Which martial art is better for fighting and self defense? Karate or Kung fu?

Answer 1

Without bashing other styles or slandering them "karate sucks" as someone here stated. They're both accomplished styles. Kung fu (not to be confused with Wushu) is often flowery and graceful looking. The movements change from style-to-style. However, this flowery effect is based off common moves (the basics) taught by all Kung fu styles. These Basics are taught for great defense and for injuring your opponent.
Karate is known for it's quick strikes (punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes) it also teaches grappling and restraints along with joint breaks and open handed techniques (these are just some of the things taught by traditional Okinawan martial arts).
Karate's roots come from Chinese kempo and other Chinese influence.
You could take either Kung fu or Karate and if you dedicate yourself to it you'll develop the skills necessary to defend yourself in a fight.
I've studied both and have chosen Karate-do because I feel it is more effective and applicable to defending yourself.
Try both out and see which one you like best!

Answer 2

Hi rk, Karate and Kung fu are both martial arts. I personally feel kung fu is superior to karate in several ways, but it is all up to the individual practitioner. Also there are over a hundred different styles of kung fu and a dozen different styles of karate. All take at least six years of hard work to become proficient. All martial arts, every single one (even Sumo), are designed for self-defense.

Answer 3

Kung Fu. In these styles you use your opponent's energy to defeat themselves. For those who do not see this when they go to tournaments, that is probably because you are not watching the Masters fight. If you were to put a Karate Master up against a Kung Fu Master, I think the Kung Fu Master would come out on top (although the Kung Fu Master would be hard pressed to even find a reason to fight in the first place -- which is probably yet another reason why you do not see Kung Fu artists winning fights . . .).

Short term training: Karate. Long term: Kung Fu.

Now, Kung Fu and Aikido -- that would be a toss up, because both fighting techniques are based upon the same premise of allowing the opponent's energy to defeat themselves.

Answer 4

Kung Fu is based on a circular defence whereas Karate is more based on straight lines of attack and defence. I have studied Karate up to 1ST Kyu but not any Kung Fu. I think that Kung Fu is a better self defence( my own opinion )

Answer 5

I like the first answer. Kung Fu and Karate are very interrelated, and some styles of Kung Fu are indiscernable from Okinawan Karate.

Answer 6

I would have to say Karate. It is more linear, more direct, and depending on the style-more aggressive in nature. Also many styles have incorporated in them self-defense as well as aspects from Judo and Jiu-jutsu so that a well rounded student is produced.

While I have never taken Kung Fu I have watched some of my fellow Kung Fu competitors compete in forms, weapons, and fighting as well as competed against them. While the forms and weapons are strictly Kung Fu in style and nature many of these competitors when or if they fight resemble more like karateka when fighting. I have seen very few Kung-Fu stylists that can take their style of fighting and use it successufully against the more linear, direct, and agressive attacks you see in karate.

Answer 7

The one that is better, is the one that suits YOU better, and the one you will enjoy learning in your particular area.

All systems of martial art provide good defensive skills as well as good tournament participation skills. The most important this is the instructor, the school environment, the other students, and whether you feel happy and comfortable in that school. The deadliest and most effective system in the world isn't worth anything if you only stay two classes because you don't like the instructor.

Check out all the clubs and disciplines in your area, ask questions of the instructors and students, then make up you mind based on what feels right for you.

Good luck!

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 8

Well not Brazilian as it centers to ground fighting... which is not so self defensive at all times. Karate depending on what kind Okinawa Karate has alot of self defense, other than that Karate is offensive but the best defense is offense. :o)

Kung Fu has supposedly classes especially for self defense but if you as me... too many unnecessary moves, thats why they always get their *** kicked in tournaments:P

Answer 9

Neither! However between those two I would have to say Kung Fu.

But Aikido would be a lot better for self defense. Krav Maga is awesome too. Those two would be better!

Answer 10

I would say Kung Fu. Karate sucks.