
No, you are never too old to begin martial arts training. karate regularly has students start from adolecense through their 60's and older. karate is a practical and effective martial art that does not incorporate gymnastics and is actually has many health and mental benefits for those who train on a regular basis.
Traditional karate enthesis's self development (Budo) whereas sport karate emphasis's exercise and training more geared towards competition.
Traditional Karate is the original karate. It came into existence as a fighting art in Okinawa, Japan. The original karate has its roots in ‘Tode’, a weaponless self-defence system. It is influenced by Chinese martial arts and has a history that’s over two thousand years old. On the other hand, sport karate descended from traditional karate. The techniques of this art are based on the stances on punches and kicks of the Japanese karate, but were adapted to be more competitive.