What age can children start judo, karate or boxing?

The right starting age depends mostly on the kind of class on offer. This guide is based on the rules of the French federations for the 2026-2027 season. Federations in the UK, the US and elsewhere set their own ages and categories, so always check with your club. The broad pattern is much the same everywhere, though: classes start young, competition comes a lot later.

Judo: from age 4, through play

The French judo federation (France Judo) runs a programme for 4 and 5-year-olds called éveil judo, often marketed by clubs as baby judo. Throws are not taught yet. Sessions are built on obstacle courses and coordination games that work on balance, falling and general movement skills. At inter-club events, a child this age should not be on the mat for more than 45 minutes.

At 6 and 7, children add rolls, breakfalls, movement drills and groundwork. The first randori (practice bouts) are educational and closely supervised, with the referee acting as a coach. At 8 and 9, events can include refereed randori, run as round-robin pools so nobody is knocked out in the first round.

The first recreational competitions come at 10 and 11, with local and regional events. National level opens in the minimes category, which for 2026-2027 means children born in 2013 and 2014. The national cup for that age group requires at least an orange belt and two years of membership, with 3-minute contests.

Karate: activities first, sparring later

The French karate federation bans all competition for its youngest category (mini-poussins): they only take part in non-competitive activities. In clubs, early-years karate classes usually take children from 4 or 5.

From the next category up, local open events in kata (set sequences of techniques) and kumite (sparring) are optional. Bouts last 1 minute 30 seconds and the protective kit is extensive: helmet, body protector, gumshield, mitts, shin and foot guards, and a groin guard for boys. Parental consent is required. National competitions begin at minimes level, with 2-minute bouts and helmet and body protector still compulsory.

Boxing: non-contact boxing from age 6

The French boxing federation offers children boxe éducative assaut (BEA), a touch-only format: you score by touching, not hitting. Any hard punch is penalised.

A BEA licence can be issued from age 6. The youngest boxers are split into two age groups that never meet, so a 6-year-old cannot be paired with a 9-year-old. Bouts for children up to 11 are three 1-minute rounds with a minute's rest. Headguards are compulsory and gloves are supplied by the organisers.

Amateur boxing, with full punches, opens at minimes level: born in 2013 or 2014 for 2026-2027, which matches World Boxing's under-15 category. Bouts are three rounds of 1 minute 30 seconds, the minimum weight is 36 kg, and a ringside doctor checks every boxer on fight day.

Medical paperwork

In France, since 2021, under-18s no longer need a medical certificate to join a club: parents fill in a health questionnaire, and a doctor's visit is only needed if one of the answers is yes. That covers judo and karate. Boxing is the exception: the French federation requires medical certificates before issuing a boxer's record book, including for BEA. Rules vary from country to country, so check with your own federation.

Class length and cost

Classes for the youngest are short, an hour a week at most in most clubs. Sessions get longer with age, and a second weekly session makes sense once a child wants to grade or compete.

In France, a year at a judo club costs roughly 150 to 240 euros for a child, federation licence included. Add the uniform and, for boxing and karate sparring, protective kit. Almost every club offers a free trial class, the best way to see if your child enjoys it before you pay.