Jan 28, 2023
Kung fu originated from China, and karate comes from Japan. Each has a variety of styles. Bruce Lee borrowed from both though he would point out that karate came from kung fu.
Kung Fu
It originated in China. Having developed in the Shaolin temples, it has a multitude of complex and esoteric styles. Chinese martial arts like Tai Chi orginated from Wu tang temples associated with Taoism. Kung Fu has nationalistic connections. When Shaolin temples were burned down and martial arts were taught secretly, Kung Fu became strongly associated with cultural identity.
Karate
This term refers basically to Korean and Japanese martial arts. However, the origin remains Chinese. Japanese sailors (Okinawans) traveled to China and learned Kung Fu. When trying to teach students, they found that it was too complex and would take years too many years to teach.
Karate was created as a simplified version of the techniques learned in China. Weapons, like the sword, were illegal in Okinawa, so karate because a very important want to fight against Japanese oppression.
Which is better, Kung Fu or Karate?
This question becomes the subject of various films. In Return of the Dragon (Way of the Dragon), Bruce Lee (Kung Fu) defeats Chuck Norris (Karate, Korean Tang Soo Do) in the final fight scene. This is just a
movie. Of course, in a Chinese film, the hero with this martial arts would win.
Bruce Lee worked out with many Korean martial artists, like Jhoon Rhee.
However, Bruce Lee isn’t using pure Kung Fu; his philosophy is his own Jeet Kune Do. He uses whatever works. Indeed, his bouncing around was influenced by Western boxing, specifically Mohammed Ali.
Bruce Lee was also influenced by American Karate and had been friends with Chuck Norris and other American Champions for years. The nunchaus he always pulls out was not a typical Chinese weapon. Indeed, it originated from Okinawa.
Bruce Lee was more than just a movie star, for he influenced American martial arts directly by training with many of the top champions in the beginning years of American Karate. His speed and power were legendary among the champions. When American Karate devotees watch him on films, they know it is for real.
Bruce Lee demonstrated in many American karate tournaments like those held by Jhoon Rhee and Ed Parker.
Karate vs Kung Fu: Hard vs Soft Style
Beginners can easily learn hard techniques while soft ones are harder to develop because it means flowing with an attack instead of jamming or blocking with power. But good martial artists often use a combination of both hard and soft. The problem with soft is that it often looks cinematically weak.
Karate originated in Okinawa though it came from China. Sailors who visited China brought Kung Fu back and simplified it into Karate, often emphasizing hard over soft only because beginners can quickly learn the hard techniques. The reason to develop Karate quickly is that Okinawans did not like the Japanese lords or invaders that took over the island. Okinawans were not allowed to carry swords, so they developed farming tools like nunchaus into lethal weapons.
Anyone who practices martial arts knows that power which originates from muscles is limited. Power and speed from an inner calm has more impact. Bruce Lee studied many martial arts and took the best from what he could use. Bruce Lee had the ability to quickly master complicated moves. Or he could simply watch someone do something and quickly emulate it. More importantly he would figure out how to apply it to combat.
Bruce Lee practiced what preached. Some of the best American martial artists remember a master martial artists who could perform amazing feats: www.bruceleedivinewind.com/feats.
Karate Hard Style: Kyokyushin Way (Japanese) Many karate styles are at first seem to be hard styles, using straight power thrusts to defeat power. Thus, a strong block would be used to stop a kick or punch. However, within each style, one learns to use soft techniques also. Mas Oyama was the creator of this style. | Aikido Soft Style (Japanese) Aikido, a Japanese style, is a style that only uses soft to defeat hard. If someone runs and tries to push, an Aikido student would move to the side and re-direct the person into a wall. The person would be hurt using his or her own power. Ueshiba was the creator. Steven Seagal was a student of this art. |
| Hard Style (Chinese) Hung Gar is considered hard style though it has soft elements too. Many Kung Fu styles use circular and soft movements to counter strong attacks. Wong Fei Hung was a key practitioner. Lau Family, Shaw Brother stars, are practitioners. | Soft Style (Chinese) Tai Chi is considered a soft art. Speed, skill and strategy are important aspect of soft techniques. It often takes time to develop soft techniques. Tai Chi has effective fighting techniques. |
Notes by Wayne Stein. Ph.D. University of Central Oklahoma