Both Karate and Taekwondo are highly popular sports with some differences and similarities. In the following, we will discuss some of the differences between them. Stay with Saadnews for more details.
Karate and Taekwondo are martial arts that may appear similar at first glance, but they are distinct from each other, and they cannot be considered identical. Since these two sports are not the same but share many common elements, beginners might feel a bit confused. Taekwondo is considered an ancient form of fighting, while Karate has a shorter history compared to Taekwondo. These martial arts differ in their goals, techniques, and related risks.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on head kicks, jumping, spinning kicks, and fast striking techniques that date back over two thousand years. In its early days, this technique was considered a defensive art without specific forms, and people called it "Subak." Later, the style of "Taekyon" emerged, which gave a new name to the sport. Additionally, many kingdoms had determined that their men should learn and practice this martial art for preparation in war. In the early 20th century, when Korea had conflicts with Japan, Japan banned Korean martial arts, but some groups still secretly practiced them. Moreover, for various reasons, different styles emerged as subcategories of this sport. Later, a conference in 1955 created a special uniform for practicing this art, where kicking was not allowed, and only hand techniques were used. In fact, the word "Taekwondo" means "using hands and feet."
Karate, on the other hand, originated centuries ago on the islands of Japan, also known as Okinawa today, but its roots trace back to China. Its history goes back to the 16th century. Native people in some regions of China fought with bare hands and feet, without weapons, and had nothing else. As a result, they invented this martial art. The word "Karate" means "empty hand," meaning no weapons are involved, and it is considered a self-defense sport.
In Karate, typically 60% of the strikes are with the hands, and 40% with the feet. These details can be seen in the daily practice of various Karate forms and Katas, which are essentially imaginary fights with an opponent. In some forms of Taekwondo, with slight differences from Karate, 40% of the techniques involve the hands, and 60% are based on foot techniques. Additionally, Taekwondo places more emphasis on head-level kicks and spinning kicks than Karate. Taekwondo practitioners frequently perform jumping kicks. Overall, the forms and shapes of Taekwondo are somewhat more limited and complex than those in Karate. Some Taekwondo schools are known for incorporating unique forms of Karate. In North America, as in other parts of the world, separate official competitions are held for Karate and Taekwondo. In general martial arts competitions in North America, Karate and Taekwondo fighters often compete against each other. In some martial arts competitions, there are separate sections for Japanese Karate and Korean Taekwondo fighters. However, boxing sections are usually merged.
In Karate, ranking depends on the technical level and competence of the practitioner. Technique and commitment are equally important in higher ranks. Ranking among those practicing Karate reflects the results of their training and serves as motivation. In Karate, there are two categories: one before black belt and another after black belt. The pre-black belt ranks include white, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple, dark purple, and brown belts, which themselves are divided into three categories.
For Karate practitioners aiming for higher ranks, they must participate in examinations where their movements, techniques, and thought processes are evaluated by judges. Achieving the black belt is considered a new beginning. The black belt has various degrees, ranging from 1st degree to 10th degree.
In Taekwondo, ranking is divided into four categories: senior, junior, trainee, and instructor. The junior belts come in various colors, while trainees start at the 10th rank and move up towards the 1st rank.
Taekwondo students must also undergo tests to reach higher ranks, from beginner to advanced. These tests typically include breaking boards, self-defense, using Taekwondo techniques, and more. Additionally, students must answer questions related to Taekwondo terminology, concepts, and history to demonstrate their knowledge of the martial art. In Taekwondo, there are 9 black belt ranks at the senior level, and the 9th rank is reserved for the true master of the art, designated by the International Taekwondo Federation.
Both Karate and Taekwondo uniforms are white, but their collars are different. The Karate uniform has a two-piece collar, while the Taekwondo uniform has a V-shaped collar. Karate uniforms are generally shorter and looser, while Taekwondo uniforms are longer and somewhat tighter. Karate uniforms are called "Dobok," and Taekwondo uniforms are called "Tobok."
In Taekwondo competitions, full protective gear (helmet, mouthguard, body protector, forearm guard, gloves, shin guards, groin protector, and chest protector) is used, while in some Karate styles, only a few protective gear items such as shin guards, chest protectors, gloves, and mouthguards are used. In some Karate styles, gloves are not worn at all.
Both forms of martial arts have their own specific rules and regulations that are applied during competitions. In a competition, referees score based on the execution of martial arts techniques. In Karate competitions, punches and strikes typically receive equal points. In Taekwondo, kicks score more points, which is why you see more kicks in Taekwondo competitions. Injuries in Taekwondo are mostly related to the lower limbs, such as sprains or strains, while most injuries in Karate tend to be to the head and face, with nosebleeds being the most common.
Both styles are beneficial physically and mentally for children. The main difference is that Karate focuses more on self-defense maneuvers, while Taekwondo tends to focus more on competitive skills. If you want your child to perform smoother movements and engage the whole body, Karate might be a better choice. However, for those interested in learning quicker moves and more precise kicks, Taekwondo would be a better option. It’s not easy to definitively choose one! Both of these sports are martial arts and require effort and practice to learn. Both increase coordination, patience, and endurance. Taekwondo focuses more on upward strikes, which may seem easier for more flexible individuals, and has simpler techniques compared to Karate. Since girls generally have more flexibility than boys, Taekwondo is often recommended for girls, but overall, both sports are quite similar, with minimal differences.
