[YonkFiorc]

Many thanks to all for your great replies. Yes, it has made me think a lot about Kendo (and Life, in general). I'm just taking it easy, doing suburi at home, and just showing face at the dojo and helping clean the floor, etc. I realize that when that men strike was coming, I should have looked up and let the shinai contact the mengane instead of glancing downward, even as slightly as I remember. The feeling of my neck bones popping and my fingertips tingling is not something I'm ever gonna forget! Perhaps my experience can be a word of warning to newbies... CHIN UP, NO MATTER WHAT!!!