No matter your ability of level of kendo, you will experience challenges.

There is a technique you haven’t mastered.

There is a person you haven’t beaten.

There is always something to improve.

These challenges can be frustrating, and can lead one’s mind to negative thinking.

If and when you get to this point, here is my advice.

Stop.

Breathe.

Honour your efforts to improve.

Did you have a “bad” class? Be grateful you made it to the dojo. Honour your effort.

Honour and respect yourself, just as you do your fellow kendo travellers. Think your sensei’s never had a kendo challenge? Think again.

Everyone has them. You’re not so special that you won’t. So relax and enjoy the journey.

“Success is buried on the other side of frustration.” – Tony Robbins