Junior Deshi Program
To recognize and reward ASNJ students, ages 10-17, who make Aikido a focus of their lives, we have created the Junior Deshi Program. “Deshi” is Japanese for disciple. This program is open to all junior students at ASNJ. Students must be invited by the Director of the Children’s Program as well as recommended by the student’s instructors. This program is by invitation only and students must keep up with the requirements to stay in the program. A candidate will need to perform a 6-month trial period prior to being fully accepted into the program.
Requirements:
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10 years of age or older
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Regular attendance with, generally, no more than one absence a month
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Is a Role model when in and out of the dojo
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Knowledge of Aikido attacks and techniques
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Mastery of Aikido basics
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Works hard in all classes and sets an example of what being an Aikido student entails
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Keeps a minimum of a B average in school
Students that are accepted into the Junior Deshi program will get the following:
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An induction ceremony lead by Sensei during a dojo event after the trial period
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Junior Deshi ‘Harmony’ patch to be worn on their gi
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A certificate to memorialize all their hard work and membership
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Junior Deshi only Monthly classes
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Junior Deshi only Iaido classes
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Upon completion of the program, a college recommendation letter outlining their accomplishments
Roles and Expectations
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Take ukemi for the instructor during Children’s classes
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Will be asked to lead class warm-ups
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At the discretion of the instructor, Junior Deshi will be asked to teach Children’s classes with a mentor monitoring
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Help other students in class
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Work as partner/uke with all new students
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Set an example in class in both attitude and dedication
Our Junior Deshi's
Shanaia Puch
Junior Deshi
1st Kyu
Shanaia started Aikido in October 2016 when her parents were looking for a martial art that might help her overcome some of her shyness. They were looking for something that wasn’t aggressive or violent. Aikido seemed perfect so they brought her to watch and try a class: Shanaia was hooked. Since that day, Aikido has become an integral part of her life and she has developed into a confident
young person.
Shanaia was in the first group of kids to become Junior Deshi and helps teach the
kid’s classes. Her hobbies are drawing, music, and she loves to dance.
Jeremy Burt
Junior Deshi
1st Kyu
Jeremy started taking Aikido in September of 2013 at the age of 7. He initially enrolled in Aikido classes because he was being bullied at school. Since then, he has gained the confidence andvability to defend himself so those bullies don’t matter anymore. As one of the original Jr. Deshi’s he is very eager to continue his Aikido training.
Jeremy loves WWE, video games, and playing the piano. He will graduate from high school as part of the class of 2024. He is currently undecided about his career path.
Naelys M. Lopez
Junior Deshi
1st Kyu
Naelys became a Junior Deshi in the first group admitted into the program when she was 14. She has been practicing Aikido since the age of 12 and is a homeschooled high school freshman.
Her favorite techniques on the mat are Nikkyo and Rokkyo. On weekends, she babysits, teaches Catechism to 4- to 5-year old children and helps with Children's classes at the Dojo. When she is not at the Dojo, Naelys enjoys listening to music, singing, and cooking. One of her proudest moments in Aikido was being called up as Yamada Sensei’s uke during his class at the NY Aikikai.
Derrell Thomas Jr. (DJ)
Junior Deshi
5th Kyu
DJ started training in 2015, at the age of 6. He went through the children's ranks up to blue / purple belt before taking 5th Kyu in 2020. He is very excited about the opportunity of becoming a Junior Deshi. Both of his parents train and are long time members. They are proud and supportive of his efforts.
He enjoys art and video games in his spare time.
Eva Morrow
Junior Deshi
5th Kyu
Eva began training in Aikido in 2019, when she was in the 5th grade. Just over a year after having participated actively in the Children’s program she earned the rank of 5th kyu and was shortly thereafter invited to join the Junior Deshi program.
She really loves Aikido practice and has enjoys assisting the Children’s classes where three of her six siblings also practice Aikido. She now enjoys the Adult classes which she takes with her father, also a student at ASNJ, They enjoy practicing Aikido at home. When she is not at the dojo, Eva enjoys baking and basketball.