Skip to Main Content

Karate vs. Taekwondo

When you’re thinking about engaging in martial arts training, you should first determine which form of martial arts is best suited for your abilities, philosophies, and lifestyle. Karate and Taekwondo are two common and separate forms for study, but unfortunately, they are frequently confused with each other. While there are some similarities, there are significant differences that separate the two. Most notably, Taekwondo originated in Korea, and Karate is a Japanese form of martial arts.

Karate

Karate is an art that focuses on striking, with kicking, punching, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques as well. Karate’s movements are crisp and linear, and they include several blocking techniques and takedowns. According to legend, Karate was first seen in in 5th Century C.E. when an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma arrived in Shaolin-si, which is a small forest temple. From there, it spread quickly to a Japanese island called Okinawa where it began its evolution into the form we know well today. The word “karate” translates into English as “empty hands,” which refers to Karate’s effective use of unarmed defense techniques.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a combat sport and a form of Korean martial art. It emphasizes kicking techniques that are graceful, yet powerful. Punching, blocking, and takedowns are also a part of Taekwondo, although kicking has a greater presence. It began in Korea some time between 37 B.C.E and 668 C.E. and grew under the influence of the Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje kingdoms. It has evolved through the years and is now a more systematic practice than it was originally. Taekwondo is one of the fastest martial arts, and its name translates into English as “the way of the foot and fist.”

A diligent study of Karate and Taekwondo will uncover more detailed differences than those described here, but this information should give you a general idea of what makes each discipline unique. If you’re interested in the mental and physical health benefits of practicing one or more of the martial arts, contact NY Martial Arts Academy to speak with a skilled and experienced instructor who can help you take the first steps toward building your self defense skills while increasing your physical and mental strength. 

Helpful Head Movement Drills for Self Defense

There’s a saying in the martial world that says, “Either you move your head or he’s gonna move it for you.” Effective head movement is used to avoid oncoming attacks and also to set up strong counter moves. It can...

The 3 Benefits of Martial Arts Wellness Programs

Attracting talent to your organization is more difficult now than it has been. With more flexibility favoring employees, you must offer a fully laid out benefits package. This approach may appear costly, but it will help you attract and retain...

The 4 Main Benefits of Martial Arts After School Programs

Children have so many options for what to do with their time after school. After so many hours focusing on schoolwork, it is a lot to ask for them to continue that level of attention. Students that participate in afterschool programs, even those...

Everything You Need to Know About Martial Arts Belts

  For years, those who practice martial arts like Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and others have taken part in classes where one of the most significant signs of their skillset is represented by a thin piece of fabric wrapped...

A Martial Arts Journey to Health and Fitness

Written By Jessica Militello When Chris Shea first joined New York Martial Arts Academy in 2017, he had just embarked on a serious commitment to revamp his health and fitness habits. Two years later, his determination and discipline to making...

Why Every Woman Should Do Martial Arts

Many physical activities from sports to adventure hiking tend to get branded as masculine things to do. This limited perspective ignores the benefits that any person can enjoy from these activities. Martial arts provide many opportunities for...

Why Martial Arts Is the Best Way to Get Fit

You know that martial arts may come with several lifestyle benefits such as disciple and the ability to pay more attention to detail. Did you know, though, that the sport is for more than teaching you how to calmly yet sternly defend yourself? There...

Who Can Benefit From Martial Arts Classes?

Martial arts is not only a means of self defense, but also a great way to exercise and get complete peace of mind through mental focus. Many people procrastinate going to the gym each day and disregard their physical (and mental) health because life...

How Much Time Do Kids Martial Arts Classes Demand?

Martial arts classes can be a great way to get your kids active and involved in activities outside of school. Even though extracurricular activities can be great for your kids, they are often time-consuming as well. Many parents wonder exactly how...

A Brief History of Martial Arts

Asia is considered the hub of the world of martial arts by many people. However, this does not mean that martial arts was born in Asia. While martial arts may not have been necessarily born in Asia, many prominent forms of martial arts come from the...

What to Look for in A Martial Arts School

  Choosing a martial school takes the same approach as choosing a regular school for your child. Just because the martial school entails kicks and punches, rather than English and Mathematics, it does not mean that modern day scrutiny of...

Teaching Confidence at a Young Age is Key

Having confidence is one of the most important life skills that martial arts teaches us. Many children have confidence issues but this can be improved by reinforcing that they can do whatever they put their mind to. It's also important to...

Believe You Can, Then You Will

There's a saying that I always liked: "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you're right." Successful people have an unshakable belief that they can and will achieve their goals. They look at road blocks along the...

Quickstart To Meditation

Meditation Many people have attained higher planes of enlightenment through the ancient art of meditation and have incorporated meditation into their work schedules and daily routines. Zen sitting meditation is a period of nothingness. Doing...

Find the Right School For You

The study of martial arts can be a very healthy and stimulating addition to your life. Martial arts is a way of life with a rich history and endless benefits.  Before beginning the search for the best martial arts academy for you, take some...

Fitness Facts About Martial Arts

Martial arts is a fantastic way to get and stay in shape. Martial artists are known for being strong, fast and having great endurance. Here's a few cool fitness facts about martial arts.  1. Learning Jeet Kune Do works both the...
Page: 12345678 - All