Went to a Shotokan class yesterday

[whess]

that sounds logical to me

[Killer Miller]

Being a Karate-Ka, I feel there is a huge difference in technique, the way you train, etc., between TKD and Karate...

- Killer -

Well, I think the differences are very easy to overcome, as TKD and Karate are so much alike in technique. I think what seperates them is mainly the way you train and the emphasis,

[bushido_man96]

Being a Karate-Ka, I feel there is a huge difference in technique, the way you train, etc., between TKD and Karate...

- Killer -

Well, I think the differences are very easy to overcome, as TKD and Karate are so much alike in technique. I think what seperates them is mainly the way you train and the emphasis,

I think it is going to depend on the type of TKD school that you get. If you get to one that is more WTF based, and especially focused on competition, then you won't see quite as many similarities. If you get into one that is ITF based, or not even affliated with an organization, or perhaps some of the Soo Bak Do/Tang Soo Do schools, then you might see some more similarites between the two. They won't be the same, but there is likely to be some similarities.

[Killer Miller]

I'm not saying that there are not some similarities, like front stance, etc. However, I've yet to see similarities that parallels JKA demeanor, purpose, technique, training concepts, philosophies... There are miles of differences between the two. We have had many TKD practioners train with us over the years, and it's totally different.

Not trying to imply who's better or worse - but totally different regardless...

- Killer -

[tallgeese]

This is an interesting thing you guys hit on above. It occurs just based on how close one is to substantive framework of an art.

I've done alot of stuff in the ma's over my life, and I've trained with practitioners of TKD and karate of various lines; and unless you're into the principles behind things, then they do seem quite similar.

Let's face it, in most cases, when you walk into one school or the other, what they are doing look about the same. Kata is kata to people who don't know which are which. Even to me one pretty much looks the same as another until you get into the softer arts. The punches are chambered and delivered in a similar fashion and the fine points of separation will usually be missed by people outside the art of each.

So, it's a very similar skill set. Even to those who train. Now, it's what goes on behind the scenes with those tools that makes the difference in things. This is why training around a good principle core can make all the difference in effectiveness.

Without making judgment on either, because quite frankly I don't have the background to and I've seen individuals out of both pedigrees be exceptional fighters; but with the same basic tool bag it's what drives those tools in the way of strategy and principle that will be ultimately more effective. This provides framework for a fighter to operate and train around that will guide his progression rather than just giving him a handful of movements and a "good luck".

This sort of thing might not be obvious to one outside each system, but it's what will make all the practical difference to one inside.

[SaxonPig]

Kick... punch... strike... block.

All styles are variations on a theme.

[TalkMartialArts]

As shotokan student myself, the only problems I see people have from TKD is kicking. TKD students do not turn their back foot all the way.

I have trained under many senseis that did TKD before and now they are limping from knee surgery.

[bushido_man96]

As shotokan student myself, the only problems I see people have from TKD is kicking. TKD students do not turn their back foot all the way.

I don't quite follow what you mean by "do not turn their back foot all the way. Could you elaborate please?

[RW]

They are quite similar...

They both have the front kick, side kick (both thrust and snap), round kick (also both, front and snap), roundhouse, etc etc.

Even the strikes and blocks are similar.

Who could deny the similarity of this:

and this? :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csg3qL7rYuQ

[whess]

there is definitly a similarity, without any doubt