The term “Korean Karate” is often used to describe Korean martial arts that resemble or share influences with Japanese Karate. However, it is not an official martial art but rather a general reference to Korean martial arts that have historically incorporated Karate techniques. The most commonly associated martial art with this term is TaeKwon-Do, particularly in its original form as governed by the International TaeKwon-Do Federation (ITF).
Origins of Korean Karate
Korean Karate traces its origins back to the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–1945), during which many Koreans were exposed to Karate, which had been brought to Japan from Okinawa. After Korea regained independence in 1945, various martial arts schools (kwans) emerged, blending Karate with indigenous Korean techniques and Chinese martial arts influences. Some of these kwans included:
- Chung Do Kwan (influenced by Shotokan Karate)
- Moo Duk Kwan (which later developed into Tang Soo Do)
- Ji Do Kwan
- Song Moo Kwan
- Chang Moo Kwan
These kwans were instrumental in shaping what would later become TaeKwon-Do and Tang Soo Do.
Is Korean Karate the Same as Taekwon-Do?
While Taekwon-Do shares historical roots with Karate, it has evolved into a distinct martial art with its own philosophy, techniques, and competitive structure. Below are the key differences:
1. Techniques and Emphasis
- Karate: Focuses on strong hand techniques, linear strikes, and stable stances. Kicks are used but not emphasized.
- TaeKwon-Do (ITF): Emphasizes fast, dynamic, and high kicks, along with fluid hand techniques. It incorporates both traditional martial arts and scientific principles of motion.
2. Forms (Kata vs. Tuls/Hyung)
- Karate: Uses kata, a series of structured movements focusing on combat applications.
- Taekwon-Do (ITF): Uses Tuls, also known as Hyung, which are patterns of movements designed to develop technique, power, and self-defense applications.
3. Sport and Competition
- Karate: Competitive Karate has various organizations, with the World Karate Federation (WKF) governing Olympic-style Karate.
- Taekwon-Do (ITF): ITF Taekwon-Do competitions focus on point-based sparring with an emphasis on technique, control, and strategic movement.
4. Philosophy and Influence
- Karate: Has strong roots in Okinawan and Japanese martial traditions, emphasizing self-defense and discipline.
- Taekwon-Do (ITF): Created by General Choi Hong Hi, ITF Taekwon-Do integrates Korean cultural identityand emphasizes moral development, discipline, and scientific application of techniques.
Tang Soo Do: Another Form of Korean Karate
Aside from Taekwon-Do, Tang Soo Do is another martial art often referred to as “Korean Karate.” It retains many Karate influences but also incorporates traditional Korean elements. Tang Soo Do resembles early Taekwon-Do before it evolved into its modern form.
Conclusion
While the term “Korean Karate” is sometimes used to describe Taekwon-Do (ITF) and Tang Soo Do, they are distinct martial arts with their own techniques and philosophies. ITF Taekwon-Do, in particular, has evolved from its Karate roots to focus on powerful kicking techniques, dynamic movements, and a structured set of Tuls (Hyung). Today, Taekwon-Do remains Korea’s national martial art and is practiced worldwide as both a self-defense system and a competitive sport.
References
Choi, H. H. (1995). Taekwon-Do: The art of self-defense. International Taekwon-Do Federation.
Gillis, A. (2008). A killing art: The untold history of Taekwon-Do. ECW Press.
International Taekwon-Do Federation. (n.d.). Patterns (Tuls). Retrieved from https://www.itftkd.sport
World Karate Federation. (n.d.). Karate competition rules and history. Retrieved from https://www.wkf.net
Yi, P. (2002). Traditional Korean martial arts: History and philosophy. Turtle Press.
