Kickboxing and karate are similar in that both words are a blanket term that cover a variety of substyles, each with its own distinct attributes. Beyond that, and the fact that both are martial arts, they are as different as any other two random fighting styles you could name.
History of Karate
Karate is a Japanese martial art with roots that may date back to ancient China. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of styles of karate native to specific regions of Japan. In the first half of the 20th century, Gichin Funakoshi organized elements of several of these into shotokan karate, arguably the most widespread single style.
History of Kickboxing
The history of kickboxing is far more varied than that of karate. Kickboxing contests have been part of cultures from all over the world, including Thailand's muay thai, la savate from France and English shinboxing. Modern competitive kickboxing evolved out of full-contact karate competition during the 1970s and 1980s, but the rules resemble those of traditional kickboxing more than those of formal karate.
Purpose
Kickboxing is a competitive sport, whereas karate is a system of personal development and self-defense. Although it's easily possible to develop personally by devoting yourself to a sport, karate training is more likely to include an overt element of ethical and intellectual growth. This dichotomy is reflected in the uniforms worn during training. Karate students wear a traditional uniform with its own history and traditions. Kickboxing classes usually feature athletes in warm-ups and other casual workout clothing.
Techniques
Although karate techniques vary by system, they tend to rely less on mobility and more on the strength, power and technique of the practitioner. They also frequently include ornate and esoteric moves more intended to develop physical attributes than to be used in combat. Kickboxing techniques are simpler and more direct, developed for effective application against a similarly trained opponent. They also conform to the rules of competition, making them potentially less effective in a street confrontation.
References
- Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate Academy: Supreme Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Historian; Hillsboro, Oregon
- Jason Brick; Martial Arts Instructor; Browncoat Enterprises; Hillsboro, Oregon
Member Comments