Throughout history, martial arts have been created to serve a purpose: teach people how to fight appropriately. Many types exist today, such as MMA, Karate, Kung fu, Judo, BJJ, and Kickboxing. Next, let’s compare between 2-specific martial arts, Karate and Kung fu.
While Karate is a more linear martial art originating from Japan, Kung fu uses circular motions and originates from China. As a result, their philosophy and fighting techniques will be different. For example, it’s not uncommon to see Kung fu kicks hitting the side of the head while Karate hits the front.
Therefore, Kung fu and Karate are different. Yet, many similarities link between them. So, in this article, we’ll put things to ensure you know which is most suitable for your desires.
Although they both serve the same purpose, their fighting approaches are different. As a result, while one may be suitable for some, the other for others.
So, to ensure you don’t quit in the middle of your training, it’ll be best to select the most suitable martial art. For example, I’ve found Karate ideal for those wanting to learn a fast-paced fighting style.
This article will be perfect for those having difficulties choosing which marital art to learn.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the differences and similarities between Kung fu and Karate.
Which is better, Karate or Kung fu?
Comparing two martial arts- is demanding. To do so, we must assume two fighters in the same skill level fighting, each from another martial art. In our case, let’s examine who will win in a fight, a Kung fu or a Karate trainee.
In a fight between Kung fu and a Karate master, the fight could go either way. Kung fu is a more complete system than Karate. It includes many fighting techniques and animal stances, such as mantis. On the other hand, Karate involves fewer techniques, which means its trainees can perfect each one, unlike Kung fu.
I wish I could state a winner for this encounter, but unfortunately, I can’t.
However, I can say that Kung fu is a complete system. So, a Kung fu master has more ways to go through. Contrary, Karate is more straightforward, which means it includes fewer techniques. Thus it might be easier to perfect each one.
So, both a Karate and a Kung fu master have their advantages. Nonetheless, it’s impossible to state a winner between the two since each has its unique approach and value.
However, I’m a big fan of both Kung fu and Karate. That’s because they’re suitable for self-defense and are methods of self-improvement. So, its trainees will be capable of improving their physical and mental selves.
I once heard a quote that perfectly describes the situation, and I’ll finish with it.
If Karate is high school, Kung fu is a diverged university
The differences between Karate and Kung fu
The differences between Karate and Kung fu are many. However, knowing them will give you an advantage in knowing which is most suitable for you. So, let’s discuss the 3-primary differences between them.
I encourage you not to skip them and instead ensure you’re familiar with them. That’s the only way you’ll be able to make a wise choice.
Difference #1- Fighting techniques
The first difference is the fighting techniques. Although similar, you’ll immediately notice the difference between Kung fu and Karate. So, what does this mean, and how do you differentiate between the two?
Karate uses linear fighting techniques, which are straight punches and kicks. On the other hand, Kung fu utilizes circular movements like those of animals. As a result, when spotting a Karate/Kung fu master, notice the start and end point of the impacts. Are they circular (Kung fu) or linear (Karate)?
That said, both Karate and Kung fu are the practice of punching and kicking. Moreover, some styles will also teach kneeing, clinching, and elbowing, which are less common amongst traditional martial arts.
However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. You’ll learn various hard-to-execute movements, such as the front and side kick. Additionally, you’ll discover many types of punches. So, which is better?
Simply put, there’s no better martial art when comparing the fighting techniques. Instead, you’ll notice many similarities and differences but not a superior or inferior fighting style.
The following video shows ordinary people demonstrating their Kung fu skills. I highly encourage you to watch it because you can notice the circular movements in action. I’m a fan of this fan because it doesn’t show masters, but typical trainees demonstrate their skills.
Difference #2- Origin
The second difference is the origin.
Although its impact shouldn’t be as prominent as other factors, such as the fighting techniques or whether it’s complete or not, knowing the origin- is critical.
Kung fu originates from China. It has existed for over 1500 years and is most known for the self-improvement it allows its trainees to go through. Truly, traditional martial arts, such as Kung fu, teach fighting techniques while giving the trainees a platform to reach their complete potential.
