As a slight defence - some people's kendo is just a good or a bad fit for you. There's certain people who don't give me trouble but give others lots, and vice versa. It's my job to work it out, no excuses, but it is what it is. Also, beginner's timing is really funky and they don't respond to the normal cues that seniors do, sometimes leading to unexpected results, so perhaps that's what your 6 dan dude was trying to say.