Quote:
Jacob Clapsadle wrote:
I have always wanted to visit Japan and train at some specific dojos there. If I go as a shodan, will I have to "prove myself" on the mat more than I would as a whitebelt?
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It all depends on where you train and who you train with. Some dojo/individuals still hold onto the idea that a shodan is a beginner. Others will be of the belief that "if you can't do this, you don't deserve to wear that hakama". It often comes down to "luck of the draw".
Quote:
Jacob Clapsadle wrote:
Once I have a blackbelt, is it too late to become an uchi-deshi?
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I know several people who became actual uchideshi after achieving shodan. Some dojo also offer a kenshusei course, which is like being a temporary (a couple of months or so) uchideshi. Kobayashi Sensei and Hatayama Sensei sometimes have kenshusei from overseas. You need a fair amount of money to do something like that, though.
Good luck with your test. My tip - find a helpful nidan or sandan and have them run through your grading syllabus with you until they are satisfied.