About the 14 year old American girl asking about kendo - My (American) daughter is younger than you and has done kendo for 2 years and seems to enjoy it much.
She does get long group lectures in a language she does not understand, but half the kids can't so it?s ok. The answer suggested that Kendo has Japanese culture attached - maybe usually.
However, in my daughter's case it Kumdo and it?s the Korean language and culture she does not fully understand... but it?s OK too, and now she has a set of Korean-American friends. Some American kendo clubs, especially those with a mix of students from Kumdo/kendo traditions, choose English as a sort of neutral ground and downplay specific eastern traditions.
I don't think that's good or bad, just somewhat inevitable over time. I suppose my point is that it?s hard to predict your experience, but I'd wager it will be a good one.
Kendo-Guide.Com: Thank you for your input and sharing your daughter?s experience with us!