I just wanted to introduce myself to the folks here. It looks like a great forum you have going here. I am brand new to kendo. I have had just two classes here in San Diego. I first saw kendo when I was in kindergarden back in Japan in 1963. I had always wanted to practice but never got around to it. I lived in Taiwan for 15 years and saw kendo there all the time. Taiwan was a Japanese colony for 50 years and both judo and kendo are strong in Taiwan. I had been doing judo here in San Diego for about 9 months and finally got going on the kendo just two weeks ago. When I lived in Taiwan my wife and I wrote a book on Chinese martial arts history that is titled "Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey" and we have another one coming out in June, its also on Chinese martial arts history. I look forward to talking with folks here about different aspects of kendo. The classes I am taking are at the Taiwan Community Center, the Sensei is Fredrick Lin. He seems to be a great guy. I like him alot. take care, Brian