Shotokan vs Kyokushin Karate: Ultimate Comparision

Throughout the world, martial arts are divided based on their origin, style, and technique. The martial art of karate is probably one of the most popular and well-known in the world. However, did you know that there are different styles of Karate? What is the difference between Shotokan and Kyokushin Karate?

Shotokan and Kyokushin are both Japanese in origin and heavily influenced by Japanese martial arts. In Shotokan, speed and strength are more important than skillful decision-making. Shotokan is a straight style with intense training. Kyokushin uses full-body contact and is probably the wildest form of Karate. Practitioners have trained in Goju-ryu style deflections as well as Muay Thai kicks.

Exactly What Is Shotokan Karate?

Considered the best karate in the martial arts world, Kyokushin Karate uses conventional and systematic Japanese training techniques to cultivate energetic individuals and world-class fighters. It’s a fun way to build great physical condition, self-defense skills, confidence, and self-discipline.

The technique is a method of self-defense that involves direct kicks, punches, and body movements. Style is an intense physical discipline that benefits the player’s mental state. The fighter uses elbows and knees and low kicks to fight at close range. This style of karate focuses on vigorous fighting with medium shock.

All teaching methods used in this style are different from their methodology. Because the fight is so powerful and can often be fought without gloves or other defensive equipment, hand and elbow strikes to the head or neck are prohibited during training and competition. Kata, the graceful movement of self-training, can also be a crucial activity in practice.

It is a traditional Japanese martial art developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi. The style of karate remains firmly rooted in a deep martial arts tradition, emphasizing ongoing discipline for a balanced mind and body, rather than just being a sport.

Using wide stances and linear techniques, this technique allows students to use their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to land impressive shots quickly and efficiently. The philosophy of Shotokan karate is not just about martial arts training or self-defense. It’s about getting better.

The technique leads to physical and aerobic fitness, improved cognition, body alignment, posture and movement, stress management, focus, confidence, and discipline. People who are overweight, inflexible, uncoordinated, or lack confidence or self-discipline can benefit greatly from this style of karate. Of course, results should not be expected overnight, but with regular practice, you will see improvements.

Shotokan Karate and Kyokushin Karate Differences

Track History

Gichin Funokoshi is believed to have invented the Shotokan style of karate. The name derives from the pseudonym he used to write poetry. After years of training and teaching in Okinawa, he established this style in 1938 when he moved to Japan. The technique was developed by him and his son and gained great popularity among the masses.

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama is the founder of Kyokushin karate. He practiced the Okinawan form of karate at the Gichin Funokoshi dojo. After Japan’s death in World War II, Oyama practiced Goju-ryu with a Korean teacher. From there, the foundations of Kyokushin were laid.

Kyokushin had a large following, although it was probably the most aggressive style of karate. Kyokushin dojos were established in the early 1950s. It has become an internationally recognized martial art since then.

Techniques

Kyokushin karate requires strength, endurance, and a high-level fighting spirit. Lyoto Machida is a Shotokan karate student. Practitioners use linear motion to deliver fast, powerful punches with elbows, hands, knees, and feet.

Speed

Speed ​​and accuracy are of paramount importance in karate. Quick, quick hits in a row characterize Shotokan. He is indispensable in street fights for his speed, evasive techniques and sudden attacks. Kyokushin karate, on the other hand, is relatively slow and depends on the fighter.

Stiffness and Strength

As mentioned above, Kyokushin Karate is very aggressive and tough. He can beat any other style of karate tenfold in terms of stiffness, power and stamina. Shotokan karate, on the other hand, clearly lacks this aspect. In comparison, he is not as stiff or strong during sparring sessions, relying on speed and using linear techniques.

Shotokan and Kyokushin Karate Skills

In Kyokushin Karate, players must not hit the opponent in the face. Use kicks and punches in melee combat. The knees and elbows are used to hit the opponent’s vital areas. The objective is to apply maximum power to propel kicks forward.

Shotokan karate aims to hit the opponent’s face with sweeps and emphasis on the kata. Long kicks are rarely used in Shotokan to hit the attacker. It’s important to have the right angle when typing. Usually, despite impressive footwork, attacks in the leg area are not allowed during the fight.

Differences In Attack Techniques

Kyokushin punches hit the stomach and are very strong and powerful. Practice not only helps develop technique, it also makes fighters stronger. On the contrary, shots in Shotokan karate are mostly minimal.

Contact

Through the use of consecutive punches and kicks, Kyokushin aims to achieve full-body contact. This is done to open all corners of the opponent’s body, except for the head, to receive blows during the fight. In contrast, Shotokan karate has very limited contact with the opponent.

