[anxpuna]

I know I'm a bit late coming in on this, but better late than never....

I'm a beginner (at it for about a month now), and I find that the amount of info can be really confusing. In response to matthew's original wories, I find that I am constantly thinking about my foot position (is it right?) my shinai (am I lifting it high enough?) my back/shoulders (are they straight?) etc, etc. If I have a "bad practice", it's because I have been thinking too much about the details, instead of relaxing (very important) and letting everything flow smoothly and come naturally, with time.

I know my problems are beginners problems, but you are more advanced, and thus have new problems to deal with, and I imagine that the same feelings of self doubt would arise. Also, if I have had a bad day at work (stress, etc) I sometimes find that my head is in a fog, and I can't wrap my head around some new concepts. You may well feel the same way.

Also, I feel the need to stick up for some (notice I said 'some') of the beginners that Dave J is speaking of. Most of us try very hard to pay attention, and 'line up' but occationally our minds can wander. for example: look at the more experienced people, does my men cut look like theirs? (or more importantly sensei jeffs?) We know the drop out rate of new students, and most of us want to show how committed we are, and can put ourselves under a lot of pressure. So many rules, so many waza....

Put yourself in our shoes for a moment. You were there once....