Boxing and Kung fu are incredible martial arts- suitable for many purposes, including fighting and self-development. As a result, learning them- is wise.
Today, there’s a variety of fighting styles one can learn. As such, many may get confused over the wide variety of choices. Let’s examine two particular martial arts, Kung fu, and boxing. This article will demonstrate their differences and similarities. So, which one should you learn?
Consider boxing if you’re looking for a simple, modern, easy-to-learn martial art. On the other hand, if you desire to study traditional martial arts involving more fighting techniques, such as kicking and grappling, Kung fu is more suitable for your situation.
Learning to fight has changed my perspective and mindset toward solving most problems in my life. Because of that, it may spark a similar change for you. However, most people don’t appreciate the results one can receive from fighting classes- since they’re not familiar with them.
This article will demonstrate the differences and similarities between Kung fu and boxing. If you’re struggling to choose one to learn, this post matches your needs.
Before jumping in, I wrote a complete guide to training martial arts at home. If you’re interested in progressing outside your fighting gym, I have no doubt this article will come in handy.
The differences between Kung fu and boxing
Although one may think the opposite, every martial art is unique. Because of that, some gaps will arise between any two fighting styles. Knowing them- will assist you in understanding the purpose of any style you’re looking to learn. Thus if you know the differences, you’ll have an easier time choosing one to practice.
If you’re struggling to pick between Kung fu and boxing, this section is perhaps the most critical one for your decision process. As a result, I’m writing this at the top of this article.
The fighting techniques
Every martial art teaches other fighting techniques. Frequently, some movements repeat themselves. Nonetheless, each one teaches its trainees a different approach to fighting. So let’s see which one teaches which techniques.
Boxing is also known as the art of punching. To clarify, you’ll learn to punch in various forms, such as in the form of a jab, hook, and straight punch. However, Kung fu teaches multiple techniques, such as punching, kicking, grappling, and even submissions.
Frankly, this should be the primary metric to decide which martial art you’ll begin learning. For example, if you wish to study grappling, kicking, and punching while retaining a traditional martial art (which we’ll look at later ), Kung fu is most suitable.
However, boxing is most fitting if you desire to learn a relatively uncomplicated fighting style that includes punching in various forms.
Nonetheless, you may not be familiar with what these techniques are. As a result, I encourage you to read the following article I wrote on the 3-most effective ways to study boxing at home.
I did both Kung fu and boxing throughout my fighting career. Therefore, I know most of what to expect from your early training phases. If you’re interested in learning to fight quickly, boxing does that. However, if you’re interested in studying a traditional martial art that focuses on values and meditation combined with fighting fiercely, Kung fu is more suitable.
Their origin
All martial arts originate from some country. While that may not influence your decision, it affects its style. For instance, Karate originates from Okinawa Island in Japan. Therefore, its style will be different than other Karate forms that originated from different spots.
While Kung fu is from China, boxing originates from Great Britain. The meaning of these different places is that these will be completely different fighting styles. But, most likely, they’ll resemble each other in a few areas.
Kung fu is traditional, while boxing is modern.
While some fighting styles are traditional, others are modern. Because of that, some may be more appropriate for different individuals. Thus knowing what to expect from the style you learn- is critical to maximizing your enjoyment of the process.
Kung fu is a traditional martial art. Therefore, some of the drills you’ll go through in training will include more exercises that involve spirituality and values. For instance, some Kung fu schools keep up with meditation practice. On the other hand, boxing is modern martial art- suitable for fighting.
Following this metric may help you solve your struggles regarding which martial art you’ll start to learn. For instance, if you’re interested in gaining more values and spirituality, Kung fu may appeal to you more than the latter.
If you’re interested in learning to fight solely for that purpose, boxing is suitable for such purposes. You’ll learn to use offensive and defensive moves to disable the attacker quickly and effectively.
The similarities between Kung fu and boxing
Thus far, we have examined and explained the differences between Kung fu and boxing. However, there’s more to know before making your choice as to which one to begin studying.
