Question by Drew: what is the difference between karate and kung fu? and which one is more effective?
i wanted to take kung fu, but i also felt like taking karate, and after watching a few video’s it seems like kung fu would destroy karate, but i want to know for real. i want you to give me a DETAILED difference between karate and kung fu, and which one is more effective in self defense.
Best answer:
Answer by David N
Karate is Japanese and kung fu is Chinese.
Karate is primarily a striking system
Kung fu is a general term that means “martial arts” and can involve any type of system (strikes, kicks, locks, weapons, etc.)
ANY martial arts system is effective for self defense PROVIDED you are proficient enough at it’s execution.
If a school says that it teaches “kung fu” it could teach:
Shaolin systems (animal forms,)
Baguazhang,
Qigong,
Chin Na,
Tai Chi Chuan,
or any other Chinese martial art.
A school that teaches kung fu usually offers lessons in traditional weapons.