The origins and philosophy of Taekwondo and Karate
The history of Taekwondo
The Taekwondo was born in Korea. This martial art has its origins in various disciplines such as Taekkyon and Subak. It gradually took shape over the course of the 20th century, developing in a more concrete way following the liberation of Korea in 1945.
The term “Taekwondo” literally means “The Way of the Foot and the Fist”. As its name suggests, it’s a sport that favors full contact. Its philosophy? Find the perfect balance between body and mind.
Taekwondo values
They can be summarized in 5 approaches, in the form of a credo:
- Ye Ui: courtesy, politeness, respect, justice… It focuses on how to interact with others and promotes a more harmonious life in society.
- Yom Chi: being honest with yourself and others. Loyalty, integrity, honor and authenticity come first! It’s important to be able to admit when you’re wrong, and to be trustworthy.
- Inn Nae (Born): perseverance leads to the greatest heights! Despite difficulties and obstacles, it’s essential to be patient and pursue your goals with mastery and tenacity to achieve happiness and prosperity.
- Guk Gi (Geuk Ki): self-control manifests itself in combat as well as in everyday life. Body, behavior, emotions, thoughts… Management involves all the elements that make up our being. As Lao-Tzu said: “The strongest person is the one who wins over himself rather than the other.”
- Bek Jeul Boul Goul: courage in the face of decisions, difficulties, risks and acting justly.
The history of Karate
The Karateoriginated on the island of Okinawa. Following the authorities’ ban on weapons, the islanders began to develop a discipline based on self-defence. It was influenced by Chinese martial arts and local fighting techniques.
The term is made up of the kanji 空 meaning “emptiness” (or “vacuity” from a spiritual point of view) and the kanji 手 meaning “the hand”. The Dō (道) added to the karate-dō symbolizes “the Way”. The expression can therefore be translated as “the way of the empty hand” or “the way of emptiness”, one placing greater emphasis on combat techniques performed with bare hands and the other prioritizing the Buddhist interpretation.
The values of karate
Like many martial arts, karate has a moral code composed of
ethical principles such as respect, integrity and perseverance. Here are the 20 precepts (Nijukun):
1. Karatedo wa rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru koto wo wasuru na.
Remember that karate begins and ends with rei. It’s important to respect yourself and others by beginning and ending a session with a bow.
2. Karate ni sente nashi
There is no first attack. In other words, we have to be calm and never attack first.
3. Karate wa gi no tasuke
Karate is at the service of fairness and justice.
4. Mazu jiko wo shire, shikashite ta wo shire
Get to know yourself, then get to know others.
5. Gijutsu yori shinjutsu
Spirit and mind take precedence over technique.
6. Kojoro wa hannata ni koto wo yosu
Free your mind.
7. Wazawai wa ketei ni sho zu
Bad luck comes from carelessness and lack of vigilance.
8. Dojo nomi no karate to omou na
Practicing discipline doesn’t stop at dōjō.
9. Karate no shugyo wa issho de aru
The learning process and the quest last a lifetime.
10. Arai yuru mono wo karate ka seyo soki ni myo mi ari
The Karate Way can be found in everything, hence its intrinsic beauty.
11. Karate wa yu nogotoshi taezu netsudo wo ataezareba moto no mizu ni kaeru
Karate can be symbolized by boiling water: if you don’t keep it going with a flame, it turns cold again. A metaphor reminding us of the importance of regular practice.
12. Katsu kangae wa motsu na, makenu kangae wa hitsuyo
Don’t think about winning: think about not losing!
13. Teki ni yotte tenka seyo
Be adaptable to your opponent.
14. Tattakai wa kyo-jitsu no soju ikan ni ari
The battle is between the art of illusion and the art of truth.
| Taekwondo | Karate |
|---|---|
| Korean | Japanese |
| The way of the foot and fist | The Way of the Empty Hand |
| Perfect synthesis of body and mind | Achieving perfection in philosophy and physical performance |
| Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, Courage | Honor, Loyalty, Sincerity, Courage, Kindness, Modesty, Uprightness, Respect, Self-control |
In short, Taekwondo and Karate have very similar values and approach. Only the origins and location diverge in this respect.
