Is Kung Fu or Karate more Effective?

Answer 1

This is a loaded question...and one not exactly capable of taking a simple answer.

As many others have said, while there are differences in style methodology....it really comes down to the fighter at the end of it all.

There are quite literally....hundreds upon hundreds of gung fu styles.....so in turn, it depends on which style your speaking of.

A sampling of gung fu family styles :

Hung Gar, Wing Chun, Choy Lay Fut, Bagua, Xingyiquan, Chang Chuan, Pai Lum, and numerous Sui-Lum (Shaolin) temple styles.

Any and all of these CAN be useful, if taught correctly. Some are more direct and to the point than others, while others have more classical movements.

Kara-te (China hand) traces the majority of it's lineage to white crane gung fu....especially Goju Ryu. This style of karate retains the closest movements to it's original roots, whereas a style like Kyokushinkai or Shotokan are distinctly more Japanese (more linear and less flowing.)

So, here's the rub....it's a good question, and one that doesn't have a definitive answer.

If their respective schools teach their curriculum under pressure, so that their fighters are less scared of pain and fear....that person would win, period.

Answer 2

It depends on so many things, like the style, instructor, and practitioner. It also depends what your goals are. I would recommend going to different schools and "shopping" around if you're looking for a school. Typically, the Kung Fu I've experienced tends to be more deadly. I've always found it frustrating to spar Kung Fu practitioners because they tend to aim for devastating targets (groin, knees, kidney, etc.) Of course, every martial art style differs drastically. Personally, I'm a karate person. To me, being effective means I could incapacitate the average jerk--which I've learned to do through karate. For me at least, karate covers both the devastation and the mental balance.

Answer 3

I would prefer kung fu, since it has more realistic everyday weapons like a gardening hoe, staff, maybe a sword could be realistic. well, I do kung fu, but out of all the martial arts I know, I find Karate and Kung Fu the most effective and also Muay Thai. I think Kung Fu is better because Karate originated from it like nunchuku are also used in Kung Fu because it came from Kung Fu. Kung Fu, mostly shaolin, was used by the Shaolin monks to defend and attack because before they were weak.

Answer 4

Kung Fu is more effective by all means. Comparing Karate to Kung Fu is like comparing american kickboxing to Muay Thai. Karate is more of a workout or exercise. Not a true martial art.

Answer 5

Neither is More or Less effective than the other. Because there is NO Martial Arts discipline that is better than another since they all have their strengths and weaknesses, so it's up to the Martial Artist themselves to fill in those blanks or gaps.

It all depends on you and what YOU want out of studying Martial Arts, no matter what it's for: self defense, competition, fitness, more confidence, or as a hobby as opposed to just sitting at home in front of the tv.

the efficiency of a discipline is only as good as the individual using it, because it all comes down to training and how much effort you're willing to put towards it.

If you have a good training ethic (say training at least 2 to 4 days a week, with squeezing in training during some free time on your own outside the class), then you'll be a good Martial Artist and be proficient in your techniques, but if you have a poor or laxed training ethic (like only training a couple of days a week, and NOT training on your own time away from class), then you'll have wasted your time and learned nothing.

Answer 6

Considering that martial arts were never intended to be used against persons who also knew martial arts, I would say that Karate is more effective for self defence as it is more direct, simple and powerful. Kung Fu is much cooler to watch though.

I am biased however due to years of Shotokan training.

Answer 7

Karate comes from Kung Fu and other disciplines so Karate gets my vote.

Answer 8

It all depends

Is your goal physical fitness and intense discipline, then try karate.

Is your goal mental and spiritual well being and flexibility, then try kung fu.

Is your goal to have lots of stamina, then try Muay Thai

If your goal is to learn how to defend yourself in a fight, I think the main thing is to learn how to conquer your fear. I tried BJJ a few years ago and I'd lose each round because in the first few seconds I'd think - 'I'm going to die! I'm going to die!' and sooner or later I was in a pin. After several bouts I became less afraid because I knew what my opponent was going to try to do and I could anticipate.

Remember also that to succeed in Martial Arts you'll need to practice a lot, and you'll also probably become intensely loyal to one school / dojo. Which is ok if you don't travel I guess.

Why not learn how to box instead, you can do that anywhere, and you can always find a sparring partner. Boxers are pretty tough as well?

Answer 9

kung fu has longer history than karate.
both martial arts share similar fame.
having that said.
it is more effective to catch a dragonfly with a net
when it's flying around in park.
it is more effective to catch a dragonfly with your hand
when it's in your desk drawer.
kung fu and karate can be either.

Answer 10

the martial arts are effective....which one is more effective depends on the person who is implementing the art.....My kioshi who is 8 degrees black in a traditional form of Japanese Karate is more qualified and lethal than an accomplished Kung Fu martial artist...