Yet another new experience was had here in Japan, though it left me with some injuries and loss of body parts: Kendo.

Ping and Bon have been working with Peter sensei at his dojo for the past month and a bit and today me and Eric decided to join them for their wednesday night practice. We went and got ramen after school before hopping the subway to the middle of nowhere and walking to an elementary school. The day was already sweltering and even though it cools slightly with the night, a gym with no air conditioning and constant practice = mucho hot + sweat

It was kinda hard to get my footwork right, which leg to keep straight and what not, but it was an entertaining evening. I haven't been worked that hard in a while (except for when I climbed Takaosan last month, maybe). The only downside is that b/c you always slide your left foot, I lost a large portion of the skin on that foot. I could feel it happening and was able to move the skin around, something which didn't feel fun. Because we don't have men or protective equipment we couldn't participate in the last half hour or so but it was fun to watch the other students!

even though i am sweaty and my feet have holes in them, it was a fun night and i will probably go back next week to practice!