Which is better for a 13 year old boy? Kendo or Fencing?

Question

I want him to have fun and not get bored.

Thanks

Answer 1

It really depends on where his interests lie and what is available in your area. I am a practioner of Shinkendo, which has dojos around the world from the US, to Australia to Europe. If there is a dojo in your area, you can find out at www.shinkendo.com.

Answer 2

Either. I started fencing at 13, and a bunch of my friends did kendo at the same time. It's just a matter of what you want to do and what is available in your area.

Answer 3

Whichever one you like better, it's better to try them both out yourself to see what they're like.

My 11 year old son and I both practise iaido (Japanese sword drawing art).

Also depends which one is in your area.

Here are some links for inspiration:

Answer 4

i did karate when i was 10 but i really hated it.  i also started fencing when i was 9 and i am still fencing.   i think fencing is better because it is a lot more fun, it requires a lot more intelligent ( somebody described fencing as physical chess) and you can fence a lot when you are older (there are people fencing at my fencing club who are 60).  in fencing you can fence for fun, or you can compete.  you can compete locally, nationally, or internationally.  and i think the idea of hitting people with swords and then having them thank you for it is kind of appealing for a sport.  also, a lot of boys really like swords.  there are also three different types of swords so there are a couple of different options in fencing that therearen'tt always in karate.

Answer 5

I started Fencing when I was 14 and did it for 5 years all throughout my highschool years and really enjoyed it.  Fencing is easy to pick up, lots of fun.

I started Kendo when I was 23, and still am at it.  It too is lots of fun, but it is much harder in my opinion and I wish it was available to me when I was younger.

If you enjoy a challenge, and you want something to do and continue for the rest of your life that will provide you with a continual challenge physically, mentally and spiritually, then I would suggest Kendo.  Fencing just doesn't have the same aspects to it since it is a sport, and not a martial art.