Although every fighting style is unique, all martial arts share some similarities. Such similarities will assist us in comprehending them and therefore making wiser choices. The following sections will examine the similarities between Kung fu and boxing.
Both are suitable for self-defense.
Martial arts, at their core, are meant to teach people to use self-defense. Because of that, most of them will be incredibly effective for such a purpose. That’s the first similarity between Kung fu and boxing.
Kung fu and boxing are suitable for self-defense since they teach the trainees effective fighting techniques, such as disabling an attacker quickly and effectively. As a result, using the methods you’ll learn for self-defense- is wise and suitable.
One critical aspect of knowledge to use self-defense- is understanding your goal. Your pursuit is to disable the attacker as quickly and effectively as possible without the malicious causing massive damage.
Various techniques are meant for such a purpose, like Krav Maga. If you’re unfamiliar with Krav Maga, it’s a self-defense system, highly effective for disabling attackers quickly.
I’m not telling you to learn Krav Maga if you’re interested in learning self-defense, as both boxing and Kung fu have similar purposes. However, disabling an attacker with a left hook to the face- is plausible and not as complicated as other movements, such as grappling.
I’ve seen various instances where people used punching to cause massive damage quickly. In fact, in my military service, I had to use such techniques for the same goal, which is self-defense.
They both serve the same purposes.
Most martial arts have many purposes that usually resemble those of other ones. Let’s examine these purposes and how Kung fu and boxing provide them to their trainees.
Both Kung fu and boxing are suitable for 3-primary purposes; fighting, sports, and self-improvement. If I could summarize what martial arts are ideal for, these would be the three reasons to study fighting. Let’s elaborate.
First, one can learn boxing and Kung fu to fight appropriately. Such a purpose is most often why people begin their fighting journey. Moreover, it’s a reason to help you stay consistent, as you’d constantly strive to learn more.
Secondly, you can learn martial arts for the sake of the sport. Sports are fantastic and suitable for many purposes. While one can learn Tennis, the other can do Kung fu. All of these activites do one significant action: moving you around. Such activites are incredibly healthy since you won’t be sitting all day long.
Lastly, you can learn martial arts for self-improvement. Both boxing and Kung fu provides many physical and mental benefits. For example, boxing trainees can expect to better their endurance, self-esteem, and confidence and even lower their aggression levels.
Both Kung fu and boxing are fantastic martial rats that most people usually begin doing for these 3-reasons. However, if you want to improve yourself, I encourage you to pick up a fighting style. If you’re unsure which one to pick, follow the link to read an article of mine on the best martial arts for self-defense.
Both Kung fu and boxing teach punching and footwork.
As previously discussed, boxing and Kung fu teach different fighting techniques. However, two similarities pop out when talking about which ones they both teach. So let’s examine the two and see whether they teach it similarly.
Although Kung fu and boxing teach diverse fighting techniques, they teach their trainees how to use footwork as offensive and defensive tools and punching. So, for instance, you’ll learn how to confuse your opponent by using some footwork techniques in both of them.
That said, one can easily distinguish between the methods used to teach these techniques. For instance, boxing teaches you a variety of punches, including the uppercut, jab, hook, and straight punch. On the other hand, Kung fu doesn’t go over the uppercut and, at times, the hook.
The following video demonstrates a few punches that you’ll learn in boxing training. However, if you’re interested in studying it, it still doesn’t mean- boxing is most suitable. Instead, consider reading the following sections to comprehend which fits who.
Now that you understand how boxing looks let’s return to Kung fu. A single video isn’t enough to show the variety of techniques one will learn in training. The following video shows some movements that may intrigue your attention.
Although this video doesn’t explain, it’ll help if you concentrate on a single technique that they use. Notice the footwork one uses for offense while the other- for defense. I truly admire such gentle movements since they’re beautiful to watch and are highly effective for self-defense and fighting.
Which is more effective, Kung fu or boxing?
