Karate General Info

[BadgerFu57]

What are the fundamental differences between Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Kung Fu?

Do they have special techniques specific to each art, or is it mostly just the same stuff under different names.

A hip-throw in Judo is pretty much the same as a hip-throw in BJJ or wrestling. The only difference is training method. Judo focuses on throws as the bread and butter, BJJ focuses them on means to get an opponent to the ground, and wrestling is like Judo without a gi (sort of).

So, how does that analogy related to Karate/Tae-Kwon-Do/Kung Fu?

[m.artist]

it pretty much relates to all martial arts
the techniques are the same with just about any art. it's the way they are applied that matters
karate, tkd, kung fu, san shou, or whatever you do. it really doens't matter
a punch is a punch no matter what style it is. as long as you use it correctly, then you are good, and that's really all that matters
hope that helps

[Hardball]

So, how does that analogy related to Karate/Tae-Kwon-Do/Kung Fu?

The delivery and philosophy of the kicks are different also. The point of contact with the foot can differ. ie. roundhouse with the ball or the instep? TKD uses a lot of combos whereas japanese karate believe they can kill you with one punch. Wing chun kung fu uses kicks for defense whereas tkd they are flashy and offensive. Wing chun's main punches are vertical and they like to make contact with the middle knucke and the two smaller knuckles....tkd the two biggest knuckles...........All this can vary from school to school in the same system. For instance east side tkd teaches it different from westside tkd.......................These are just a few examples. There are many more.

Suggested reading: The Book of 5 Rings, Myiamoto Mushashi

[m.artist]

For instance east side tkd teaches it different from westside tkd.

WEST SIDE!

[Shoot]

First, before people freak out let me say this: these are gross generalizations.

Ok, here’s what I recommend: play some very good fighting video games that have different styles in it. First, it’s fun. Second, some of these games contain the techniques found in the various styles and are very well researched. You will see how various styles would work in theory in an idealized way in an idealized fight. Obviously, a computer theoretical representation of these styles in combat can be very far removed from reality.

“Kung Fu” is generic. There are thousands of styles. Well known versions are wing chun and the shaolin five animal system. Systems, such as the 5 animals, are based on the stylized movements of animals and their spirit/instinct/ “strategy” is adopted. These styles tend to be circular and softer than Kempo, Karate, and TKD. For example, in snake styles the hand is made to look like the head of a snake and the arms become snakes. The style is practically telegraphic as a snake is–the hands are going to strike you, that is apparent. How, when, and where is unknown. The arms and hands threaten and move like snakes. Contrast that to leopard styles that use surprise like a hunting leopard. Kung Fu styles generally take a very long time to learn and master. Kung Fu is often criticised for being nothing more than fancy forms. However, if you know what you're doing you can use the techniques in an applied practical way.

“Karate” is almost generic. TKD is often called “karate.” The history of TKD varies by who is telling the story. Some say TKD comes from Japanese karate, some say TKD comes from ancient Korean arts, some say TKD comes from chinese arts. Most acknowledge some level of mix. The fact is that TKD and Karate are very similar in form, but not necessarily in practice. Karate is linear and formalistic. Karate employs very hard linear chambered punches designed (at least in theory) to disable an opponent. Karate was designed for civil self defense. TKD has been used to create a sport, although TKD looks different in sport than in combat or self defense (or at least should). TKD has adopted a modern fighting stance and modern punching from boxing. The formalistic chambered punches found in its forms are practiced for attribute training. TKD looks basically like kick boxing. However, TKD is a “complete” striking art in that it contains open hand, elbow, and knee techniques not used in sport. Karate may come off a bit more theoretical. However, when Karate theory is understood it can be a very effective system for self defense. Many Karate practitioners retain the formal deep stances and chambered fists in sparring, not all do.

Both karate and TKD schools vary in how the styles are taught. Some TKD schools focus on TKD the sport. Some focus on self defense and often combine some Hapkido. Karate sport is not as developed or widely practiced, however some schools focus on it. Some Karate schools are just into forms and Karate as a traditional art with artful moves and forms are stressed. Other karate schools focus on sparring and practice.

You have to study what’s out there to know what you’re looking at and what you want. Just be safe and don’t risk injury.

[Hardball]

You have to study what’s out there to know what you’re looking at and what you want. Just be safe and don’t risk injury.

Nice summary and addition to my synopsis!! Don't take offense but James Brown was not saying Karazy he was saying "Ka Razor" Referring to a Blade versus Karate. The Song is called "The Big Payback"