| If you are just starting out in the world of martial | | | | weapon you have in fighting. On the other hand, |
| arts, you will probably be confused as to what | | | | someone who practices Karate will put huge |
| type to study. Tae Kwon Do and Karate are just | | | | emphasis on punching and other open-handed |
| two of the forms of martial arts that you will | | | | techniques. Some examples are grappling, throws, |
| meet. If you are interested in these two | | | | joint manipulations, and restraints or traps. If you |
| disciplines, you will need to know how they are | | | | study Karate, you will also learn proper kicking |
| different first. | | | | techniques. |
| In terms of origins, Tae Kwon Do started in | | | | In terms of ranking, Tae Kwon Do practitioners |
| Korea. According to accounts, this form of martial | | | | are divided according to expertise. There are |
| arts started about 2000 years ago. Karate is said | | | | "teachers" and "students" in this discipline. The |
| to have started over 2000 years ago as well. | | | | students' expertise are determined by the color |
| This discipline started in Japan, in Okinawa. | | | | of their belt. Karate, on the other hand, has the |
| Both Tae Kwon Do and Karate are "hard" martial | | | | popular Black Belt levels and the Pre-Black Belt |
| arts, focusing on striking movements. But the | | | | rankings. Practitioners rise to higher levels (i.e Black |
| practices differ when it comes to what part of | | | | Belt levels) by passing an examination in front of |
| the body does the striking. In Tae Kwon Do, the | | | | a panel of judges. Those who take this exam |
| goal is to kick effectively. This discipline | | | | must show their skills in Karate through |
| emphasizes the strength of the legs --- these | | | | movement and techniques. |
| being considered the longest and strongest | | | | |