fencing is an individual sport, not a team sport - so different from baseball. Since it's an individual sport, I wouldn't think of it as 'setting up for failure' anymore than swimming or tennis sets you up for failure.

I would take it slow. My 12 year old goes up to 3 times a week, but my 9 year old only goes once a week. We go to Fencing Sports Academy in Fairfax. They have beginners tournaments and classes.

My 12 year old really found his grove with Fencing. He's a lefty and really takes to the "strategy" side of fencing. He started around 3rd grade just once a week. He still lacks coordination.

Just like any sport there are parents who are pinning all there hopes and dreams on their kids getting into Harvard to fence. At 8 it should stay fun no matter what sport you do. We are trying to hold off at 7th grade about getting serious, and balancing scouts, homework and other clubs.

My 9 year old also likes tennis and tap. Tap is like playing drums with your feet. lots of noise and movement, great for boys that don't like to sit still.

But, your child will lose fencing bouts and teaching them to lose gracefully is a great skill of good sportsmanship. I think I was most proud of my oldest when another parent at a tournament said he was a graceful loser.

My son started fencing at 6. He loves it! The more you practice the better your coordination becomes. Try the Royal Fencing Academy in Rockville/Damascus. For the first few months you are practicing by yourself so there is no feeling of loosing.

My son has done fencing for the past three years, and he has never been "super-coordinated". That's actually what drew him to fencing in the first place - he hated all ball-based games, because he was not highly coordinated like other boys. He tried fencing and karate, and has stuck with fencing the longest. When you think about it, a human torso is a pretty easy target to hit, so fencing is not all about coordination. It's just as much mental as physical: anticipating the other fencers movements based on their style or their body position, learning what successful fencers do to improve your fencing and learn how to counter their moves, learning ways to psych out or intimidate an opponent, etc. is all part of the mental game that makes up fencing. He's actually a really good fencer now, but he still can't play basketball to save his life! I would say he has become more coordinated, but not in a way that has improved his performance in traditional ball sports. He is wrestling now however, and the coach has commented on his power and aggression, and I'm sure this comes from fencing. He is a completely non-aggressive kid when he's not fencing or wrestling.

My kids did fencing. It's a really great individual sport for kids that provides both thinking skills and physical skills. My kids would still be doing it if there were a fencing place near us.

I really want to sign up my son for fencing classes. He's excited, too. He will be 8 this month. But he's not super-coordinated. Average to perhaps less than average. Will that make it more challenging? Or does practice really help coordination? I don't want to set him up for failure. I want it to be fun. Any feedback from parents with kids who fence is much appreciated.