Zeraph

The reason I doubt any children can be a martial artist is because its about 90% mental. They can become good athletes but they don't understand the life taking and philosophy behind it. Or I sure hope they don't, that'd be fucked up. Not to mention, I don't care how well a 13 year old masters the techniques, he doesn't have the muscle development to represent a black belt. Or again, if he did, that'd be bordering on child abuse. But its like asking when are you ready for marriage? No one can say one age (besides citing the law) just like no one can say what age one can become worldly enough to be a martial artist. I don't know his teacher, nor was I there, hence why I refrain from judging one way or the other, but I still doubt it.

Also, just because they teach karate or whatever doesn't mean its a martial art. Just because they call it so makes them wrong, not me. There are far more McDojos than there are real ones. Of course that doesn't mean one can't learn on your own either. And that's only speaking for traditional MA. Modern MA can include people in the army or navy for instance.

Also, even if a real MAist fights in the UFC or whatever, that doesn't make it any less of a sport. When he is in that ring and following those rules he is not practicing martial arts, but a spin off sport's version of it.