To those not familiar with the martial arts, it is often easy to be confused by the differences between kung fu and karate. Both are martial arts that originated in Asia, and both utilize simple and complex choreography of hands and feet for defensive and offensive strikes. Kung fu was developed in China and karate in Okinawa and Japan. It's those geographical and cultural differences that define each martial art and make each unique and not a subset of the other.
Kung Fu History
Kung fu started in China nearly 4,000 years ago as a fighting style and military art taught to soldiers to improve hand-to-hand combat and weapons skills. The Shaolin monks later standardized the movements for defensive purposes and became the most well-known proponents of kung fu. Today, the most recognized styles are Drunken Boxing, Eagle Claw, Five Animals, Hung Gar, Monkey, Praying Mantis, White Crane, Wing Chun and Tai Chi Chuan.
Karate History
Karate started in Okinawa, formerly the Ryukyu Kingdom, as a blend of the native Ryuku style and Chinese kung fu as a result of trade relations between the island and China in the late 14th century. Karate was brought to the Japanese mainland in the early 20th century after Ryuku was annexed by Japan. The World Karate Federation recognizes the following styles of karate: Shotokan-ryu, Shito-ryu, Gojo-ryo and Wado-ryo.
Movements
Kung fu is known for its fluid and circular movements that mimic animal behavior. While there are linear kicks, punches and blocks, the emphasis on most kung fu styles is to replicate flowing, natural motion.
Karate, on the other hand, is known for its linear punches, kicks and blocks. The movements follow as straight a path as possible from the martial artist to the opponent.
Uniforms
Traditional kung fu practitioners wear satin tops and baggy pants of varying colors, and often don thin-soled shoes. Colored satin sashes signify rank.
Karate practitioners wear a thick white cotton uniform known as a gi. Some modern styles will allow black gis to be worn by higher-ranked students. Students practice in bare feet. A colored cotton belt is worn over the gi top to signify rank.
References
- "Kung Fu: History, Philosophy, and Technique;" David Chow, Richard Spangler; 1998
- "Karate's History and Traditions;" Bruce A. Haines; 1995
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