Too Young? Too Old?

Most instructors have experience in teaching children of all ages and they know what ages they are willing to accept as students. If they have the patience and ability to deal with very young children, they will accept them as students. Not all instructors have an interest in dealing with young children, and not all have the patience or ability to teach young children. When parents are seeking to enroll their children in the martial arts, the style of martial art they choose is an important consideration; however, the most important considerations are whether the instructor enjoys teaching children and does the instructor interact well with children. Not all instructors are suited to teach children; I am one. I have little tolerance for whining adults, so I certainly do not do well with children.

Most schools have no upper age limit for people they will accept as students. As long as the person comes to class, tries to do his or her best, and is able participate in class activities, the student will be accepted and promoted through the ranks, including to the black belt levels. Therefore, in reality, there is practically no age at which some martial art schools or instructors will refuse to accept people as students.