Difference Between Karate and Judo

Table of Contents

Martial art refers to any kind of fighting that requires strict practice. They are performed for various reasons, like self-defence, fighting, fitness, discipline, relaxing, confidence, sport and so on.  Many martial arts exist in different countries. Any person who practices martial arts is known as a martial artist.

Karate and Judo are forms of martial arts that originated in Japan. They are not the same but have the same techniques.

Karate vs Judo

The main difference between Karate and Judo is the type of art it is. Karate is a hard martial art, whereas Judo is a soft martial art. Karate is popular for striking techniques and Judo is famous for throwing and grappling techniques.

One of the liveliest forms of martial arts that are practised in the world today is Karate. It includes a number of striking techniques, such as kicks, punches, elbow strikes, knee strikes and so on.

On the other hand, Judo is something which means ‘gentle way’. It is popular for its throwing and grappling techniques. To take down the opponent to the ground is the main objective of Judo.

 

Comparison Table Between Karate and Judo (in Tabular Form)

Parameter of comparisonKarateJudo
TypeKarate is a hard-martial art that involves striking techniques.Judo is a soft martial art that involves throwing and grappling techniques.
FormKarate is an aggressive form of martial art.Karate is an aggressive form of martial art.
PointsIn Karate, points are earned for punching and kicking.In Judo, points are earned for throwing and grappling the opponent.
PurposeThe purpose of Karate is to thrash a man into submission.The purpose of Judo is to trap the opponent and it aims at tiring down the opponent.
EnergyIn Karate, a man draws energy from the earth and it is used against the opponent by means of assaults.In Judo, a man draws energy from the opponent and redirects it towards the earth.
 

What is Karate?

Karate is a martial art of Japanese origin. It is a term that is obtained from the combination of two words: ‘kara’ and ‘te’. Kara denotes ‘empty’ and te denotes ‘hand’. When put together, i.e. karate denotes “empty hand”.

Karate was developed in East Asia, systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century and it came to Japan in the 1920s. Presently, there are four main karate styles in Japan:  Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan and Goju-ryu.

Karate is a martial art that is unarmed. It involves defensive blocking with legs and arms, striking and kicking. It uses almost all parts of one’s body to the greatest advantage.
Karate on the other hand is a direct and confrontationist approach where you boldly block the opponent’s moves and attack him vigorously with your hands and legs.

Karate practises can be divided into – Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Karate has many benefits:

  • It helps in improving one’s mental and physical health.
  • It helps to build self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • It helps to raise one’s energy level and concentration level.
  • It helps one master self-defense.
  • It also tones the body and helps build stamina.
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    What is Judo?

    Judo is also a form of martial arts that found its origination in Japan. It was evolved in 1882 in Jigoro Kano. When Judo was initially originated, it was just a sport, but later in the 20th century, it gained acknowledgement as a martial art form and an Olympic sport as well.

    Those who practise Judo are called Judoka, and those who instruct are called Sensei. Keikogi is the traditional attire of Japan and this what the Judokas have to put on while performing Judo.

    Judo is taught in many different countries today. It is popular for its throwing and grappling techniques. To take down the opponent to the ground is the main objective of Judo. One uses his hands and feet to strike and thrust the opponent. One will be announced a winner only when the opponent becomes inactive on the ground.

    Judo is not just a sport. It also teaches students the way of living. Many training centres, junior and high schools, colleges have made Judo a part of their physical education. 

    Benefits of Judo:
    1. It helps to grow strength and flexibility.
    2. It helps to improve reaction time.
    3. It helps in excellent coordination.
    4. It helps to build self-confidence.
    5. It helps to develop physical fitness.

    Apart from physical benefits, Judo also helps students to overcome fear, control their emotions and feelings, learn about the nature of the competition and build a meaningful relationship with others.

    Main Differences Between Karate and Judo

  • Karate is a hard martial art that involves striking techniques, whereas Judo is a soft martial art that involves throwing and grappling techniques.
  • The purpose of Karate is to thrash a man into submission, on the other hand, the purpose of Judo is to trap the opponent and it aims at tiring down the opponent.
  • In karate, one needs to kick his opponent, whereas in Judo one makes catches.
  • Ground fighting is not a part of Karate, while it’s an important part in Judo.
  • Karate is an aggressive form of martial art, whereas Karate is an aggressive form of martial art.
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    Conclusion

    Karate and Judo denote two completely different points of the art of fighting. In Karate, one has to attack the opponent strongly and fearlessly block his moves with his hands and legs. On the contrary, Juno is something that has to be done with a gentle attitude, there is no stress of strength in this.

    In Karate, the practitioner would attack an opponent whereas a Judoka would try to throw the opponent.

    Karate aims to make one’s body so hard that he is able to tolerate the impact of strong objects like wood, bricks or even break them.

    Today Karate and Judo have been recognised by people of all nationalities, ages, genders and so on. They have been considered as a largely accepted form of martial art. Initially, martial arts were practised for self-defence, but nowadays they are practised for many other benefits like mental and physical strength.

    References

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448209/
  • https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/pms.2002.94.3.1041
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