Karate originates from Japan. It was constructed by the people of Okinawa, an island in Japan. The people of Okinawa wanted to learn self-defense to ensure everyone could defend themselves. Hence they created a fighting style, which today is known as Karate.
Again, the origin doesn’t matter as much. Nonetheless, the origin impacted how the fighting styles look and feel. So, whether you choose Kung fu or Karate, know their history shaped and formed them into what they are today.
Difference #3- Complete/incomplete fighting system
The last difference we’ll discuss is the system itself. First, Karate and Kung fu are both complete in their unique sense. However, if we compare the two, there’s an incomplete and a complete one. So, let’s see which is which.
While Kung fu is a complete fighting system, Karate is less. As a result, the branches of Kung fu are many, while Karate’s few.
For instance, Kung fu includes many animal branches, such as mantis, tiger, deer, crane, monkey, and bear. And yes, there are more animal styles one can learn.
Although Karate has some branches, such as Shotokan Karate and Karate-do, they’re not as rich in new techniques and movements.
Hold up! If you want to learn more about Shotokan Karate– or Karate-do style, I encourage you to follow the links to my articles.
Eventually, the quote I mentioned before applies over here as well. If Karate is high school, then Kung fu is a university.
There’s so much more to learn when studying Kung fu. However, it may not be as positive as you may think.
Instead, Karate masters have less to worry about. In martial arts, simplicity is the key. If you have less to learn, you also have less to perfect.
As a result, Karate masters can perfect more techniques than Kung fu masters, which will give the Karate trainees an advantage in the long term.
On the other hand, Kung fu trainees have more branches to climb and explore. As such, it gives them an advantage when examining the surprise element of martial arts and fighting. The surprise element has to go to the Kung fu trainees.
The similarities between Karate and Kung fu
Thus far, we’ve discussed the differences between the two martial arts. Now, let’s examine and go over the similarities. Well, how will it help my decision-making process?
I believe that knowing the similarities between these two fighting styles will allow you to understand them better. Eventually, knowing them will give you more confidence when choosing which to learn.
So, let’s dive into the first similarity: purpose.
Similarity #1- Purpose
The first similarity between Karate and Kung fu is their purpose.
In short, they’re both a platform for two primary end goals, self-improvement and learning to fight. Moreover, contrary to what we discussed thus far, they’re both incredibly beneficial to humanity.
As a result, it’s not a competition between the two but a mutual friendship. Hence it’ll be best if you don’t think of it as a competition but a friendship.
The values both Karate and Kung fu give their trainees- are priceless. You can’t learn to be as disciplined anywhere else. You can’t practice such effective fighting techniques anywhere else.
Therefore, it’s not uncommon to spot martial arts trainees becoming entirely different people. However, it’s safe to say- Karate and Kung fu trainees are highly trained, disciplined, dedicated, and consistent individuals who will succeed in life.
Karate and Kung fu were constructed to fill a purpose, to teach people to fight. Thus far, they have managed to complete their work fabulously. If that’s your goal, it doesn’t matter which you’ll choose, as they’ll both give you the same result.
The last common purpose is allowing trainees to go through a self-development process. Consequently, this process is genuinely life-changing. You’ll go from an undisciplined, untrained practitioner to an urge-controlling master.
Similarity #2- Benefits and results
The second similarity is the benefits and results practitioners will experience. Medical publications have proved time and time again that martial arts are one of the best ways to improve your physical and mental selves.
Karate and Kung fu provide many physical and mental results and experiences, such as overcoming obstacles. Eventually, these experiences will lead to changes, such as better physical shape, increased confidence and self-esteem, and lower aggression levels.
Even a single improvement in a single trait will positively impact your life. So, think of all these traits and their potential impact on your life.
The following list is the benefits and results you may experience from martial arts training. (Source)
- better physical shape
- increase self-confidence
- improve pain tolerance
- teach you to use self-defense
- decrease overall stress
- assist you in controlling aggressiveness
- shorten reaction time
- improve your performance under stress
- enhance self-esteem
- better social life
- martial arts are a form of self-help
Picture yourself with 5 of these traits and how they would change your life. Wouldn’t that drastically improve your life? How about all of them?
