Taekwondo vs Karate vs Jiu Jitsu | What's the Difference?
Taekwondo vs Karate vs Jiu Jitsu. What are these martial arts, what are the differences between all of them, and the benefits?
By the end of this article, you'll be well-informed and understand the differences between these martial arts.
Table of Contents
Differences Between Taekwondo, Karate & Jiu Jitsu
In the most simple explanation, Taekwondo and Karate are striking based martial arts where students are standing up, while Jiu Jitsu is a ground fighting based martial art. Taekwondo focuses more on all types of kicks, including spinning jumping kicks to the head, while Karate uses kicks but will incorporate hand based strikes as well.
| Taekwondo | More focused on every type of kick while striking (front kick, jump reverse hook kick) |
| Karate | Uses both hands and kicks evenly while striking |
| Jiu Jitsu | Ground fighting using submissions such as chokes & arm bars |
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a Korean based martial arts that emphasizes a variety of kicks, including head kicks, fast kicking techniques, and even spinning kicks.
It's commonly referred to as the Best Kicking Martial Art.
This martial art has one of the most diverse skills sets, as far as kicks go, as every class focuses on unique ways for students to work on their kicks.
The focused areas can include kicks focused on speed, power, and equilibrium.
Students will learn every different kick as they progress through ranks, and the higher the rank, the tougher the curriculum.
What is Karate?
Karate is a Japanese martial art whose physical aspects seek the development of defensive and counterattacking body movements in a stand-up position.
The themes of traditional karate training are fighting and self-defense, though its mental and moral aspects target the overall improvement of the individual.
What is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu is fighting that takes place on the ground, where students will use grappling in order to neutralize their opponents using submissions.
Jiu Jitsu prioritizes technique over everything else, and regardless of your strength and/or athleticism, technique evens out the playing field.
In fact, many people consider this the best martial art for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taekwondo Better Than Jiu Jitsu?
Neither one is better than the other, especially as Taekwondo is a stand-up striking based martial arts, while Jiu Jitsu is a ground-based grappling martial art. It comes down to preference on which type of situations that you want to be ready for.
Which is the Better Martial Arts, Karate or Taekwondo?
Taekwondo and Karate are both fantastic martial arts. If you're interested in more spectacular leg kicks including jumping & spinning kicks, you'll lean more towards Taekwondo. If you're interested in being more well rounded with your hands and feet, you'll prefer Karate.
What is Harder Jiu Jitsu or Taekwondo?
Jiu Jitsu is tougher in terms of having to be mobile on the ground and flexible in order to secure submissions, get out of them, and have the mental fortitude to make tough decisions in dangerous situations. Taekwondo is tougher in terms of athletic ability and flexibility in order to land spectacular and accurate kicks.