Childhood Dreams

When I was a kiddo living in Japan, there were many things that I got to do that many of my American peers never had the opportunity to experience. Riding a MAGLEV, for example. Or walking by a Power Ranger battle on the way to get groceries. I've never encountered Godzilla, though. But I digress. 

Near my house in Tokyo was a sports center. It was a place where you could drop by and work out. I'm thinking that it's similar to a YMCA here in the U.S. of A. Anyways, when I went, I would always peek into the windows of the gym to see if the local club was practicing the combat art of kendo. I would always wish to myself that someday, I could try something like that too.
What is kendo? Since I'm horrible at explaining things myself, I'll let Wikipedia fill you in. "Kendo is a modern Japanese sport/martial art, which descended from traditional swordsmanship and uses bamboo swords and protective armor. Today it is widely practiced within Japan and many other nations across the world."

Never beyond my wildest dreams did I ever think that I was going to get an opportunity to try kendo. On the way back to my dorm tonight, my heart was swelling in joy. 

Sometimes the things that are the most simple are the most beautiful. Even when they involve combat (did I mention that I also enjoy fencing?) 

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