Also, some styles of martial arts are highly specialized so they might be limited if used out of context (for example: Tae Kwon Do is a military style, not a street fighting style.).
There are dozens of karate systems and hundreds of Chinese martial arts (which are colloquially referred to as "kung fu", despite the fact that the expression "kung fu" isn't specific to martial arts...) In addition, several individual techniques are found across the many different systems. It's not a "this or that" question. If trained correctly, they will virtually all build roughly the same skill sets over time.
1. There's a legend of a Buddhist monk coming from India to teach the Shaolin monks physical exercises that became the root of all Chinese martial arts. This myth is just that, a myth. There is historical evidence of martial arts existing in China that predates the founding of Shaolin. As well, there are many "village" systems, military systems, and combat sports that are not connected to Shaolin. So the history of martial arts in China pretty much comes down to, "people learned how to fight to serve in the military, protect their homes, and win contests. Some trained together, while others are completely independent of each other." No unified history.
It's a little different with karate. Karate originated on the island of Okinawa. There were different branches there as well, but most agree that the native wrestling/fighting system ("te" or "ti") was combined with fighting methods learned from China, and possibly Japan. In the last century, karate spread from Okinawa to Japan, where the modern "styles" started to be formed.
2. You're going to have to Wikipedia this. See my initial post for the vast varieties of systems.
3. They're as good as any physical exercise is, if you're sedentary.
4. No.
5. Yes. Rules and regulations vary by organization. There are often contests for preforming empty-hand and weapons forms, as well as some form of sparring, which can range from light contact to the body only, to full-contact, knockout rules. Other contests may include breaking (objects, like boards), self-defense demonstrations, two-person forms, and weapons sparring.
6. It depends. Yeah, that's not the answer you want to hear. But it's the truth.
Karate and Kung Fu are different forms of oriental martial arts. Karate was developed in what is now Okinawa, Japan, and Kung Fu in China.
Karate is a form of unarmed Japanese martial art developed from fighting methods from the Ryūkyū Islands in Okinawa, Japan. Kung fu comprises a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. It is also a form of exercise with a spiritual dimension stemming from concentration and self-discipline.
Comparison:
Karate is a form of unarmed Japanese martial art developed from fighting methods from the Ryūkyū Islands, what is now Okinawa, Japan.
Kung fu comprises a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in what is today the country of China. It is also a form of exercise with a spiritual dimension stemming from concentration and self-discipline.
Karate is primarily a striking art, with punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques.The movements are crisp and linear. And also has various blocking techniques like parries; and takedowns are taught as well.
Many styles feature circular, fluid movements and forms that mimic the attacks of animals. Most styles include the punch, jabs, strikes and kicks common to Karate since Karate is technically an offshoot of Shaolin kung fu.
Chinese Kung Fu was brought to Okinawa and developed into indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands
Most present day Kung Fu originates from the martial arts developed by Buddhist monks in the Shaolin monastery over the course of the past 1500 years. However, other martial arts practices existed in China dating as far back as 3000 years ago!
According to legend, the evolution of karate began in 5th Century CE when Bodhidharma (Indian Buddhist monk) arrived in Shaolin-si (small forest temple). From there it appeared in Okinawa, a Japanese Island.
As martial art, kung fu can be traced to the Zhou dynasty (1111–255 bc) and even earlier. As exercise it was practiced by the Daoists in the 5th century BCE.
Find out All the differences between them from here:
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Karate_...
You ask which is better, but don't give us the parameters you are using to judge? Which better for what? Competition, fitness, fighting, self defence?
there are as many styles that are better just as there are that are those that are worse than another.
I did try Karate when I younger, but I didn't like it, not sure why though. I think I was just in a rush to learn stuff, you know the impatient six year old.
But anyway, simple question really, just need a few extra details.
1. Brief history of each (where did it come, who started it, you know simple stuff)
2. Different types of styles and an overview of each
3. Are they good for you (get healthy, maintain health, release stress)
4. Can you teach it to yourself (seriously doubt my parents would take time in finding somewhere for lessons)
5. Are there tournament? If so, what are the rules, requirements, age, etc.
6. Which is better, Karate or Kung Fu?
Thanks in advanced!
