Kyokushin and Taekwondo are martial arts styles known in competitive sports and emphasize self-defense. Kyokushin is known for its full-contact sparring and realistic training.
The practitioners use powerful strikes using the feet and knees. It also uses grappling and throws, hence a well-rounded martial art.
Kyokushin is physically demanding and requires rigorous training and conditioning. Additionally, Kyokushin emphasizes ethical aspects such as discipline and respect during and after training.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. It comes from two Korean words, Tae ‘the way’ and kwondo ‘foot or fists.’
The style uses powerful striking techniques and kicks. It emphasizes power, speed, and agility and is a common form of self-defense and an Olympic event.
Taekwondo has three main components: the pattern, sparring and breaking. During the training, the practitioners wear a Korean taekwondo uniform.
Practitioners must show mental and ethical traits such as respect, discipline, and perseverance.
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Similarities between Kyokushin and Taekwondo
Although Kyokushin and Taekwondo have different origins and training methods, they have some similarities, which include:
- Techniques: Both styles use strikes, punches, blocks, kicks, and knee curricula to attack the opponent.
- Both martial arts have a tournament scene and participate in Olympic sports. Kyokushin and Taekwondo have been designed worldwide; thus, several practitioners can participate in sports and the Olympics and gain experience.
- Kyokushin and Taekwondo emphasize discipline and respect. During and off training, the practitioners must show high discipline levels to the instructors and their colleagues. Through these, the practitioners grow in showing respect for each other.
- Both use uniforms and have a solid connection to the traditions. At the same time, Taekwondo wears Korean uniforms and emphasizes traditional Korean teachings, and Kyokushin wears Japanese uniforms and emphasizes Japanese culture and traditions.
- Both styles are known for striking techniques and emphasis on sparring. Kykoshin uses takedowns to bring the opponent to the ground and strikes to disable them.
- Both martial arts require rigorous exercise and training to improve flexibility, strength, and speed.
- Both styles promote physical and mental health in Taekwondo, and practitioners practice acrobatics which improves cardiac movements promoting physical health. Kyokushin involves rigorous training, which strains the body’s movements and promotes physical fitness. N both, the training relieves stress levels, thus, promoting mental fitness.
Differences between Kyokushin vs. Taekwondo
- Even though the two martial arts share some similarities, there are also differences. They include:
- Kyokushin emphasizes full-contact and realistic training. On the other hand, Taekwondo emphasizes pattern, sparring, and breaking.
- Philosophies: While Kyokushin focuses on developing a strong spirit, Taekwondo emphasizes the development of body, mind, and spirit.
- Origin: Kyokushin is a Japanese karate style, while Taekwondo is a Korean style.
- Kyokushin emphasizes throws and grappling. On the other hand, Taekwondo emphasizes powerful kicks and acrobatics.
| Aspect | Taekwondo | Kyokushin |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Korea | Japan |
| Fighting style | Kicking-oriented, emphasizes speed and agility | Full contact, emphasizes strength and toughness |
| Hand techniques | Less focus, usually used for defense | used in conjunction with kicks |
| Footwork | Light and fast | Stable and rooted |
| Sparring | Point sparring with protective gear | Full-contact sparring with limited protective gear |
| Target areas | Kicks to the torso and head punch to the torso | Kicks to all areas punch to head and body |
| Philosophy | discipline and self-control | perseverance and toughness |
| Training methods | Patterns, drills, and sparring | Heavy bag training, conditioning, and sparring |
What to choose?
The choice between Taekwondo and Kyokushin depends on personal strengths, preferences, and goals.
Every individual has different factors to consider when making a decision. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a martial art to train in include the following.
Competitive nature and realism. If you are looking for a martial art emphasizing competition and realism, you choose Kyokushin.
Kyokushin focuses on full-contact sparring, enabling practitioners to give their skills in a competitive and realistic environment.
If your focus is on balance and power, then you choose Taekwondo. Taekwondo emphasizes acrobatic maneuvers and powerful kicks hence enhancing power and balance.
Also, if your interest is in the culture and tradition of Korea, you choose Taekwondo and Kyokushin if you are interested in Japanese.
Kyokushin places a strong connection to Japanese culture, while Taekwondo has a solid connection to Korean history and culture.
Choose a martial art that you are comfortable with to help you achieve your personal goals. If you choose a martial art of passion for training, you are likely to encounter positive results due to the interest you develop.
Try Kyokushin and Taekwondo training to see which one you enjoy most and which meets your personal goals.
Closing thoughts
Kyokushin and Taekwondo are two different fighting styles that emphasize strikes, kicks, and blocks. The martial art is an effective sport in the Olympics.
The two martial arts have different countries of origin, philosophies, and techniques. However, they share similarities such as emphasis on discipline, connection to culture and history, and practitioners wearing uniforms.
Their difference includes training methods, where Kyokushin emphasizes complete contact while Taekwondo emphasizes sparring and breaking.
The choice of martial art depends on personal goals and preferences. However, it is important to try both martial arts and get to know what you enjoy most before deciding.
