I know it's been a few years since this was filmed. Still... This was filmed just after the memorial day of Hitohiro sensei's father's death. The people showed up unannounced (you never do that anywhere in Japan), especially when you come as a student and with a TV team in tow. A lot of the drama has been exaggerated for dramatic effect, although a basic Aikido understanding is required of the Uchideshi before they arrive and I think you can tell that she is much more out of her element than the guy that comes with her. Also, this is made by National Geographic who make the worst martial arts documentaries around, (Empty Mind films probably make the best). The big difference between budo in the west and in Japan is that westerners join to be taught, while Japanese students join for the opportunity to learn i.e don't see it as a catering deal. It is a miracle that they were let in at all and not even asking what to get even though there were bottles in the shrine at the dojo says something.