At what age is it best?

[Kempohands]

I don't believe there is such thig as "too young" anymore, as long as the instructors at the dojo know how to deal with young kids. Most martial arts schools today have a myriad of classes available for young children that are geared towards promoting fitness and self-esteem while teaching martial arts in a fun, comfortable environment. If you believe your children are ready, then let them try it out, the worst that could happen is the instructor is ignorant towards teaching younger children. If that happens, then just find another dojo, I'm sure there is one in your area that offers children's classes.

[mattyj]

id say yea anywhere upward of 12 for them to actually get something out of it in terms of real skills... then again ive seen some kids around this age who are pretty good, but theyve been at it for quite awhile. for them to truely appreciate what theyre learning, it depends on maturity level, somewhere between 14-16 id say.[/i]