Judo as a side project

Lockstep

I do boxing and after reading some of the posts on here, I'm very interested in giving Judo a try.

I just have a couple of questions:
---Is flexibility a big thing in judo? I used to be fairly flexible but I've gottena little stiff lately.
---Is once or twice a week enough? I can definetely make once a week and will do my best to make it that second time every week but I can't say for definate I can make it twice a week.
---Is judo a practical thing to mix with boxing for self defence? I enjoy boxing very much but the main reason I'm doing it is for self defence reasons. Judo seems practical as a martial art but I'd just like to have that clarified as I'm no expert on martial arts.
--Finally how long does it roughly take to earn the first judo belt? I work much much better when I've got a goal to work for so I'd find it much easier to be motivated if I had something to work towards.


Thanks

Kick

Flexibility helps, but isn't necessary. Twice a week is much better than once a week, but I know people who train once a week and make progress. I think judo definitely would be an asset if you got into trouble. The first belt you get is a white belt which you have to grade for. A yellow belt should take 6 months or so I guess.

cowzerp

As a boxer turn mma fighter i would say judo would be a great compliment to your boxing, BJJ would also be a great choice, both are grappling type arts with judo more focused on the stand up grappling and BJJ more focused on the ground, grappling of any kind added to boxing is a great combination.