[9mm_fan]

Like some of the people said about, I agree, moving from beginner to start wearing a "men", ther eis a big difference, and big gap in differences. When you are beginner and without a bogou, error/bad habit can be identified easily and rictify. I know some beginners who have very bad kihon, but still go ahead with wearing bogou. This doesn't help their kendo. However, somes, you must have some confident for yourself. Without wearing the bogou, you will not be able to advance to the next level. Also, you will also cannot train on your physical stamina, etc etc.

As for afraid been hit ? I was told once, people always go through this vicious cycle... I have gone through once and out .... but I feel I might run into one again. However, you will find, once you gone through these difficulty time (could be days, weeks or months), but eventually, you will provail. Then you will be at teh next level of your kendo.

For me, when I have a dissappointed keiko, i spent the time before next training, thinking about "what did I do wrong" .... study myself, and thinking to myself. Sometimes, once you analys yourself, you will discover a whole new world.... will eventually help you in the future...