Tang Soo Do vs. Karate vs Tae Kwon Do: What’s the Difference?

Recently I was watching Cobra Kai (yes, I know. sigh. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine) and they talk about Tang Soo Do and how the Cobra Kai school is based on Tang Soo Do, instead of Karate. Even though it calls itself a karate school. (Fun fact: viewers get a hint of this in the first episode when Johnny does a tornado kick) So what is Tang Soo Do and how is it different from Tae Kwon Do and Karate?

Karate

Unlike taekwondo, karate is native to Japan (or Okinawa, an island off the coast of Japan, depending on how you see it). Karate means, “the way of the empty hand”. There are various types of karate, but they all maintain a relatively balanced ratio of hand techniques to kicks. Karate is also older than taekwondo. Much like with taekwondo, good karate training centers around self improvement and self discipline. They also have their own set of competitions, sporting events, demonstrations, etc. They also wear their uniforms differently, choosing to fold their y-neck gi as right-over-left rather than left-over-right, like taekwondo. (I know that one is small, but hey, it matters sometimes).

Tae Kwon Do

If you’ve taken a class, read any of my other posts, or perhaps watched anything, you know the basic premise of what makes Taekwondo unique from other martial arts. For one thing, taekwondo means “the way of the hand and foot”. Taekwondo, contrary to popular belief, is a fairly new form of martial arts. Depending on how you interpret the historical sources, it can be considered to be as recent as 1973.

Taekwondo is known for being mostly kicks. The common explanation for why is that the leg is typically longer than the arm, so it's reasonable to want to focus on the longer extension of the body. Of course, taekwondo also has plenty of hand/arm techniques too, they just aren't typically the main focus of training. Usually, the first techniques students are ever taught are a straight punch and basic blocks. As any experienced martial artist knows, blocking is very important, so it's understandable that instructors would be interested in teaching students to block first. Despite some of the first techniques being hand blocks, training is still centered around perfecting kicks and combinations of techniques.

Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that is intertwined with various traditional fighting styles, including karate, taekkyeon, and Kung Fu. Tang Soo Do was established in 1944 by Hwang Kee, who sought to create a unique system. The influence of Tang Soo Do on taekwondo is significant, particularly in the various techniques and training methodologies. Practitioners of Tang Soo Do engage in learning a wide range of skills, including striking and kicking techniques, self-defense strategies, and the execution of intricate forms.

One of the most notable features of Tang Soo Do is its navy blue belt, which represents the highest rank within this martial art. Unlike traditional belt systems that use a black belt to symbolize completion, the navy blue belt symbolizes the concept of continuous growth and the journey of learning. This philosophy acknowledges that imperfection is an inherent part of learning. Practitioners are encouraged to view their training as an ongoing process of personal development, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning.

A lot of Tae Kwon Do forms and techniques are based around Tang Soo Do!

Much like with taekwondo, practitioners are taught to cultivate qualities such as humility, perseverance, and respect, which are seen as essential for martial arts, personal growth, and interpersonal relationships. The teachings of Tang Soo Do extend beyond the dojang, guiding individuals in their interactions with the world around them, and encouraging them to embody the principles learned through their practice in all aspects of life.

So there you go! There is the difference between taekwondo, karate, and Tang Soo Do! Hopefully, you can go forward in knowing more about the martial arts community.