Karate is of Japanese origin while Kung Fu is of Chinese origin
Karate literally translates to empty hands as there is no practice of weaponry in the pure art form. Kung Fu on the other hand has a large domain of weapons from common ones like straight swords and brute swords to complex weapons like Tri-section Nunchucks
Definitive style of Karate involves a lot of close contact fighting, however i believe Kung fu covers a larger domain of body mind co-ordination through forms such as Thai-chi which involves concentration of both physical as well as mental energy of practitioner.
What ever the differences, the fact of the matter is Both of them are highly respectable practices of Martial Arts, and should be practiced with great intent, respect and care.
Kung Fu is used to describe a range of traditional Chinese martial arts. It mostly involves close in fighting. One notable feature is that the knuckles/fist is aligned vertically.
Karate is a martial art from Japan. It was developed from an Okinawan martial art (Tōde) but cleaned up so it could be taught in schools. It can be characterized by maintaining distance until the actual attack/defense. Notably the general knuckle/fist position is horizontal. Kung Fu- It incorporates human movements (like straight punches and kicks ) and animal movements (like tiger, leopard, monkey, snake, etc).
Karate- It incorporates human movements only. There are many styles of Karate and Kung Fu ill give you a few
Kung Fu: Shaolin, Baji Quan, Xing Yi Quan
Karate: Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Kyokushin, Shorin ryu, Uechi Ryu, Motobu Ryu
Here’s the kicker the question isn’t which is better to learn. The real question is “what is the best style that fits me?” I urge you to try a class mainly of karate or kung Fu since those are what you are looking into. Happy hunting!
