Karate and Taekwondo are both very popular sports, not only here in the Philippines but also all over Asia. Karate and Taekwondo are admired for their focus on the mind and body, and their emphasis self discipline, which reflects to the quality and attitude of a person as a whole.Having dwelled in their similarities, let us now briefly discuss each sport’s contrast and categorized them accordingly.

First up, we have Karate. Also known as Karate do, it is a martial art developed from fighting methods found in the Ryukyu Islands, in combination with Chinese kempo and classical Japanese martial arts. According to legend, the evolution of karate began over two thousand years ago, in the 5th century BC, when Bodhidharma (an Indian Buddhist monk) arrived in Shaolin-si (a small forest temple). From there Karate appeared in Okinawa, a Japanese Island. The meaning of the word karate is “empty hands.” It refers to the reality that Karate originated as a method of self-defense which relied on the successful use of the defenseless body. Karate is primarily a striking art, with punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques.

Next, we have Taekwondo (pronounced as Taekwon-Do, Tae Kwon-Do, Tae Kwon Do). It is a form of a Korean martial art and a combat sport. It started in Korea, just about 2000 years ago, during the period of 37 BC – 668 AD; born out of the three warring Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje. Over the years, it has evolved and become methodical. “Tae” in Teakwondo means to destroy with the feet; “kwon” means to strike or smash with the hand; and “do” means “path” or “way”. Taekwondo then is translated as “the way of the foot and fist”. The main feature of Taekwondo is effective kicking.

Well, there you have it. Having gained familiarization with both forms of martial art, it’s up to you to decide which one between Karate and Taekwondo you would take on your sport of choice.