Cat versus Kendo

darn it - just as I got past my first grading and have earned the right to wear hakama and gi, my poor cat Lionel got attacked and seriously injured, costing me HUNDREDS of dollars in vet bills. Now my kendo savings are spent on medical bills. This disappointing, but imagine how much I will love my kendo clothing and armour when I eventually manage to save up for it again.

Our next grading is in January and will be much tougher with a panel of five black belts.

This brings me to my hidden point:

Something you have to work hard for becomes much more valuable to you when you eventually succeed. Conversely, if you have things handed to you on a plate [so to speak] you may not appreciate them as much as if you had to earn them.

I am sure similar messages can be shared from some of you who work hard to succeed in your personal sports or hobbies. Please tell me your story here...

Beginners guide to Kendo

Tomorrow night, 6:00-7:30pm at the School of Ed gym, beginner's kendo classes start. I'm going - anyone else?  

Here are some online beginner's guides:

http://www.learnkendo.com/lesson_basics.htm

http://www.mushinkankendo.com/lesson_one.html

http://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo_basics.html

Kendo

Who has done or currently practises a martial art?
I recommend it. You learn alot about yourself, your body, and you have to have discipline, fitness, and determination. It's good for your coordination, flexibility, breathing, balance, strength and memory, no matter which style you choose to learn. You make new friends and grow in confidence.
I started many years ago with Tae kwon do, which lead me into stick fighting, kick boxing, and a bit of boxing. After that I really enjoyed Aikido, which I recommend. Now however, I'm considering trying Kendo, as it looks like my decrepid old body could handle it. It also has a slight relationship to Aikido, which I really enjoyed, as they both relate to the japanese sword fighting techniques of the samurai.
I find it all rather fascinating - does anyone else?
Feel free to share your own thoughts or experiences here.
:-)

utube kendo in slow mo - very cool