial arts training, et cetera.

  • A letter of recommendation from the student's present instructor (if applicable).

  • Proof of emergency medical insurance coverage, which must be maintained throughout the term of the individual's stay.

Expenses

Tuition and Rent (including utilities)*: $600.00 monthly; $175.00 weekly. This includes training in Aikido, Weapons, Iaido, Zen and Misogi.

Equipment: Uniforms and weapons are required and can be purchased if the student does not already have them: Gi: $45.00. Bokken and Jyo: $130.00.

Food: Individuals living in the dojo are responsible for contributing to the cost of food. Most often we eat communally and uchideshi must take turns cooking homemade meals.

Laundry: Washing and drying machines are located up the street from the dojo. An approximate wash load is $2.00 and a dry cycle is $1.50. Soap is available for purchase at the laundromat.

Telephone: If the individual does not have his/her own phone, s/he will contribute to the dojo phone bill.

* If fee presents significant financial burden, please speak to Chief Instructor.

Average weekend Aikido seminar: $90.00.

Weekend sesshin fee at Sho Bo Ji temple: $120.00.

Transportation (for New York subway): $2.00/per ride.