Kung Fu Vs. Karate Vs. Tae Kwon Do
These three styles have several similarities, but there are fundamental differences across the board. Kung Fu finds its roots as a martial art (the words by themselves are often used in everyday speech to represent good work done) in China. Its most famous temples are found in the shaolin mountains, but throughout the land of China are tens to possibly a hundred or more different styles.
Tae Kwon Do comes from the divided countries of North and South Korea. There are several different styles of Tae Kwon Do, and the divisions now run to international levels with the ITF (International Tae Kwon Do Federation) and the WTF (World Tae Kwon Do Federation).
Karate is also an international sensation which first began in Japan. All three styles are linked to one another with Kung Fu being the unofficial father of the other two styles. Martial Arts often passed through the ports into Japan or on the Korea, were refined, and changed over time. For Karate, there are also several different schools and styles from Kyokushinkai to Goju Ryu to Shotokan.
Kung Fu
With its sweeping movements, animal styles, and specialized weapons, the main difference between Kung Fu and the other 3 styles is its circular motions. Of all three, this style of martial art centers around mostly circular motions in its kicks, strikes, and blocks. Even in its brother style of Wing Chun from Hong Kong and the south of China you will find a strong emphasis on circular movements.
Karate
This style cuts through to the heart of the matter. It is the most linear of all three styles. Where Kung Fu seems to gracefully go around and disrupt the balance of a target, Karate smashes right through the center of it. Karate is reminiscent of a square or cube in its geometry of strikes and blocks. As a practitioner of Karate, you will find a lot of power, but the motions lack some fluidity.
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is sort of like a middle ground between Karate and Kung Fu. It is the most angular of the 3 styles. Movements and strikes cut in on diagonal lines. It is not as flowing as Kung Fu, nor as linear as Karate. The kicks and strikes are fast, and often quite aerial. There is power to be found in the strikes, but the techniques are built around speed.
Conclusion
All three traditional styles contain elements from one to the other, but they also have exceptionally defined characteristics. You can compare the three styles as an enologist compares wines. There may be similarities in flavor, but the end product is completely unique to the discerning palate. Kung Fu Karate Tae Kwon Do – you be the judge.
