The two most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and tae kwon do. Many wonder what the difference between these two styles is. This is especially the case for those who are just starting to look around for a studio. After all, most practitioners in both disciplines seem to wear the same type of white gi uniforms with various colored belts.

Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. There are actually different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered as Japanese styles today. The colored belt system was developed to show the various ranks of karate practitioners with white depicting novices and black belts (with various degrees) representing instructor levels and higher. There is a whole range of other different colors in between. Modern tae kwon do was developed in Korea after much influence from Japanese karate during the occupation by Japan. Indeed, tae kwon do is sometimes referred to as Korean karate. The Koreans adopted similar white uniforms along with a colored belt ranking system for tae kwon do.

It can be generalized that in karate, one would use their arms or hands for 60% of the time for strikes or blocks while the use of legs for kicking will be about 40%. This breakdown is seen in the many forms or katas of karate which are set routines which simulate fighting against imaginary opponents using martial arts techniques. The forms from tae kwon do would have the opposite percentage breakdown with 40% hands and 60% legs. There is also more emphasis on higher kicks to the head level than in karate. Practitioners also utilize more jumping or flying kicks where one is airborne while executing kicking techniques. The Korean forms or patterns are generally a bit shorter and less complex than the karate forms. Some tae kwon do schools have been known to use the odd karate form in its curriculum as well.

In North America as well as other parts of the world, there are separate traditional competitions for karate and tae kwon do. However, the open martial arts tournaments in North America often have competitors from both disciplines competing together. Some of the larger open martial arts competition events will have separate forms divisions for Japanese and Korean style competitors but the fighting or sparring divisions will usually be combined. Many black belts end up studying both styles. Tae kwon do has received more publicity in recent years since its introduction as an Olympic sport. The style and rules used for the Olympic version fighting comes from the World Federation (WTF). Both karate and tae kwon do are considered as hard style martial arts in North America today (as opposed to soft styles such as the many versions of Chinese kung fu).

Tae Kwon do is well known around the world for being a martial art and having its quick, lightning fast, high amazing kicks. Sparring, break test, self defense and patters are the 4 disciplines of the martial art of Tae Kwon do. It is not anyone of these alone that make this martial art but the combination of them put together. For anyone wanting to get further with a belt grade, all 4 of these disciplines are of importance. Certain tests are needed to be passed if a student wants to advance in belt grade.

Importantly one of the good things about Tae Kwon Do is that there are no age limits and this art can be learned by young children. Children can learn respect, and quickly learn fast reactions playing games and be able to concentrate on there disabilities as well as there abilities.

In reference to areas of competition, it is different for children then adults in the sense that, although full body protection is worn, children are only allowed to kick and punch to the body and no blows to the head are allowed. Competitions are very important when it comes to this martial art and it is a dominant reason why a lot of students take up this art.

The competitions can be very interesting to witness as they get extremely competitive. In spite of what a lot of people think the competitions are not lethal, and don’t get anywhere close to being as deadly as the Muay Thai fights. Full protection is worn during these fights, including protective head gear. Adults are allowed to practice kicks to the head although most stylists can block these before the strikes connect.

All things taken into consideration Tae Kwon do is a very good martial art. The art of blocking, kicking and punching are well known for the exciting and spectacular movements they produce. This fighting art is very popular and well known throughout the world, so there is just as many places for this to be taught and learned as much as karate. For those who take up this art they will not be disappointed, Tae Kwon do teaches self defense and a whole lot more.