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Kung Fu vs Karate: differences explained

Kung Fu: mixed: strikes, throws, locks and weapons. Karate: striking: punches, kicks, blocks. For self-defence, both are similar. Best advice: try one class of each.

Kung FuKarate
Origin and founderChina · centuries-old, hundreds of stylesOkinawa (Japan) · 19th century; Gichin Funakoshi brought it to mainland Japan in 1922
TypeMixed: strikes, throws, locks and weaponsStriking: punches, kicks, blocks
UniformKung fu uniform (varies by school)White karategi and belt
Belt / ranking systemSashes or grades, varies by schoolKyu and dan; coloured belts
Typical techniquesForms (taolu), low stances, strikes, many weaponsKihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring)
Sport / competitionYes in sport wushu (taolu and sanda)Yes: point kumite and kata
Self-defence focusMediumMedium
Olympic statusNoOnly at Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021)
Where to train📍 Kung Fu clubs📍 Karate clubs

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

Sources: Wikipedia — Kung Fu · Wikipedia — Karate · olympics.com

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