The main techniques used in Taekwondo and Karate
Dynamism, vigor, speed… Taekwondo puts on an impressive show! Relatively light and flexible in its gestures, this discipline focuses primarily on
Like other disciplines (muay thai, boxing, etc.), the pace and rhythm of combat is fairly fast. Mastery and technique are also important in taekwondo.
Karate takes a more complete and versatile approach to combat: it emphasizes balance between hands, fists and feet, while focusing on the details of the gestures. These can be very slow, the idea being to obtain perfect movements, then direct and sharp to quickly neutralize the opponent. Great importance is also attached to firm positioning and repetition of sequences.
Here, the karateka is symbolically compared to a tree anchored to the ground, which can use its “vines” to block its opponent and turn the situation around.
Depending on the type of karate practised, the practitioner may also concentrate on breathing(Gojo-Ryu) or on more fluid, lighter actions(Wado Ryu).
| Taekwondo | Karate |
|---|---|
| Specific combat approach | A more complete approach to the body |
| Elaborate kicks | Meticulous movements |
| Fast, circular movements | Slower, more linear techniques |
⚠️ Please note, however, that taekwondo and karate have many different styles and schools! Both draw inspiration from each other, share common roots and evolve in parallel.
Time for the competition!
Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport since summer 2000. Karate was introduced as an additional sport in 2020, but thereafter no longer appears on the official Olympic program.
In both cases, there are a multitude of national and regional competitions, which are very popular in many countries. Karate generally focuses on kumite (a conventional style that allows the karateka to get as close as possible to a real fight) and kata (a codified sequence of techniques). Taekwondo emphasizes sparring (opponents gain points by kicking specific areas of the body, such as the helmet or breastplate).
Upgrading
Both martial arts have a grading system symbolized by belts of various colors.
In karate :
- Blanche
- Yellow
- Orange
- Green
- Blue
- Brown
- Black (from age 14/16)
- White and red
- Red
Taekwondo:
- Blanche
- Yellow
- Orange (children)
- Green (children)
- Violet (children)
- Blue
- Red
- Black (from age 16) or red and black (from age 14)
There are also intermediate belts.
Who are karate and taekwondo for?
Both martial arts are equally suitable for children and adults. You can start at any age. However, karate is generally perceived as a slightly more “inclusive” and “accessible” discipline. Taekwondo requires a certain level of flexibility in relation to the legs, which is easier to work on when you’re young. However, with passion and determination, you can climb the ladder!
When it comes to self-defense, the way you train is far more important than the nature of the combat sport you practice. Taekwondo offers great hip flexibility and leg control, while karate is precise in its movements.
The benefits of each discipline in a few key points
Equipment and materials required
For Taekwondo :
- Dobok
- Belt
- Head protection (helmet)
- Chest protector
- Forearm and shin guards
- Mouthguards
- Taekwondo gloves
- Protective shell
Don’t hesitate to equip yourself with a striking target, a shield and elastic bands, all while practicing on a shock-absorbing tatami.
For Karate :
- Karategi
- Belt (Obi)
- Karate gloves or mittens
- Protective gear (mouth, shin and foot guards, shell, chest protector)
- The helmet is also beginning to be requested by the International Karate Federation for youth competitions, to prevent injury.
Depending on the style of karate you practice (kumite, kata or WKF competitions), your outfit may be slightly different (heavier or lighter load for speed or protection).
As in taekwondo, training takes place on high-quality tatamis. Play the game with targets, improve your physique with elastic bands and don’t forget your stopwatch for rhythm (kata and kumite).
In short, there is no such thing as the “best martial art”, just the discipline that best suits each individual practitioner. The secret to evolving? Fall, practice and never forget why you’re doing it.
Daisho accompanies you in your first steps on the tatami or in your path of progression as an experienced fighter thanks to the many articles present in the online catalog.
