badlad52

I will have to say that one of the most important things I learned upon being introduced to bonsai, is patience. This tree really looks like a juvenile, so needs some good, uninterrupted growing for a while. I personally would trunk chop it, too, upon the growth of lower branches. There are ways to do "the chop" that don't hinder the appearance of the tree. Also, BC lend themselves well to VERY formal upright, and untill it takes on a more aged appearance (i.e. bark, good nebari, etc.), that is the direction I would take it...

Hope this helps a little!

Lad