[sesWaipunsaws]

just curious.

I think it is good you are wondering about this, and my advice (for what it is worth) is that it is good to have that as an amition, whatever stage you are at.

I don't know what the selection process is for the USA but I would reccomend doing the following -

- Look at the current team members so you know what you are striving to be BETTER than.

-Get to every single practice you can and every single taikai.

-Keep your goal in mind during EVERY keiko, never forget that you want to become one of the best in the World.

-don't quit because you lose

-be prepared to make Kendo your top priority in life

-Continue to be ambitious

-Remember the negative comments from everyone, remember when they tell you that you can't, that you are too old, that it is too early for you to think about it, or whatever. Remember it, and prove them all wrong.

That's what I would do if I were you...

[invasuant]

A kendo friend of mine from France (sandan) was told 2years ago that he was too old to make it into the national team...at the age of 24. (Although he still goes to the national squad practice by invitation.)

Find out what the US (or other) criteria are.

??????? team france looked older to me.

[NerbuitW]

??????? team france looked older to me.

Yeah, but they're what, 5th/6th dan?

[ANCETPYNCTEXT]

??????? team france looked older to me.

Sure, but perhaps the age restriction they employ is since they have strength in depth and juniors who will be developed to make up the future squad. France have won 16 European titles over the years, so that may just be their method.

I do agree with D'Artagnan though about never giving up no matter what. Life- as well as sport- is full of such stories.

[Vipvlad]

I would worry about getting onto your regional federation team first before you set our sights on the world team. If you arent on the level to even be competitive at the US championships you can forget about the worlds. Since your from the US also you should ask yourself 'Do you practice kendo in california?' If not and being on the US team is a goal you may want to consider moving there.

A kendo friend of mine from France (sandan) was told 2years ago that he was too old to make it into the national team...at the age of 24. (Although he still goes to the national squad practice by invitation.)

Find out what the US (or other) criteria are.

So wait, you have to be younger than 24 years old to be on France's national team?? I thought people in their thirties were often on national teams (...in the U.S?)

[beenBinybelia]

They must be packing some secret weapons to take the WKC by surprise one of these years.

[Pcodaygs]

So wait, you have to be younger than 24 years old to be on France's national team?? I thought people in their thirties were often on national teams (...in the U.S?)

From what I understand there is no age registriction for any teams except for being too young(have to be atleast 16-18 ish). People in their 40's have made national teams before.

[EasyLOAD]

So wait, you have to be younger than 24 years old to be on France's national team??

If you read carefully that's not what was written- nor even implied.

People in their 40's have made national teams before.

Yes I did.

[Amomiamup]

If you read carefully that's not what was written- nor even implied.

So, wait I'm confused. What was implied then? That if you start at age 24, you are too old to ever make it? >.<

[soryalomop]

[quote]So, wait I'm confused. What was implied then? That if you start at age 24, you are too old to ever make it? >.

[freeprescriptionplanrrx]

[quote]That if you start at age 24, you are too old to ever make it? >.

[bloriMal]

Postscript:

A kendo friend of mine from France (sandan) was told 2years ago that he was too old to make it into the national team...at the age of 24. (Although he still goes to the national squad practice by invitation.)

The person in question has been selected for the European Championships in Hungary next month. Gambadde!