Andypits4, You have to tell us how you went with your first shiai. I recently had my own first shiai tournament here in Melbourne on Saturday. I must admit that I was extremely anxious, but the support of my teamates aswell as my club members got me through. For my first match, I was quite nervous and was not used to getting up in front of a crowd of unknown cheering people, unknown Senseis/ kendoka from other dojos, my own close friends, and my Senseis. Wow... how much more pressure do you need. Worth the experience no matter what the outcome. 2 outta 3 aint bad~ As "Meatloaf" sang with passion!! Actually Andypits4, you are probably too young to know who "Meatloaf" was/is. That is a blessing....