Sunda Mizu Dojo

History
The Clear Water Academy is the oldest dojo of the Crab Clan. Some say that the Kaiu Kabe iself is the largest dojo of the Crab, but no Crab samurai are allowed to face the Shadowlands without proper training firstm. For most bushi that is here. Sunda Mizu Mura is one of Rokugan's oldest villages, and has housed the dojo for centuries. The dojo's grey stone architecture dominates all the other structures in the village, and was designed by Kaiu himself. During the War of Spirits the village was attacked by spirits and the villagers retreated into the dojo. Alongside the villagers the students successfully defended the structure. Some say it was the structure itself that kept them safe. Others say that the general, Hida Tsuneo, who led the assault and who was once a student here led an ineffecitive assault.

Traditions
It is said that Hida himself was the first sensei of the dojo, although that is not entirely true. What he did do however, was institute the tradition of carving the names of the students into the stone walls, and declared that no names would be allowed to be removed or come to ruin. Names such as Hida Tadaka, Hida Tsuneo and Hida Osano-Wo can all be found here. Even student at the dojo from other clans are allowed to carve their names. When a student arrives he is given a hammer and a chisel, and told to find a place to carve his name. He is not allowed to deface an existing name, and if he is really lucky he will find a clear space next to a great hero. He must however be careful not to bring dishonor by association to that hero. Over the years the dojo has been expanded several times to make room for more names. It is commonly said by the sensei that "You may forget your training, but Sunda Mizu Dojo never forgets you".

Punishment
The punishment for bringing shame to your name would be carried out in pulic infront of the carving of their name. Because no names can be defaced other measures must be taken to cover them up. Wall hangings, carpets and chamber pots are most commonly used. One of the best examples of this, and of Crab humour in general, is the case of Hida Hideki. Hideki willingly joined the armies of Fu Leng during the Clan War, and the sensei of the dojo responed by hanging a painting of a geisha resting on a pillow covering his name. The covering and uncovering of names is left entirely up to the sensei, and there will be no discussion!

Training
The students of the dojo are trained in a variety of weapons, usually wooden replicas of those found on the wall. Most execises are done in full heavy armor, often filled with weights. Bad students are often asked to do heavy labour and even sleep in their armor, making them accustomed to the armor and to build up their stamina.

Gempukku
For their gempukku the students go into the Shadowlands, and must return with the head of a creature which they bring to the dojo for approval from their sensei. If it is a powerful creature the student is allowed to advance and the head is cleansed and put on display in the main entrance. Over the years this has ammounted to a terrifying collection. Anyone who has become tainted are immediately expelled and sent to the barracks of the Damned.

Sensei
Since few bushi can be spared to instruct the new recruits because of the constant war on the wall the sensei is usually someone with a permanent injury. He must also always be a bushi. There is also always a senior Kuni shugenja at the dojo, teaching about the inhabitants of the shadowlands. As the bushi the shugenja will be too severly wounded to serve on the Kaiu Kabe.

Notable Sensei

 * Toritaka Tatsune

Notable Students

 * Hida Hideki
 * Hida Osano-Wo
 * Hida Reiha
 * Hida Sakamoto
 * Hida Tadaka
 * Hida Tsuneo
 * Hida Yakamo

Major References

 * Way of the Samurai Pages 15-17