Karate vs. Judo — What's the Difference?

Sport with kata and sparring competitions.

Sport developed from jujitsu by Jigoro Kano.

A martial art using punches, kicks, and blocks.

Combat sport with weight classes and international competitions.

Striking-focused combat system from Okinawa.

A grappling martial art focusing on throws and submissions.

Martial art with different styles like Shotokan and Goju-Ryu.

Practice emphasizing maximum efficiency and mutual welfare.

Practice involving self-discipline and respect.

Training involving randori and forms.

Karate (空手) (; Japanese pronunciation: [kaɾate] (listen); Okinawan pronunciation: [kaɽati]) is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It developed from the indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts (called te (手), "hand"; tii in Okinawan) under the influence of Kung Fu, particularly Fujian White Crane.

Judo (柔道, jūdō, Japanese pronunciation: [dʑɯꜜːdoː], lit. "gentle way") is generally categorized as a modern Japanese martial art, which has since evolved into an Olympic event.

A Japanese martial art in which sharp blows and kicks are administered to pressure-sensitive points on the body of an opponent.

A sport and method of physical training similar to wrestling, developed in Japan in the late 1800s and using principles of balance and leverage adapted from jujitsu.

An Okinawan martial art involving primarily punching and kicking, but additionally, advanced throws, arm bars, grappling and all means of fighting.

A Japanese martial art and sport adapted from jujutsu.

To attack (somebody or something) with karate or similar techniques.

A sport adapted from jujitsu, originally a method of self-defense without weapons, and similar to wrestling; it was developed in Japan.

A traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent.

A sport adapted from jujitsu (using principles of not resisting) and similar to wrestling; developed in Japan

A traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent

They share foundational martial arts principles, but their techniques differ: karate emphasizes strikes, and judo focuses on throws.

Karate is widely practiced globally, but judo is also very popular, particularly in international sports.

You typically need some training to compete in either sport, as both require technical skill.

Both use colored belts to denote rank, but their grading systems differ.

Yes, but technique and agility are more crucial in karate, while in judo, leverage is often more important.

Yes, both welcome adult beginners and offer health and fitness benefits.

Both offer self-defense skills, but karate focuses on strikes, while judo teaches grappling techniques.

No, karate focuses on striking competitions, while judo features grappling-based matches.

Both carry inherent risks, but safety protocols and proper instruction minimize injuries.

Karate originated centuries ago, while judo was developed in the late 19th century.

Both are suitable for children, teaching discipline and physical fitness.

It varies but usually takes several years of dedicated training in both.

Both provide excellent fitness benefits; karate improves cardio and flexibility, while judo enhances strength and endurance.

Both emphasize philosophies of respect, discipline, and self-improvement.

Karate has various styles, whereas judo is more standardized but with some technical variations.