[ananciguinter]

In kendo, theres always a sence of "I`m the best" aura anywhere you go (dojo, tournament match, practice). Not in a bad way, but more of a positive "im not going to give up" sort of feeling.

For instance, in practice you always feel the sensei's are keeping an eye on ONLY you. Theres always this "feeling" i cant explain.. but makes you want to practice even harder. And during that 1 practice where sensei says "goodjob" or " you looked good out there today" you remember for WEEKS making u want to try harder and harder just because of 2 words your sensei said to you.

Whenever Im motodachi and someone is hitting me, I always have this "feeling" and look that I give to the other person such as "Yeah tahts right! Im crazy! fear me!"



I cant really explain the feeling ... but i know some of you know what im talking about. If someone go further with this , thanks!

[jincomplet]

I think only a few people get that feeling. Alot of people dont have the confidence for it, and some people think it is arrogance. As long as you dont get full of yourself and show proper rei and respect, then its OK. But if you let it get to your head, and let it get out of your mouth, then it probably isnt. Nobody likes a boastful arrogant person, especially in kendo. One should try to be as humble as possible, and bring him/herself down a few pegs from what they are or what they feel that they are, because even if you are realy good, its not good to talk about it, let your actions do the talking. But still keep some humbleness in your actions, lest you become a focus of negative attention.

I once had a sempai speak to me about this and he said, "Its good that you have confidence in you sword, but dont let the confidence turn into cockyness or arrogance, because this is not good rei, and not good kendo"
I also believe its not good manners for a human being in gerneral.

I think their is some arrogance(i use the term loosely) in kendo, but only during a ji kieko and competition, because you can never win if you think you will lose. But during every other part, arrogance is bad.

Anyone, please correct me if I am wrong.


BTW, I also feel that humility is a huge aspect in the learning of kendo at that it is the only way to improve and become exceptional. If you disregard others advice you will miss out, and getting a good humbleing beatdown is sometimes the only way to get better, no matter what rank you are.

[Susanleech]

Hey Durability,

I know what your saying but i think you may confuse "I am the best" with "I'm 100% committed and I am going to give my best".

Every other point i agree with, committment can appear like confidence/arrogance. Too much and and too little can yeild problems.