[23InetrySypekek]

Matthew I know how you feel. Even in Japan some people are somewhat over zealous.

One guy used to try and take my hand off. He would physicaly hit the floor if he missed. My sensei at that time (now departed) laughingly said my chudan wasnt strong enough. I worked on it and sure enough the over-strong ones are a bit more predictable and get impaled as they took so much time to do those "big" cuts.

If some one used to try that on Jeff he would up-end them as they came in. Bit dangerous but effective!

I had a Junior high school boy last year that was very good But he had a nasty habit of pile driving the men-gane and would break one shinai per session. I had him do hours of kakari geiko to try and appreciate relaxed kendo after getting worn down and he didnt ever tire!

But Matthew what if you did Kenjutsu? We dont wear armour! Cuts finish lower than Gedan a few centimeters off the floor. The only advantage is you do know whats coming but.... you don't know when. You have to read it right and respond or get injured. Only one broken finger up to now as I didnt raise my hands quick enough to parry. Sensei has been down a few times, twice as a result of a 6ft Bo.

Still its not table tennis we do is it?

Hyaku