Comparing two martial arts- is naturally impossible. However, in this section, I’ll do my best to develop a single style that exceeds the other. We’ll treat it as if we have two fighters- each for every art. Let’s dive in.
Boxing is more effective than Kung fu because it emphasizes sparring over training. As a result, boxers will be more set to deal with self-defense and overall fighting scenarios. On the other hand, Kung fu includes more techniques, such as grappling and kicking. Still, boxing is more effective.
Although I tried to give a straightforward answer, you can see how two sides arise. Without a big enough experiment, we can’t say for sure. However, I used my experience as a martial arts trainee to assume which one would win.
Although boxing involves fewer fighting techniques than Kung fu, it includes more sparring sessions. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s when two trainees train by fighting each other. So, for instance, if I were to spar with another trainee, we would fight in a boxing ring for training purposes.
While Kung fu does involve some sparring sessions, they’re fewer than those of boxing. Because of that, boxers will become more capable fighters and less afraid to deal with conflicts and fights.
Nonetheless, there are two sides to the story. First, kung fu trainees will be more dynamic than boxers, as the first includes more fighting techniques. They’ll learn to kick, grapple, and even use submissions and punching. However, it’s not as realistic and rich in sparring. Thus boxing takes the trophy.
Is boxing easier to learn than Kung fu?
This section will look at one of the primary benefits boxing has over many martial arts. It’s the reason why it’s as popular as it is. By following the link, you’ll find an article of mine on the most prevalent martial arts worldwide. You’ll find out that boxing is the most widespread out of all of them.
Boxing is easier to learn than Kung fu since it doesn’t involve as many techniques as the latter. As a result, boxers will learn the basics in less time than Kung fu trainees. For instance, while the latter involves kicking and grappling techniques, the first solely involves punching.
When I studied boxing, I understood the basic punches and footwork after 2-sessions. That’s right; 2-sessions. Contrary, when I began doing Kung fu, it took me a few months till I fully understood the basics. As a result, we know which is simpler to learn.
Which is easier to learn- can be a metric you follow in choosing which martial art you’ll practice. For instance, some don’t want to invest plenty of hours in learning the basics of a traditional fighting style. Because of that, choosing boxing over Kung fu- will ensure you stay consistent and enjoy training.
Would a boxer beat a Kung fu trainee?
Again, comparing two fighting styles- is challenging and may seem impossible. But, for the purpose of this section, I’ll answer the question in a somewhat confident and straightforward voice.
A boxer would beat a kung fu trainee since boxing involves more sparring than the latter. As a result, the boxer is more ready and capable- of dealing with fights. For instance, after learning the basics, boxing trainees move to the next stage of training, which is sparring.
Eventually, Kung fu has some benefits over boxing, making it more appealing to you. So, although this section may contradict my sayings, if it’s more appealing to you, don’t hesitate to learn it- since it provides numerous benefits and results.
Which is better for self-defense, boxing, or Kung fu?
When we discuss the topic of self-defense, our goal changes; previously, we measured which martial art is better by the number of practical training sessions included. Now, it’s an entirely different story.
Kung fu is better for self-defense than boxing since it includes more fighting techniques. As a result, you’ll become a more dynamic fighter if you learn the first rather than the latter. Moreover, you’ll become a solid fighter by training in such a fighting style- since you won’t be afraid to fight.
However, it’s critical to note that some Kung fu schools don’t include many sparring or realistic scenarios in their training. Because of that, you won’t learn valuable techniques and strategies for self-defense.
Nonetheless, most boxing schools include such a realistic approach to fighting. As a result, you can’t go wrong with preparing yourself for self-defense situations when studying it. That said, it doesn’t include as many techniques as Kung fu, so you’ll have a narrow skillset.
Eventually, what’s essential for self-defense is that you practice realistic fighting scenarios and that you’ll be dynamic. That’s it. If you can achieve both, congratulations, you can now use self-defense.
Kung fu vs. boxing – who wins?
