What Are The Differences Between Karate And Taekwondo?

The karate and taekwondo are two martial arts routine practice that, at first glance, can be difficult to differentiate. In fact, they have some similarities. But they are not the same.

Both disciplines emphasize self-discipline and a high code of personal conduct. In addition, they share their competitive aspect. However, although they are of Japanese origin, taekwondo is an ancient fighting style and karate is a discipline that emerged only a few hundred years ago, derived from Chinese kung fu .

It should be noted that despite the similarities, the specific postures and movements differ significantly between taekwondo and karate .

Origin and history

The taekwondo , also known as tae kwon do , is a Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on kicking the head height, kicking and jumping techniques rotation and quick kicks. As a martial art, it has existed in Korea for more than 2300 years.

In its beginnings, taekwondo was an unarmed or unarmed defense martial art. It was known as subak . The style that gave rise to it was taekkyeon . At that time there were three rival kingdoms in Korea that trained their men in unarmed combat.

However, the Japanese, when they invaded Korea in the early 20th century, banned Korean martial arts, although some groups continued to practice them in secret. In addition, for different reasons, the styles branched out. However, thanks to a conference held in 1955 they were merged into a uniform form of teaching.

As a curiosity, we point out that tae means ‘destroy with the feet’, kwon means ‘hit or destroy with the hand’ and do means ‘path’. Therefore, taekwondo can be translated as ‘the way of the foot and the fist’.

On the other hand, karate was developed hundreds of years ago in the Ryūkyū islands (Japan), what we know today as Okinawa. It arose from Chinese kung fu .

Its origin dates back to the 16th century, when in 1600 Japan forcibly occupied Okinawa and confiscated all weapons. The inhabitants of the place fought with their bare hands and feet, since they had nothing else.

As for its meaning, karate means ’empty hand’. It is likely that the term is related to the origin of the discipline, as a self-defense system that is based on the effective use of the unarmed body.

Fighting style and techniques

The karate is a martial art based on punches, kicks, knee strikes and elbow and techniques with open hands. This discipline also includes blocking techniques, such as parries and some throws (takedowns). As for the movements, they are sharp and linear.

For its part, the taekwondo emphasizes more kicking techniques. However, the training is comprehensive and involves learning to punch, open-handed punches, takedowns, throws, and joint locks.

It should be noted that in taekwondo the traditional style to start is with arms together, while in karate it consists of straight against the torso, the hands just below the waist and an arc executed by bending the torso downwards, while keeping the gaze on the opponent. .

The differences between karate and taekwondo in competition

In competition, the differences between karate and taekwondo are seen with the naked eye. In the second case and chest protector is used, while in the first there is no type of protection.

In addition, although until now the two martial arts were considered Olympic sports, karate will no longer be present as such at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

In traditional karate tournaments , punching and kicking earn the same number of points, so participants will do the same amount of both movements. However, in taekwondo you get more points for kicks than for blows.

Common aspects of karate and taekwondo

Despite the differences between karate and taekwondo , both disciplines have some similarities. The most relevant are the following:

• They are taught in a dojo .

• In both disciplines similar uniforms are used and have, generally white and made of light cotton to facilitate mobility and flexibility.
• They are governed by some of the traditional rules.
• Both disciplines emphasize respect for teachers and peers.
• The techniques used, both in taekwondo and karate , are part of a set of choreographed forms that are known as kata in the second and poomsae in the first.
• Both disciplines facilitate the development of skills and qualities, such as patience, self-discipline and self-confidence, for both children and adults.

Martial arts with particular characteristics

After analyzing these data, we see that the differences between karate and taekwondo are very evident, especially on television. However, if we see them in action in a movie, it is probably not so easy to notice them. 

However, it is always interesting to know what are the characteristics of each of these martial arts, as well as their points in common.

And if when you finish reading this article you are wondering what is the martial art that Bruce Lee practiced, you have to know that neither one nor the other. Bruce Lee did wing chun gung fu and ended up creating his own fighting style: jun fan gung fu .