I just had my first Kendo class at DFW KIK (north Dallas area) and really enjoyed it. It was overwhelming, exhausting and inspiring. Both the teachers as well as the students were very helpful and encouraging. I am 58 with a martial arts background but have been out of formal training for a long time...but I kept up and felt good about that and also felt I accomplished something and made a good start. Tomorrow night is Iaido and Sunday is a mixed session. I am sore and yet very excited. I can certainly see how this could become a way of life and life long practice. I purchased my knee pads, a Shinai and a Bokken. I will wait a couple of weeks before purchaing a Gi and a Hakama set. My goal this year is to learn the basics in both Kendo as well as Iaido and be fully equipped with a Bogu set and Iaito Katana by the end of the year. I hope I am spelling and saying all of this correctly. I will start a practice diary to help retain information from each class. I just thought I would post this to the group. Have a great year and feel free to share any words of advice you might have for an old man beginning the practice of both a new, as well as an ancient art form.