[Anatolii]

I have my first Taikai this Sunday (Tomorrow) which is going to be a small/medium event with about 25 teams.

We been told there are going to be a lot of beginners there as well but there will be a big number of high levels up too 2ed Dan.

I'm taking part in a team of just 3 beginners.

My Sensei and my other Senpai's think I should do what beginners do best and defend and block a lot and ruin and spoil their attacks, untill we can see an opening to attack ourselves.

My Sensei is an 6th dan and has been doing Kendo for 46+ years so, sound advice I think.

But what is on my mind a lot right now is should I get the first attack in? (This is to say, if am fighting against an fellow beginner) because the first attack would give you that edge I feel and afterwards, you can defend and block.

Or should I just defend and block from the start?

I been training since Sep last year twice per week and have been in armour since Dec last year.