[nabsgood]

At the lower dan ranks, I strongly believe that waza is more important than the mental (I mean mental not spiritual). aspects.

At higher dan ranks, I believe, though not strongly, that waza is still more important than the mental (yes, mental, you got it right) aspects.

At a very high rank, say, hachidan, than maybe the mental stuff is more valuable.

At mudansha levels (below ikkyu), I believe etiquette, attention and footwork are the most important things to think in. There's plenty of time ahead to worry about the rest.


PS. Some people just go kiai crazy from time to time. Doing kiai when putting the kendogi, when folding the hakama, et caetera...