I started when i just turned 6 I think done it until I was about 12 then had 2 years without it and started up again in a different style when i was 14 am goin to be 16 in feb
I don't have any knowledge on this area but i'm sure many others will do, good luck if you do go for it, and i see this is your first post so i welcome you to KF!!
I had a problem with my back once that wouldn't allow me to kick so during that time I had to use just my hand techniques but did still try to throw in the odd kick