Mixed (Up) Martial Arts

Taekwondo vs. Karate

Taekwondo and Karate are two different sports often mistaken as one. Before we start, I would like to make it clear both are sports. In fact, they are both in the Olympics. Karate will debut in the 2020 Olympics. Taekwondo has been an Olympic medal sport since 2000 in Sydney, Australia.

Taekwondo and Karate are martial arts. Taekwondo is all about self defense and may (but only occasionally) involve the use of weapons. Taekwondo originated in Korea. Karate is also the defense of oneself but without the use of weapons. Karate originated in Japan.

People often see Taekwondo, but they don't know it. They assume, "Oh, that's Karate, right?" The answer is no. Because Karate is a more widely known sport and can look quite similar to Taekwondo, people often think of them as the same. The images at the top are of the two sports, but you wouldn't know which is which. If you are wondering, the one on the right is Karate the one on the left is Taekwondo.

The word Karate comes from its two parts: "Kara" meaning empty and "Te" meaning hand. This is why you never see people practicing Karate with weapons. Karate is a sport that focuses on defending yourself without the use of weapons. Using your power to defend yourself. Karate emphasizes hand techniques with some knee and elbow strikes and some kicks. There are four main types that are used today. The four main types are Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Wado-ryu. Of the four types the most popular is Shotokan.

Taekwondo is a martial art focused on head-height, fast, and spinning kicks with some blocks and punches. It is also a martial art of self defense. Taekwondo headquarters are in Korea, and the place is called Kukkiwon. Taekwondo broken down is "Tae" meaning foot, "Kwon" meaning hand, and "Do" meaning art. Taekwondo has many elements that you can practice. You can spar (fight), learn and perform Poomsae (a set routine of Taekwondo movements), practice one-step sparring (self defense techniques that include blocks, throws and strikes), and learn and practice sparring steps (to use in a in-action fight).

Taekwondo and Karate have many similarities. They are both martial arts, have a relationship to self defense, include kicking, include punching, and don't commonly use weapons. But they are also different: they come from different places, include some differing parts, and have different main aspects.

Now that more information was given on the two topics, I hope that you can understand some of their differences and similarities. Taekwondo and Karate are two different sports but are often seen as one. Although Karate is more well known and popular than taekwondo, I prefer Taekwondo and think that it is pretty awesome. (Think about giving it a try!) Taekwondo and karate are not the same, but both are amazing!

Sources:

Karate info: Karate image the basics Other stuff Popularity The difference

Taekwondo info: TKD image the Basics Other Stuff Popularity