What are the differences between karate and kickboxing? For those that are familiar with the sport, that’s easy to answer. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the two types of martial arts, it is easy to confuse one for the other.

So, to help you differentiate the two martial arts and possibly help you pick the right one that meets your expectations, let’s talk about how karate and kickboxing differ from each other:

What is Karate?

Karate is a martial art that originates from the Japanese island of Okinawa.

It’s a striking martial art with powerful kicks, blocks, punches, and open hand techniques. It is often used in mixed martial arts competitions, although it is more widely known for its self-defense-oriented techniques.

It’s a very fast sport with a lot of potential for full-contact sparring.

What is Kickboxing?

Kickboxing is not a martial art. It is a combat sport that was developed in the 1970s.

It is a martial art that has a lot of karate techniques. But it is also influenced by other combat sports, such as boxing and Muay Thai.

It’s fast, but it doesn’t use a lot of strikes to the head. Instead, it is more of a striking martial art that uses kicks, punches, and blocks.

In short, kickboxing is a martial art with an emphasis on sparring, boxing, and Muay Thai techniques.

What is the Difference Between Karate and Kickboxing?

  1. The Techniques

Karate is a striking martial art with powerful kicks, blocks, punches, and open hand techniques.

Kickboxing is a martial art that has a lot of karate techniques. But it is also influenced by other combat sports, such as boxing and Muay Thai.

  1. The Fighting Styles

Karate is a striking martial art that focuses on self-defense techniques more than the competition.

Kickboxing is a martial art that uses its techniques in competition. However, it is best known for its self-defense techniques.

  1. The Competition

Karate is used in full-contact martial arts competitions, such as the UFC and the IJF World Championships.

Kickboxing is used in kickboxing competitions, but it is also used in mixed martial arts competitions.

  1. The Focus

Karate is mainly a striking martial art with a focus on self-defense techniques.

Kickboxing is a martial art that is often used by mixed martial arts fighters. They focus on the competition techniques.

  1. The Country Of Origin

Karate originates from Okinawa Island in Japan.

Kickboxing originates from Thailand.

  1. The Clothing

Karate practitioners wear karate outfits.

Kickboxing practitioners wear similar clothing to the ones worn by Muay Thai practitioners. However, they do not wear foot wraps as Muay Thai practitioners will.

Conclusion

Overall, karate and kickboxing are two different martial arts with a few similarities. But, when it comes down to it, they are both great martial arts to train in. So, if you want to train in martial arts, why not try karate or kickboxing?

Karate and kickboxing are great martial arts that are fun to train in. And they both have a lot of potential. You can compete at a high level in either martial art. But of course, if you want to learn a martial art for any other reason, both of these will more than satisfy you!

Pride Martial Arts Academy offers various martial arts programs to help train individuals and groups. Check out our martial arts programs today!