Goal

Kyokushin karate actively uses footwork while the practitioner strikes the opponent’s legs. In contrast, Shotokan Karate focuses on very controlled strikes. They aim at the side of the body, face, neck and head, completely missing the opponent’s lower body.

Punctuation

In Shotokan Karate, the referee assesses the score after the blow of any player and then assigns the corresponding points. The game ends when the referee is satisfied with the technique used by one of the targets. In Kyokushin karate, the fighter must limp the opponent to earn a point.

Fight or Kata?

Kyokushin karate focuses on fighting and diligently practicing it, while Shotokan karate places more emphasis on kata.

Tournaments

The Shotokan-style and Kyokushin-style tournament styles of karate are different. Tournament styles of Shotokan karate can be divided into three main formats: semi-contact wrestling, kata, and full-contact glove wrestling.

Kyokushin karate tournament styles can be divided into four formats including K-1 rules game, kata, full contact Barknuckle fight, and point no contact fight.

In Shotokan karate, lower scores or points are awarded for punches, throws, sweeps, and kicks, while in Kyokushin karate higher scores or points are awarded for knocking down the opponent.

In Terms of Physical Fitness, Who Wins?

Both styles are pretty much the same when it comes to fitness. But if physical strength is part of the equation for you, Kyokushin wins. His focus on kicks and footwork will also bring this category to Kyokushin.

The school you train at has a lot to do with it. Some teachers train their students more than others. Of course, how much you train has a big impact on your fitness benefits.

How Effective Are The Two Methods In a Street Fight?

When it’s a real situation, it’s about surviving. To deal with the abuser’s aggression, you must react accordingly. Kyokushin Karate is more aggressive. So it’s always a better option.

This does not mean that Shotokan Karate is not effective. Knowledge of any form of martial arts is helpful when you are in the midst of a conflict situation. It’s a simple style and no longer relies on deft deflections.

But Kyokushin karate believes in inflicting damage on the opponent as quickly as possible, and practitioners are trained in the same way. Muay Thai punches are also helpful.

Therefore, when the question of efficiency in street fighting arises, the Kyokushin form of karate takes the trophy.

For Self-Defense, What Is Better?

In real situations, the opponent is not in a friendly battle with you. Your ultimate goal is to damage and disable him. To deal with this aggression, you must react in the same way.

When it comes to Shotokan and Kyokushin Karate, there is no doubt that the latter is best suited for self-defense. The main reason for this is the techniques used. The punches are very powerful and come from different angles.

Dealing with as much damage as possible is very important to have a chance to escape. It’s always good to avoid situations like this, but it may be unheard of. Combat techniques help to prepare a person for certain adverse events.

The short distance helps to use the hands and legs and gives more power to the shots. Shotokan, however, doesn’t have it all.

So when the question of self-defense comes up, Kyokushin Karate undoubtedly has the upper hand.

Which One Is Easier to Learn?

Shotokan Karate is relatively easier to learn.
Learning Shotokan Karate takes about three and a half to five years. While Kyokushin karate, on the other hand, takes around four and a half to seven years to learn. This comparison is based on how long it takes to get a black belt.

Styles That Work for You

If you want to learn karate, choosing the right style can make all the difference to a successful trip. Many experts have their opinion on which style is “better” than the other.

But your opinion is the only one that matters when deciding which style to practice.

If you like the technical side of karate, learning kata, and striving to perfect every move, Shotokan is the style for you. Plus, you’re less likely to get injured in class, so you don’t have to explain black eyes and other bruises to your boss.

If you want a real-world defensive style and like the idea of ​​testing your skills to the max, Kyokushin might be a better choice. While the goal is to block all of your opponent’s attacks, in reality, you’ll probably have to take a hit or two to win a fight. Kyokushin’s full contact style will prepare you better.

The Importance of Your Sensei

A massively overlooked part of this argument is the importance of your teacher when you train. Students often focus on styles, which is important but not the only thing when determining which dojo to attend. For example, you might have a great teacher who teaches at a Shotokan school. Alternatively, you can plan to train at a Kyokushin school that has a bad teacher. This would mean that for most people the Shotokan Gym would be ideal.

Remember to be careful when shopping at the gym and not make a rash decision. People often sign a huge contract at a gym only to find out it’s not for them, or the gym turns out to be a McDojo. Even if the instructor is good at teaching, if he is a bad person then there is no point in training with that person either, as it will make the training miserable.

My Verdict

In general, it is unfair to say that Shotokan or Kyokushin are better than others. Instead, a healthier discussion would consider their differences rather than their weaknesses. In short, Shotokan offers karate for all demographics.