What Are the Differences Between Kung Fu, Karate and Tae Kwon Do?
The three most common martial arts to study in the United States are Karate, Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do. To a casual observer when a skilled practioner is using one of these forms of kenpo they are unable to tell which is which. Even the karate uniforms are very similar with a white gi with various belt colors for Karate and Tae Kwon Do.
Origins and Development of Karate, Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do
Kung Fu was developed and cultivated in China using a circular motion in their forms. Because of their close proximity to Japan and the people of Okinawa, the people of Japan were exposed to Kung Fu. Over time the Japanese formed their own martial arts known as Karate. Due to the influence of Kung Fu both styles use many techniques that are similar. But Kung Fu has more variety to their techniques. The Japanese streamlined the number of methods the Chinese used in their style and made a completely different method in the process. Not only that, but they execute the techniques differently. More linear, which means Karate movements or katas (sequence of set moves) are executed with a more distinct stop and go set of motions as well as more crisp movements. Karate is also known as a hard style of martial arts; whereas, Kung Fu is a soft style.
Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea with a lot of influence from Karate during the occupation in Japan. Some Tae Kwon Do training centers still use the rare Karate form when teaching their students. There are two very distinctive differences between these two methods of martial arts. More emphasis is placed on kicks, jumps and flying kicks (kicks while in the air) then Karate. They utilize these types of leg techniques about 60% compared with 40% of the Karate katas that use them. The second difference is the execution of sequences of sets involved. Tae Kwon Do patterns are less complex and a little shorter then both Karate and Kung Fu forms.
What is the Difference Between a Hard Style and Soft Style of Martial Arts?
Kung Fu is known as a soft style of martial arts, but Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do are both hard styles. What does that mean? Because of the word soft, you might think that this type of martial art is, well, softer than the other forms. However this term can be misleading. Martial arts such as Aikido, Judo and even Kung Fu might be a soft form, but the circular moves found in these methods can be just as powerful as the ones found in the hard types. Soft form is usually a grappling based martial art and relies on using their opponents power against themselves to take them down through throws and joint locks.
Hard style martial arts match power to power to take down an opponent. Generally striking based, such as Karate with their dominate hand techniques or Tae Kwon Do with their powerful flying kicks. This type of martial arts relies a lot on being able to harm or take down their opponent. You can also find boxing, Muay Thai in the class of a hard style.
How Do the Karate Uniforms Differ Than the Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do Uniforms?
The Karate uniform consists of a white gi with an overlapping kimono-like top. However, some of the less traditional dojo's in North American have incorporated colored uniforms into their training. The colored belt helps round off the uniform. You'll also notice that students do not wear shoes while training.
The Kung Fu uniforms take a completely different approach to their uniforms. Uniforms are usually black or a variety of colors and the material is a lot more lightweight, such as satin. Then certain Chinese martial arts such as wushu favor bright colored uniforms with satin colored sashes to signify what rank the students are at. Plus they to wear shoes as part of their uniform. The top is also very different. Instead of an overlapping kimono-like top they have "frog-style" buttons up the front. So as you can image the Kung Fu uniform is vastly different looking than the Karate uniform.
Tae Kwon Do uniforms are similar to the Karate uniforms. They have the same white uniforms with the ranking systems reflected by the colored belts. Today you'll find two styles of Tae Kwon Do gi's that are worn. You'll notice that many schools have incorporated a black lining in their white uniforms which represents black belt levels. Another difference is in the tops, they have a V-neck top instead of the frog button uniforms or the overlapping top that the other two wear. The uniforms have also taken on different colors such as blue, black and red as well as the traditional white.
Which Martial Arts Style Fits You?
Picking one of these martial arts comes down to a few basic concepts. Do you want to concentrate on your leg techniques or hand techniques? If you want to develop your legs more and learn a lot of powerful kicking techniques than you might want to take a closer look at Tae Kwon Do. But if you'd like to learn more graceful, fluid movements you should visit a few Kung Fu schools.
The best advice for choosing a martial arts discipline to study is to visit a few schools in your area and watch how the student's practice their moves. If you find yourself fascinated with one style over the other then ask the instructor if you can participate in a class or sign up to start learning that form of martial arts.
The author of this article has dedicated years of his life to the study and practice of the ancient self-defense arts. Presently, he works for a reputable martial art supply store where his knowledge and experience allow him to provide unparalleled service to students as they search for the very best martial arts uniforms and other clothing.
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