As I think I've mentioned at some point, I've decided to join the school's Kendo club. In fact, I had decided this long before I left Japan. Although I did here have the chance to go through some of the school brochures detailing other clubs I would have liked to join, such as archery or mountaneering, Kendo is what I wanted most. Having mentionied this my host brother immediately started bombarding me with warnings about how hard it is, that it would be everyday, and that I would have no time for anything else. Ah well, I've already decided, and if I always listened to warnings about things I want to do... well I wouldn't be in Japan now. It's also quite typical of me in the sense that it is a choice I know I might live to regret, but also know that a time will come when I'm very grateful for it.

So, last Wednesday I went to the Kendo club. The sensei is what I would consider a typical martial arts teacher. Intimidating, yet good natured, who gives no unnecessary praise nor reprove. It was all very confusing and quite stressful, and I didn't have much time to get to know people as I had to hurry after the practice to the English teacher helping me write the speech for the opening ceremony. The next day's practice was also quite awkward, but frankly quite nostalgic. It took me a while to realise the last time I had felt that confused timidness and irrational embarrasment. England. It's a set of emotions one quickly forgets, but soon I remembered the first days of school for me when we moved to England. At the end of the first day's of Kendo practice I was exhausted, but hardly due to the physical strain.

For now I practice seperate from the others, as obviously I need to get a grasp of the basics before I can go head to head with people who have gone to two and a half hour practices every day for many years. The first two days all I did was practice steps and posture, which while surprisingly difficult and understandably important did make me feel like a bit of a dork. The second day was a significant step forward as I had time to hang out with the other members after the practice. Everyone was ridiculously kind and friendly and very patient in conversation despite the as of yet high language barrier. I was then taken to the local McDonalds for an impromptu welcome party. My only regret is that I don't know how to thank them enough. I shall take them some Finnish chocolate ^^

The next day I got to practice overhead strikes with the bamboo sword, or shinai, which felt oddly rewarding for some reason. Until now I've been continuing to practice strikes as well as more difficult steps. And now that I've got the hang of the routine I'm no longer bothered by the same confusion, and can look forward to socialising with the other members during the breaks. I can't help smiling to myself everytime I walk with the other members to the train station. I might not yet understand much of what they say yet, but the friendship they offer me so early in my exchange year makes me very glad indeed. Everything is going great.