Judo or Karate?

Question

Which would you recommend? Why? If I am 17 years old which should i take?

Answer 1

I don't know for sure. I've been around MMA for several years done a modest level of training. I worked out with guys who are black belts in both. The guys with good kicking game are a bit intimidating. If you are caught with a good kick it is over. At the same time the judo black belt will take you down when he has you in range. Also the Judo guys with black belts also have quick reflexes so its not like you can just stand and sit back and work kicks or punches at your leisure.

I respect both. If you ask which one I would rather fight in a street fight I would say the karate guy. With a little cross training I can become proficient in take downs while avoiding kicks and punches. I can learn to use a leg from a kick as a take down. Then once I have the karate guy on the mat he is a done donught.

It is all realtive though. A super athlete taking karate is going to be very hard to get down just like a super athlete in Judo is going to be hard to stop from taking you down no matter what.

Overall I say Judo as a base then eventually cross train to Karate.

Answer 2

I think, in your case, Judo would be the best choice, then Taekwondo and lastly Karate. There are many types of Karate or Taekwondo [I took ITF style, which had more of an emphasis on forms than WTF and different sparring rules], but only one type of Judo! Karate and Taekwondo have forms - just like in Kung Fu, just not as pretty to watch. Karate and Taekwondo both have linear techniques and sparring, Karate has more of an emphasis on hand techniques and Taekwondo has more of an emphasis on kicking techniques. Karate will likely have weapon "forms" as will some styles of Taekwondo. Taekwondo will teach you athletic kicks that will look cool but be difficult to actually have these kicks work on others. Karate will emphasize hand techniques and many schools give a different belt to women than to men - possibly due to the strength differences in upper bodies which will stand out in Karate. I would think that since you had already taken a striking art with forms, why take another one? Go down a different road, women are more likely to be grabbed than to have someone get into a fist fight or sparring match with you and Judo is a better fit in those scenarios. You would get a true understanding for your skills and see what you can do against others by testing your skills against a fully resisting opponent. As others have said in this thread, Judo emphasizes throwing, live action and ground control - the areas where your Kung Fu may have been lacking . . .

Answer 3

Judo.

All of these people have answered Karate or at least given info to lean you towards it. Most of them do not know enough or anything about Judo and in some cases Karate to give you a serious answer.
I have trained in Judo for over 13 years and it is pound for pound one of the best arts that you can train in for an all around skill level. Picture Jujitsu with Throws and takedowns as well as strike and weapons defence. Yes certain styles of Karate can be ver effective but good luck findig a school that will actually stick to the style as apposed to jut putting a sign on the wall.
All Judo is Kodokan Judo regardless of where it is trained. The International Judo Federation will not recognize any dojo that teaches their own style. Also Judo is a full contact art in training and all competition. It is a full body work out as well as the mind. Yes I am being biased towards Judo but I assure you read the link of info I give you and see. Oh and the video ninedemond put was of white belts... Check out the other ones with black belts. and Karo Parisiyan a 4 time international champion in UFC/mma fights

Answer 4

Well here's some videos:

If you decide to take karate, then you should look for some class that train like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPLbjKQcnpU
I think this is Kyokuhsin karate. Seido and Eshin is good. It's better find a karate school that competition in full contact fighting tournament.


On other hand avoid one that train like this like plague!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdqaNrW8YsQ
They're black belt factory.


Here's how Judo class usually are:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFb9EHsI5LQ
They usually train realistic and live which is very importat.

Overall try both and see which one you feel train more realistic and have the most fun at and stick to it.

Answer 5

Based on my personal experience, I would begin with karate. I would train for about a year or two in karate (preferably Tang Soo Do) before beginning Judo (preferably Kodokan).

Good Luck!

MoP

Answer 6

Kyokushun Karate AND Judo... do both!!!!
www.bandconsulting.com

Answer 7

Depends upon your purpose.

If strictly for self defense - choose Karate.

Judo is more focused upon leveraging your opponent through throws, etc. Karate encompasses all of them.

Both are good...just depends on your focus. Like I stated, if your focus is self defense...choose Karate.

Answer 8

Age has nothing to do with it. They are much different arts, each with its advantages & disadvantages.

Here is a brief summary of the comparison between striking arts (includung Karate) & grappling arts (includung Judo)

Striking: Tae Kwon Do. Karate, Shaolin boxing
Good: Can handle multiple attackers, can engage at long range, enables you to be pro active when necessary.
Not so good: Ground, hard to control an attacker without inflicting serious injury.

Grappling: Hapkido, Judo, etc.
Good: effective in close, good on the ground, can control an attacker without inflicting serious injury.
Not so Good: Not good at long range, you must wait for the attacker to make the 1st move. Not effective against multiple attackers.

Answer 9

Judo is more action packed, but karate is more self defence by blocking not throwing.

Answer 10

Do you must limit yourself to either? Take both or better yet study mixed martial arts and get the best of all worlds. Also consider Brazilian Jujitsu which is at least as practical as judo.