Both Kung fu and boxing are incredible martial arts that provide countless physical and mental benefits. As a result, learning any of them- is wise and will improve your well-being. For instance, one can expect to increase one’s confidence by studying the first or the latter.
Physiological benefits (e.g., aerobic capacity and bone density) may be associated with long-term Kung Fu practice.
Source
Key benefits of fitness boxing (Source)
- Improves balance.
- Helps posture.
- Strengthens upper- body and core.
- Boosts endurance.
- May increase alertness.
- Enhances mood.
- Improves hand-eye coordination.
As you can tell, both martial arts provide various benefits- suitable for improving your well-being. Because of that, learning any of them- is a wise choice.
Which is better for fitness, boxing or Kung fu?
All martial arts improve various physical aspects when you do them consistently. However, some are better than others. Therefore, some studies have checked this parameter to develop the best fighting style to learn for fitness purposes.
Boxing is better for fitness than Kung fu since it burns more calories per hour. As a result, you’ll burn more energy in your workout while working on more body parts- intensely. For example, in an hour of boxing, you burn 800 calories, while in Kung fu- the number decreases to 737.
Although the number of calories you burned doesn’t accurately reflect which one is better for fitness, I still followed that metric because of one critical consequence. So, to comprehend it, let’s return a bit.
When you burn more calories, you use more body parts- intensely. For instance, you burn many calories when using your legs and cardiovascular system- powerfully when you run.
The findings of the two studies suggest that you burn more calories in an hour of boxing compared to Kung fu. As a result, you use more body parts- more intensely in the first rather than the latter. Thus it’s better for fitness.
Is Kung fu effective in a street fight?
What makes a martial art suitable for street fights? Briefly, if the fighting style teaches various effective and practical fighting techniques, they’ll be adequate for street fights. So let’s look at what it means and whether Kung fu fits this criterion.
Kung fu is effective in street fights because it teaches numerous fighting techniques that can cause massive damage quickly, such as kicking, punching, and grappling. As a result, one can use these techniques to disable swiftly one’s opponent.
When Kung fu was created in China, it taught people to use self-defense. There weren’t guns or self-defense weapons, so the body was the only way to protect oneself.
From that, we can interpret that Kung fu’s purpose was fighting. As a result, it’ll include many techniques- suitable for street fights. Hence it’s adequate for such a purpose.
Should I learn boxing or Kung fu?
Different martial arts may be more suitable for specific individuals. Consequently, if you’re looking to study a fighting style that’ll be fitting for your desires, this section is for you.
You should learn boxing if you desire a simple martial art that involves punching using a single fighting technique. However, if you’re looking for a traditional martial art- that involves complicated procedures, such as kicking and grappling, consider Kung fu.
It’s relatively straightforward. I preferred learning a simple martial art- since I was unwilling to invest many hours in learning a traditional style. Yet, that may not be the case for you. You may prefer studying a long-term- traditional art. Therefore, consider Kung fu as your primary choice.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll fancy all martial arts- since they all are unique. As a result, you might enjoy studying each one, so this decision-making process isn’t as critical. However, if you’re anything like my friend, who quit martial arts because he picked an unsuitable style, consider picking up one suitable for your desires.
Final words
Learning any martial art- is wise since it provides numerous physical and mental benefits. However, some may suit your desires and needs more than others. Hence learning them- is a better decision.
Both boxing and Kung fu are fantastic martial arts- suitable for many purposes, including fighting and self-improvement. However, how can you know which one you should learn?
If you’re interested in studying a simple martial art that focuses on one fighting technique both for offense and defense, boxing is most suitable.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to study a traditional martial art that combines many fighting techniques, such as kicking, punching, and grappling, Kung fu is more suitable.
I learned both fighting styles, and I know what to expect when you begin learning each one. I can assure you that you’ll enjoy both martial arts regardless of your goal. Because of that, the single piece of advice I’d like you to take is to begin learning as soon as possible. Consequently, you’ll start to progress and receive more results sooner.