Kenshusei - Advanced Studies Program

Overview:
The level one kenshusei program consists of a four year curriculum which is split into four one-year commitments.  The program is designed to be completed in conjunction with a four year degree at one of the local universities or colleges in the Dallas area.  The student is expected to maintain their studies at the university while living at the dojo dormitory and to concurrently complete their Kenshusei martial arts training program.  The goal is for a student to achieve their Bachelors degree and Black Belt within the same time period. 

It is possible to complete the Kenshusei Program in less than the typical four years if the student continues to train over summer breaks, or enters the program with previous experience in the martial arts that transfers into their chosen course of study (just as with college credits).

The program covers the curriculum from white through Black Belt in either Gasan-Ryu Kenpo, Kodokan Judo, or Heike-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu.  The Gasan Ryu Kenpo program is overseen by Dr. Chamberlain.  The Judo and Jiu-Jitsu programs are overseen by Jim Webb, sensei, the president of the United States Judo Association (USJA). 

The level two Kenshusei program consists of an additional 1-2 years of training, designed to bring the student to instructor level status and a 2^nd or 3^rd degree Black Belt ranking.  The student's final ranking at graduation from this program will depend on their aptitude, training intensity, and previous martial arts background.  This will be discussed in depth with the student prior to the outset of their training so that realistic goals, expectations and outcomes are agreed to between both instructors and student.

It is possible to do a combined program in these studies of Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and Kenpo just as with a degree in business with a minor in finance.  Permission from the course directors must be obtained for this program which again depends upon previous experience (transfer credit), aptitude, and maintenance of the students grades in their concurrent college studies.

Residence and Training:
The picture to the left shows the door into the Kenshusei dormitory from the main house.  Facilities are clean but small and spartan.  There is a separate computer room and study area for homework.  The kanji were painted by Soke Koshiro Tanaka, the head of the Fuji-Ryu Tai-Jitsu system, from Tokyo Japan.  He painted the kanji on his recent trip to the dojo in February of 2006.  Read from top right to bottom left, the writing says: "Lift your head to the universe and a big road of opportunity lies before you".  The lowest character is "Koshiro", Tanaka sensei's signature.

Kenshusei programs are different from an Uchideshi program.  Although the Kenshusei student may live at the dojo similar to an uchideshi, their time after study and training is largely their own, and they are expected to support themselves and be involved in the pursuit of a concurrent college degree or program of continuing education.  The uchideshi in contrast is constantly involved with his training 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  To better explain this difference, the following is one of the best descriptions of an Uchideshi program.  This is from Shinjinkai Director, Meido Moore Sensei, in Chicago.

Uchideshi literally means "inside student." In the traditional Japanese arts, it has been the custom for certain committed students to reside with their teachers, similar to the apprenticeships of European tradition. Through the constant daily contact afforded by a live-in training situation, uchideshi gain knowledge from the teacher through a direct, wordless transmission, a mechanism described in Japanese as isshin den shin: "mind to mind." The student is said, over time, to take on the kiai (energy, vibration) of the teacher, similar to the way a guitar string can catch the vibration of an adjacent string.

Thus, uchideshi training is more than simply intensive practice of technique. It involves the transmission of an art's essence, from teacher to student, in a very direct and personal manner that transcends mere conceptual understanding. By living a life in which even the smallest daily activity is viewed as an opportunity for training and refinement, uchideshi seek not only to understand their art, but to embody it with their entire being.

Particularly in the martial arts, this sort of apprenticeship is somewhat severe in flavor, in keeping with the urgent, life-and-death atmosphere of the martial context. The student is challenged physically, mentally and emotionally to overcome all self-imposed limitations. Attention to detail, strong energy, and a dauntless, brave state of mind are stressed. Training can at times be harsh, and little attention is paid to an uchideshi's personal feelings. Criticism is biting and pointed. Very direct methods are used to motivate or scold uchideshi. Often, the manner in which this type of training is taken by the uchideshi is more important than the actual words said by the teacher.

However, the ultimate goal of the training is not simply to transform students into tough martial art practitioners. It is to very directly show them their mental, physical and even spiritual weaknesses, and the way to overcome them. Uchideshi learn quickly that their capabilities as human beings are much greater than they had thought. Like a shining sword that is forged from rough ore through constant fire and hammering, the end result of uchideshi training should be something both strong and beautiful. A compassionate, focused and intensely energetic individual is the goal. These are the people who should be qualified to carry on the lineage of an art, and to help others using the wisdom gained from long years of self-forging.  Shinjinkai Director, Meido Moore Sensei, Chicago.

Commitment:
An average of 10 hours per week are spent training within the core curriculum of the system chosen, although accelerated training is available during summer sessions, similar to that offered by the Kodokan in Japan, with 8 hours per day of training.  As part of their instruction in dojo and organizational operation, kenshusei will be called upon to also assist in office and other activities.

Upon initially entering the kenshusei program, students are considered probationary participants for three months. At the end of that period, if their participation is not successful, they may choose to leave or they may be removed from the program by the Director. If the first three months are successfully passed, the kenshusei must then commit to remaining for the balance of the first year.

Cost:
The program includes all classes and instruction within the martial arts style/ryu chosen.  Dormitory housing next to the dojo is included as are the utilities (gas, electric, water, etc).  Food is not included.  The total for the program is $500 a month.  Accelerated programs are available during the summer (June-August) and should be discussed with the director.

Application and Interview:
Persons wishing to apply for kenshusei training should personally contact the Directors by email or telephone. A personal interview is required before acceptance into the initial three-month probation period. Unknown persons may be asked to first relocate to Dallas and begin regular training before being considered for kenshusei training.
Email: Shihan@DallasKenpo.com  Phone:  214-351-5367

Note: as we receive many requests for kenshusei program information, please understand that we cannot spend time answering casual questions. This page contains all information available to unknown persons. If you are interested in this training, but have not yet met with one of the Directors, you will at minimum be asked to come to Dallas to train for several days. Please do not inquire unless you are prepared and willing to do so; thank you for your consideration.