Karate vs. Taekwon-Do: What is the Difference?

Date: 11/15/2017 2:29:49 PM

 Introduction

Practicing martial arts can offer physical and mental health benefits. In addition to learning self-defense, you will also get a full-body aerobic workout, build muscle, and improve balance. For those who find it difficult to stick to a workout plan, the idea of learning and developing a new skill might be good incentive to keep you coming back.

Karate and taekwondo are two common and widely practiced forms of martial arts. They are so popular, in fact, that both are now Olympic Sports. Karate will be at the 2020 games in Tokyo, and taekwondo was added in 2000.

While the two styles have some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Read on to learn more about each one.

Karate vs. taekwondo

Karate and taekwondo both start with beginners learning fundamental rules and basic moves. These form the foundation for learning the more advanced moves. In each martial art form, you will learn different “stances” and ways to punch, kick, and block an opponent. These will be done slowly, and each move is held to help you get the right form.

It is important to know that holding stances for a longer period in both karate and taekwondo will not be helpful in an actual fight. The stances are meant to be used as a training tool. Fight movements need to flow quickly from one to the next to be effective.

Karate

Karate is best known in pop culture for its shuto uchi, or karate chop. This fighting style emphasizes hand techniques and uses kicks as backup.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo involves more kicking than karate. It puts a heavier emphasis on kicks and uses hands as backup. You will learn a variety of kick moves, including spinning and jumping kicks.

Because karate uses many more hand attacks, legs often stay grounded. Taekwondo, on the other hand, uses a different leg stance because the body needs to be ready to perform fast kicks.