When i was competing i had specific goals and i guess at the time i thought that being competitive is what it's all about.

Now I've retired though in hindsight it's the day to day normal aspects of learning something active that was the best part. You can do that at any age as long as you listen to your body.

Maybe if you do it but just let it be a fun thing, mix it up with other activities that appeal. Will give you a good overall fitness and let your son workout what he enjoys without a lot of pressure and avoiding early over-use injury.

Honestly even if you like being competitive there are so many things before an official bout that will entertain that side of you. You might find yourself in controlled sparring and still have a HUGE amount to work towards and specific goals for improving in relation to your sparring partners. You don't have to diet to make weight or fork out ridiculous amounts of travel money to do it in your local gym either!