Karate and Tae Kwon Do are a bit more intertwined than many people realise. Tae Kwon Do is largely derived from Shotokan Karate. Originally Karate had no high kicks, but when high kicks did eventually became more common in Karate, some Karate people turned to Tae Kwon Do to learn more.

Both styles have influenced the other, yet there are distinct differences and (unfortunately) often quite a bit of rivalry. So this article is designed to have an unbiased look at the main influences on each style and how this has caused them to develop in different ways.

This article is not written to show that either system is better than the other, it is simply an impartial comparison of the different strengths and approaches. I do come from a Karate background, so I am basing my opinions on Tae Kwon Do on my observations and conversations with Tae Kwon Do practitioners. Therefore I do not claim that my observations of Tae Kwon Do are absolutely 100% correct.

It should also be noted that there are many styles of Karate and Tae Kwon Do. For the sake of this article, my comments on Karate will primarily refer to Shotokan Karate. There are also a number of different versions of Tae Kwon Do, varying from being quite close to Karate, through to a much more Olympic sport oriented version. Therefore you have to accept that not all of these observations will apply to every Karate/Tae Kwon Do style and are quite general in nature.

So what has actually created most of the differences? I would say that the main driving factor is that Karate primarily focuses on hand techniques with legs as backup, whereas Tae Kwon Do is primarily a kicking style with hands as backup. This creates other changes as the two styles orientate themselves around these preferences.

Firstly, lets look at the stance. As Karateka focus on hands, the legs (especially the rear leg) are often more \”coiled\”, ready to push into the floor and drive the body forward. Body weight is slightly lower, the knees are relaxed but more bent with a feeling of being \”sprung-loaded\”. This makes sense for a puncher so that he can spring forward to cover distance to reach his target.

It\’s not so good however, if you are primarily a kicker. Tae Kwon Do fighters often like to kick of the front leg, which in turn requires the legs to be \”looser\”, stance higher and legs straighter.

The reverse punch is probably most Karateka\’s favourite techniques, which requires a full hip rotation. To achieve this, your feet (when viewed from the front) must be about shoulder width apart with the weight evenly distributed between the feet.

But if you prefer a to use a leading leg kick, you are more inclined to fight with your feet in line to the opponent and most of weight on your back leg, allowing that front leg to come up very easily.

In fairness, these observations are based on sport fighting (especially regarding Tae Kwon Do) and will not necessarily apply to more street appropriate applications.

However, the sport versions do effect the punching techniques too. The Karate punch is powered by the hips with the shoulders relaxed and low. The \”spring loaded\” legs drive the hips rapidly around and forward.

In Tae Kwon Do, the punch is also powered mainly by the hips, but as the feet are in line (for front leg kicking), it is not so easy to get a full rotation of the hip. Furthermore, with the legs being almost straight the rotation of the hip will not push forward so much. Tae Kwon Do\’s solution is to commit the shoulders slightly more than a Karateka does. This is also in part due to Tae Kwon Do having some boxing/kickboxing influences which are not so prevalent in the older traditional styles of Karate.

When in a fighting posture, the arms are also held in different positions. Most Karateka hold the arms more forward in front of themselves as these are his main weapons and he wants them up front in order to engage the opponent. The forearm of the leading arm usually points straight at the opponents head. Should the opponent come too close, it just needs a relatively small extension to reach the head. The forearm of the rear arm usually points at the opponents stomach ready for a powerful finishing blow. The two arms being different heights also gives a good all round defensive coverage of the body.

Tae Kwon Do fighters however, expect to engage more with their legs. An attackers kick to their body is often intercepted with the defenders leg coming up as the defender will be looking for a chance to counter kick. Their arms are therefore are usually kept further back and higher to guard to head (as the legs already guard the body).

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Author Bio: Claim a free 5 part video course on How To Become Good At Bunkai (realistic applications to traditional martial arts) plus mini ebook bonuses.
Then just browse the BunkaiJutsu website for articles on holistic martial arts including realistic self defence, combat psychology, health, philosophy, natural technique and much more.

Category: Sports
Keywords: karate,taekwondo,differences between karate and taekwondo,shotokan,karate punch,regarding taekwondo