[SpeavaJap]

I can only reply to this as my own experience. Everyone with mental illness is different except for basic symptoms. Personality plays a large roll in the difference.

I have never practiced Kendo.

I have practiced with bokken sparing with full kendo armor.

My disadvantages, I consider my advantage.

All the sword practices I have experienced and read require stillness/calmness of mind. And awareness of everything. A mentally ill person does not inheritly have this stillness and is at a disadvantage.

The advantage of this to me is I am aware of stillness of mind and the fluff of emotions. I am able to call them out and know my limitations.

Otherwise, besides medication side effects. (Ugh don't get my started on that) It's the usual coordination, reflex, and memorization issues any student would have. The advantage in this is one finds and strengthens thier will.

The only thing a mentally ill person (in my opinion) has control over is will. Will's a lot like a muscle, you don't use it, you lose it. And why I feel practing swordmanship is so important to me. The advantage of not being able to easily control attitude is it gives me drive to be a swordsman the rest of my life.

I hope this answers your question and isn't too lengthy.
-Danette