Karate is a Japanese martial art whose physical aspects seek the development of defensive and counterattacking body movements. The themes of traditional karate training are fighting and self-defense. On the other hand, Taekwondo is a form of Korean martial arts characterized by punching and kicking techniques. The focus of the fight is on head-height kicks, spinning jump kicks, and fast-kicking techniques.
Karate and Taekwondo are beneficial in situations where you must defend yourself. Many forms of Taekwondo are related to jumping and spinning kicks, whereas some aspects of karate focus on simple but effective strikes that come with less margin of error.
Both martial arts forms have specific rules and guidelines that govern their competitions. In a competition, a score will be determined by judges based on how well the martial art was executed. In tournaments, karate generally gives points equally for both punches and kicks. Taekwondo gives higher points to kicks, which is why you’ll see more kicking in taekwondo competitions.
Main differences between the two forms of martial arts
Karate is more popularly known as the art of striking. It features kicking, punching, and other open-handed techniques. Although joint manipulations, vital point striking, grappling, and throws are taught with the same emphasis within a class setting. Karate allows the person to defeat their opponent using kicking and striking.
Taekwondo, however, is famous for using kicking techniques, which makes it different from karate. The reason behind this is that the leg is the strongest and longest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks can execute powerful strikes.
Taekwondo is taught in two different forms, and these are Kata and sparring. Kata, similar to karate, is known as “form,” a choreographed routine of martial arts movements. On the other hand, Taekwondo sparring is full-contact fighting using a combination of offensive and defensive tricks and techniques against your opponent.
On the other hand, karate has all the fundamental movements in its learning system. It consists of the Three K, including Kata, Kihon, and Kumite. Kihon stands for basics and is the root of style and art.
Similarities between the two forms
There are three main commonalities between Karate and Taekwondo. These similarities are:
The first is that they are both taught as a form of self-defense. Although what they emphasize may differ, their primary focus is self-defense. Second, they both are linear martial arts, which essentially means straightforward. If you are interested in becoming skilled in basic self-defense concepts and techniques, then either art will do. Third, they both require you to learn the basics first.
Which art should you learn?
The answer to this question depends on the person, and there is no unified answer. It depends on which art you prefer and the reason you have for learning that specific form of skill. It is vital that you figure out what style is available in your area and which suits you and your abilities.