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Karate vs Taekwondo: differences explained

Karate: striking: punches, kicks, blocks. Taekwondo: striking, mostly kicks. For self-defence, both are similar. Best advice: try one class of each.

KarateTaekwondo
Origin and founderOkinawa (Japan) · 19th century; Gichin Funakoshi brought it to mainland Japan in 1922South Korea · 1950s (name from 1955); Kukkiwon founded 1972
TypeStriking: punches, kicks, blocksStriking, mostly kicks
UniformWhite karategi and beltWhite V-neck dobok and belt
Belt / ranking systemKyu and dan; coloured beltsGeup and dan (poom for juniors)
Typical techniquesKihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring)High and spinning kicks, poomsae (forms), breaking
Sport / competitionYes: point kumite and kataYes: points with electronic body protector
Self-defence focusMediumMedium
Olympic statusOnly at Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021)Yes, since 2000
Where to train📍 Karate clubs📍 Taekwondo clubs

Summary written by Wabukan; rules and grading vary by federation and school.

Sources: Wikipedia — Karate · Wikipedia — Taekwondo · olympics.com

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