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**CDCL7WKJ** · 12-31-2005, 07:00 AM

The most common "quitting time" for new students in our dojo is a month or 2 after they get into bogu. The entire dynamic of training changes SO much when you begin training in bogu - many students don't like the shift. Some quit, and some work through it. I remember feeling so awkward, frustrated, and dumb. I had finally learned how to hold a shiani correctly and now I have stiff oven mitts on my hands and people are whacking me left and right.
I would stick with it for a bit more - at least until you get more comfortable in your bogu. If you still hate it, maybe Kendo isn't right for you.

Yes, indeed. This I can agree with totally. I once had the chance of talking to a high-ranking sensei through the internet privately and (I don't want to mention names here...) he told me that there has to be some hard things. He said that Kendo isn't supposed to be all fun and games. When you're a beginner you're allowed leeway (sp?) and you can make mistakes, but once you get into bogu, the world just turns upside down and your mistakes end up as openings for your sempai/sensei to hit, yes? This can be frustrating--I've heard stories from my father about some kids who just broke down and cried because of how frustrating it is. I can relate...Sometimes I just want to throw down my shinai and scream in anger at how little I can do. But...when things like this happen, you can only blame yourself and use it as motivation to keep going. Kendo isn't supposed to be easy. Without hardships it wouldn't be called the Way of the Sword. It also wouldn't be as satisfying as it is to finish a practice knowing you've put in your effort.

My advice: don't give up. Kendo is about preserverance (sp?). And yes...your sensei was right when he said it is a very mental martial art. Get hard-headed and then try again. If it doesn't work...then it's not for you.

12-31-2005, 07:00 AM	#16
CDCL7WKJ Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 472 Senior Member	The most common "quitting time" for new students in our dojo is a month or 2 after they get into bogu. The entire dynamic of training changes SO much when you begin training in bogu - many students don't like the shift. Some quit, and some work through it. I remember feeling so awkward, frustrated, and dumb. I had finally learned how to hold a shiani correctly and now I have stiff oven mitts on my hands and people are whacking me left and right. I would stick with it for a bit more - at least until you get more comfortable in your bogu. If you still hate it, maybe Kendo isn't right for you. Yes, indeed. This I can agree with totally. I once had the chance of talking to a high-ranking sensei through the internet privately and (I don't want to mention names here...) he told me that there has to be some hard things. He said that Kendo isn't supposed to be all fun and games. When you're a beginner you're allowed leeway (sp?) and you can make mistakes, but once you get into bogu, the world just turns upside down and your mistakes end up as openings for your sempai/sensei to hit, yes? This can be frustrating--I've heard stories from my father about some kids who just broke down and cried because of how frustrating it is. I can relate...Sometimes I just want to throw down my shinai and scream in anger at how little I can do. But...when things like this happen, you can only blame yourself and use it as motivation to keep going. Kendo isn't supposed to be easy. Without hardships it wouldn't be called the Way of the Sword. It also wouldn't be as satisfying as it is to finish a practice knowing you've put in your effort. My advice: don't give up. Kendo is about preserverance (sp?). And yes...your sensei was right when he said it is a very mental martial art. Get hard-headed and then try again. If it doesn't work...then it's not for you.
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