Uchi-deshi

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Uchi-deshi (内弟子:うちでし, Uchi-deshi^?) is a Japanese term for a live-in student who trains under and assists a sensei, on a full-time basis. (From uchi for "inside" and deshi for "student"). The term is most commonly used in the budō arts. The precise definition of uchi-deshi might be difficult to pinpoint; according to some definitions an uchi-deshi lives in the dojo where he trains or in the home of the teacher. In other words, he serves the teacher all day, every day. In contrast, students who live outside are referred to as soto-deshi. However, there are many people who are often referred to as uchi-deshi who did not live in the very dojo. In this case the distinction is between the full-time apprentice and regular students.