If you want to know a lot of different techniques and defense/attack situations for real life, combining e.g. judo and karate is great, because they complement each other as stated in the answer above. If you want to be a very good judoka or karateka, you won’t fare well by combining them.

In Karate, the efforts are put in the hands and legs by throwing punches. In Judo, they are made in the body to balance forces out to make the opponent fall. In competition, points are made by striking in Karate. On the other hand, in Judo, points are made by throwing the other person on the floor.

Karate alone, works well against multiple opponents, but fails if grabbed and brought to the ground. Judo alone works well against single opponents, but fails against multiple opponents. learn both to a high level, and you will be extremely effective.

You are never too old for karate lessons. There is no age limit, and there is actually very little physical restriction as well. In fact, karate lessons can actually help you improve and overcome some perceived boundaries set by either your age or your physical state.

Funakoshi Gichin

Because of the great popularity of the style in Japan and, later, around the world, Funakoshi is widely considered to be the “father of modern Karate-do.”

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In martial arts

• In Seiki Juku Karate, a red belt denotes 10th Kyu, the lowest beginner rank.
• In Shorinkan Karate the red belt is the second highest belt prior to earning the Black Belt.
• In Vovinam, the red belt is the highest master rank.

Nonetheless, Karate is one of the most popular and well-known martial arts for a simple reason: It’s safe, easy to learn, requires little space and is very effective if done right. Just make sure you do it right. Because “martial” always comes first.