Martial arts is about more than self-defense; it is also about self-control. Taekwondo and karate are two of the most popular types. While different in many aspects, it’s common to confuse one with the other. Understanding the basics before signing up for a class could help to determine which option is best for you.

History

Taekwondo originated as a hand-to-hand combat style developed in Korea. During the Japanese occupation in the early 1900s, the infiltrators banned these techniques, which caused students to practice in secret or travel to China or Japan to further their training. The first taekwondo school opened in Korea in 1945, once the occupation came to a close.

Karate has origins on the island of Okinawa in Japan. Legend has it that the islanders came up with this form of hand-to-hand combat when the king banned the use of weapons. The first public demonstration was given in 1917 by Gichin Funakoshi, which led to establishing a base for instruction.

Philosophy

Taekwondo approaches life as if it were a path to achieving enlightenment. Centering around the concept of yin and yang, it teaches individuals how to maintain harmony and balance between the opposing forces in the mind, body, and spirit.

Karate, on the other hand, focuses more on personal improvement. It teaches you to empty your mind of distractions and press toward perfection of character.

Technique

From learning the rules of engagement to practicing basic moves, both forms of martial arts have students work on foundation-level skills before moving on to more advanced techniques. This progression includes learning to hold stances for long periods and getting the body accustomed to moving a certain way.

However, taekwondo focuses on kicking while karate features more hand-chopping motions. A starting stance for taekwondo has the student putting their weight on a single foot to maintain flexibility. Karate, however, has both feet firmly on the ground to increase stability, relying on the upper body to drive the movements.

If you’re interested in signing up for a karate or taekwondo class, reach out to ATA Infinite Martial Arts in Centennial, OH. Their instructors undergo rigorous training, are fully certified, and uphold industry standards. They commit to helping students reach their full potential and develop real-life, self-defense strategies to ensure maximum growth. Call (303) 353-4951 to speak with a representative. Visit their website for a full list of programs.