There are many different styles of Karate, and in this post, we will discuss the difference between the two forms, Kyokushin Karate and Shotokan Karate.
Kyokushin Karate is full body contact using maximum strength. On the other hand, Shotokan Karate only allows strikes on certain parts of the body, which are very weak and limited.
Karate was founded in Japan in the seventeenth century. As in many other martial arts styles, Karate focuses on mental strength, coordination, and respect. Karate fighters are trained to use their own bodies as weapons, rather than man-made weapons.
What is Kyokushin Karate?
Kyokushin Karate is considered the best karate in the world of martial arts, using traditional and systematic Japanese training techniques to develop energetic individuals and top fighters. It is a fun way to develop excellent physical fitness, self-defense expertise, confidence and self-discipline.
This technique is a method of self-defense that includes straight kicks, punches, and body movement. Technique is an intense physical discipline that benefits a player’s mental conditioning. The fighter uses strikes on the elbows and knees as well as low kicks to fight at close distances. This karate style focuses on Middle Shock’s powerful fighting.
All the teaching methods used in this style differ from their methodology. Because sparring is very hard hitting and can often be performed without the use of gloves and any other defensive equipment, striking both the hand and elbow to the head or neck is prohibited during training and competition. Kata, an elegant sequence of self-training movements, can be a crucial activity in practice.
What is Shotokan Karate?
This is a traditional Japanese martial art developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Karate style remains firmly rooted in a deep martial arts tradition, emphasizing the constant discipline of a balanced mind and body rather than being just a sport.
Using wide stances and linear techniques, this technique allows students to use their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to deliver impressive strokes quickly and effectively. Shotokan Karate’s philosophy is not just martial arts or self-defense training. It’s all about improving yourself.
This technique results in physical and aerobic fitness, improved cognition, body alignment, posture, movement, stress management, focus, confidence, and discipline. Individuals who are overweight, inflexible, uncoordinated, or who lack self-confidence or self-discipline can greatly benefit from this karate style. Results should of course not be expected overnight, but with regular training, you will see improvements.
The main difference between Kyokushin Karate and Shotokan Karate
Kyokushin | Shotokan |
---|---|
The player cannot use punches to the face while engaging the opponent. The player can apply maximum force by using kicks to all areas of his opponent’s body. | The player can reach the opponent with different attacks but only on certain body parts. As long as you do within the rules, you will earn points for yourself. But if the player ends up hitting the opponent harder than he should, he may end up losing points. |
The player must remove his opponent effectively and efficiently to get a point. | The player strives for direct, clean attacks. Then the referee stops the fight to determine the effect of the blow. So the player will give the points accordingly. The game ends when the referee determines that the player presented an excellent technique. |
In terms of choosing kata or sparring, it mainly focuses on sparring, which helps the competitor to practice in the ring. | It is calibrated with its own rating system and often focuses on kata. |
It mainly depends on strength and toughness. | He lacks toughness during fighting sessions. |
The blows are very strong | The strikes are weak and very limited |
How hard is it to learn Kyokushin Karate?
Kyokushin is founded on the philosophy of self-improvement, hard work, and discipline. The player can train to be effective in combat. One of the techniques taught is sparring.
The method does not allow you to hit the head; Opponents will inevitably practice hitting other parts of the body with powerful punches. And since there are no gloves, when you get punched, you can feel the knuckles really well. Kyokushin people don’t necessarily fight with shin guards.
The player will also learn the abilities to effectively deliver strikes with both hands and feet at close range. The player can spend a reasonable amount of time learning how to use the hips and move the weight to increase power in the punches.
If the player does not rely on the covers and gloves, he/she can learn how to do the fist and jab. The legs are adapted to take a penalty from a kick or check if you are fighting without shin guards. But you wouldn’t be surprised at how painful a punch or check would be without a shin guard.
How hard is it to learn Shotokan Karate?
While it is a beautiful form of exercise or relaxation for many people, it has a much greater and deeper significance for individuals who take it seriously. However, this style of karate can be learned after years of diligent practice. The method emphasizes dynamic strength, relentless movement, and devastating blows.
It was created with real-life combat scenarios in mind, not athletic competitions. Due to various factors, such as strength and flexibility, individuals may find one kata more difficult than another when learning. A karate player requires impeccable coordination, strength, and focus to perform a successful attack.
The style is characterized by a technique that provides a challenging jump that requires the practitioner to rotate 360 degrees in the air. Skilled karate practitioners also try to achieve a very high jump in this jump. It also includes many slow movements that need more agility and quick relaxation, which some players may find challenging. While its movements are slower, it requires strong stamina from the player. It also requires a great deal of agility, strength and speed.
Is Kyokushin Karate effective in street fighting?
Yes. It is a whole body communication technique, which requires practitioners to be in perfect mental and physical health. One on one, no guns, no cheap shots, anytime it’s perfect against the average street fighter.
He has all the possibilities because a fighter is advised to use sparring training much more often than other systems, so you need to be prepared for self-defense. However, there are specific areas combat does not cover, such as scenario training and weapon defense.
Most karate styles are effective in street fights, but in the end it all depends on the individual. Kyokushin Karate is effective because of the hardening of the body that you have to do and proper training.
Is Shotokan Karate effective in street fighting?
As for the effectiveness of Shotokan Karate in street fighting, it depends on individual training. If the students are trained in sports combat, they may not be as good for street self-defense. But for individuals who have learned their amazing skills for personal success, it can be just as effective. I believe the amazing power of karate techniques makes one successful in true self-defense.
Effectiveness in self-defense is not the same as effectiveness in the ring. Practice your goal, and don’t expect one to lead to the other. If you are willing to do it all, be good in the ring, and ready for self defense, then you should practice both Shotokan and Kyokushin Karate.