Training in martial arts has altered experiences of control and vulnerability, self-esteem, self-concept, fitness, confidence, and relaxation. As a result, some researchers characterize martial arts practice as a form of self-help.
(Columbus & Rice, 1998).
To summarize, the benefits of martial arts are plenty and precious. As a result, staying consistent and dedicated to training- is a significant step you must take to see these results.
Similarity #3- Difficulty and Hardships
The last similarity is the difficult learning process each will have. The truth is most people quit before seeing any results. They fold their cards before advancing to the next belt or seeing physical improvement.
Again, it all comes back to the mutual friendship relationship between the two martial arts; everyone goes through the exact difficult times.
If you have ever wanted to skip the next martial Karate session, someone else feels the same as we speak. If you have ever wanted to give up and quit, someone else is going through the same experience.
It’s all the same. All the difficulties and hardships are essentially the same in Kung fu and Karate. Primarily, you can’t focus on them. Instead, try to continue training as if nothing has happened.
Thinking will not overcome fear but action will.
W. Clement Stone
That’s the only way to solve these hardships; ignore them. If you pretend they don’t exist, you’ll soon experience many benefits flowing your way.
Then, it becomes effortless to continue grinding. It’s a cycle of action leading to results leading to motivation. Unfortunately, most people think the opposite is true; motivation leads to action.
However, it all begins with action, not with motivation. As such, it’ll be best not to rely on motivation to lead you forward. Instead, let the effort and results show the way.
Which is better for self-defense, Kung fu or Karate?
When discussing self-defense, our pursuit shifts from becoming the best fighters to disabling the opponent as quickly as possible. So, the martial art that teaches that to the best extent will also be superior for self-defense.
For self-defense, Karate is better than Kung fu because it teaches more practical and effective fighting techniques. As a result, you’ll be able to disable the attacker swiftly using Karate techniques, such as the front kick, straight punch, and other types of punches and kicks.
I won’t lie; writing the previous answer was one of the hardest things I had to do in my writing career. That’s because comparing two martial arts, such as these, is incredibly difficult.
They’re both so rich and wonderful that I couldn’t put myself in a situation where I had to state one is better than another. However, I did, and it’s done.
A punch is a punch, and a kick is a kick; styles only confuse people. So it’ll be best not to get into the small optimization of things. Instead, if you want to study Kung fu, go for it.
Although I stated Karate is better than Kung fu for self-defense, it’ll be best not to let it bother you if you have already started or are willing to begin your Kung fu process. Instead, let the martial art flow you to your potential, which is not where you’re at now.
Should I learn Karate or Kung fu?
Unlike most of this article, this answer will be individualistic. For that reason, giving a straightforward answer is impossible. For instance, while one martial art may be most suitable for one individual, a second one will be for another.
That’s important to know because you may stay consistent in one fighting style and give up in another. So, understanding these martial arts will help you understand which is most suitable. So, let’s examine which one you should learn.
Karate may be more suitable if you want to study a martial art that originates from Japan and is simple and fantastic for self-defense. On the other hand, if you desire to study a non-ending traditional martial art from China, which goal is mostly self-improvement, consider Kung fu.
I want to emphasize that both worlds are fantastic. Regardless of your goal, you’ll learn to fight and improve yourself in both. Therefore, examine their differences and similarities to fully comprehend and choose the most suitable one for your wants and needs.
At last, martial arts will positively impact your life. Even if you decide to study BJJ or Judo, you’ll be improving yourself while learning to fight. If you were to ask anyone whether he wants to experience the end goals of martial arts training, I don’t know a single person who would refuse.
Final words
I’m a big fan of martial arts. However, there are so many, and sometimes you may get confused.
Kung fu and Karate are incredible fighting styles built for the same 2-primary purposes: learning to fight and self-improvement.
Both grant their trainees many positive mental and physical benefits. These benefits can increase confidence and self-image, lower stress, lower body fat, and even better mental health.
Yes, you can improve your mental health with dedicated and consistent martial arts training. So, what are you waiting for? Regardless of which one you choose to learn, the time to start is now!
If you want to read more about other martial arts, I encourage you to read an article I wrote about the deadliest martial arts from around the world.