'inside student') is a Japanese term for a live-in student/apprentice who trains under and assists a sensei on a full-time basis.
The system exists in kabuki, rakugo, shogi, igo, aikido, sumo, karate and other modern Japanese martial arts.
In contrast to uchi-deshi, students who live outside are referred to as soto-deshi (外弟子, lit.
Historically, an uchi-deshi was typically chosen and groomed to become the next head of a school of martial arts when a direct family member was not available.
For example, kenshūsei of the Kodokan dojo began training for Olympic Judo competition in 1960.