How old do you have to be to take judo?

Answer 1

Jet Li said in an interview, that, assuming you are healthy enough for vigorous activity, there is no real age limit to begin Martial Arts training. However he also said, if you are interested in competing, you have to start early, the earlier the better, namely, between 5 and 12. This is not unique just to Wushu; boxing champs and coaches from the 1930s' until now, are in general agreement, most guys who went on to become great champs, all started fighting from very early on. Not necessarily golden gloves mind; but having rough lives. It really depends on what you want to get out of it, according to the opinions of top ranking martial arts athletes, and prize fighters; if you are just doing it for a hobby, to get in shape, personal growth etc, then it doesn't matter. Same thing if its for self defense because of the adage, rather, the belief that "the guy ready for trouble is always a better fighter than the guy looking for it." What that means is, even if you are only an average person, you'll still be a better fighter than most people who unfairly attack you. A person who goes around wanting to hurt people for no reason other than convenience or survival, it means their life is extremely messed up, they have no real discipline or control, which makes any average individual studying self defense seriously a "better fighter" than them. That is what that cliche means, generally. Again, no real age limit if your ambitions are modest, however if you have a son or daughter and your ambitions are high for them, the earlier the better. Of course the age thing is not always true; Chuck Norris began his martial art at 19, and he went on to become world champion. Of course, all Chuch Norris ever did during his early 20's, was work and train, and that's it. Being a conservative Texan, Norris is one of those "110%" people.

Answer 2

There is no age limit but, BJA rules say you have to start judo at age 5 only.

Answer 3

Any age I believe.