There are several problems I'm hearing and each of them has its own solution. - Money shortage; Since your sensei is supportive, this is the least of your problems (I know it doesn't seem like it and it probably causes a great deal of distress). While participation in events outside the dojo is enjoyable it is not necessary. As for feeling like a mooch.. just tell yourself that you will make this up. Your idea to make this up by doing things around the dojo is great, and sends both your feeling and the message to your sensei that you just need help...for now. - You have plantar fascitis. This is an incredibly painful injury. I've had it when I was a runner. You should treat this: o Massage the bottom of your foot with ice... after each practice. o Look at: http://www.medformation.com/ac/crssm...pain.exercises for exercises and stretches you can do to relieve thepain. - You have achiles tendonitis if you can, tape this with a so-called achiles lock; See http://www.athleticadvisor.com/image...TAPE%20RSH.pdf - The disk problem in your neck... Check your posture in a mirror. Play around with balancing your head on your neck. In many cases correct carriage of your head will help your disk problem. It also helps your kendo. Finally, I agree with the guy that said you don't give yourself enough credit. More than 1/2 the guys I know going throught what you're going through... they'd have dropped a long time ago. You're still at practice, still trying, still giving what you can. Do what you can, but don't be afraid to skip chunks of the practice if you need to. I know all the kendo senseis in MI, they will all understand, and be supportive. Ganbatte. Ron Fox Michigan State University Kendo Club Head Instructor.