When you look at Kickboxing versus Tae Kwon-Do, it’s like comparing a banana with an orange. There’s a common thread as both the banana and the orange are members of the fruit family, but that’s about it. They taste, grow, and look completely different from one another. It’s the same for Kickboxing and Tae Kwon-Do.
Fighting is the Common Thread
Fighting is the common thread for Kickboxing and Tae Kwon-Do. Both activities involve one person confronting another. But, when you analyze how you train for kickboxing versus Tae Kwon-Do, and why you train for each activity, the differences become apparent.
There are two types of kickboxers, those who want an aerobic workout and those who want to fight in the ring. Kickboxing as an aerobic workout is fine. You move around, throw some bad punches, kick incorrectly, and get your heart rate up. Sweating is a requirement. It can be a fantastic workout, but it’s not self-defense. It’s not fighting.
Kickboxers who enter competitions will train for the fight. They climb into the ring with one goal… to beat their opponent. The training is focused and designed around the fight and the opponent. After the fight, most kickboxers quit training and end up gaining weight. When I kickboxed, the fights were brutal. It was full contact back then and I ended up with many scars and a few broken bones.
Studying Tae Kwon-Do is about training for life.
Training for the Body as a Whole
Learning how to defend yourself and sparring is part of our training. Don’t worry, you’ll become a strong fighter. But more importantly, we will train your mind. Everyday you climb into the “ring of life” and face challenges at school or work, at home with your family, or within yourself. Training for life involves both physical and mental preparation.
The mind, body, and spirit all work together. Tae Kwon-Do provides the focus and discipline needed not only for self-defense, but also the day-to-day obstacles we will encounter the rest of our lives.
Tae Kwon-Do trains the body as a whole, for the long haul. As much as I love competing, I never made a million dollars kickboxing. It’s not the path I recommend.
Master Gorino’s Tae Kwon-Do offers a trial program for individuals and families in Buffalo, NY and the surrounding areas that allows you to get a feel for the different classes, meet our instructors, and experience our dojang. It’s a great way to see if Tae Kwon-Do is right for you. To learn more or to sign up, register online or call (716) 836-KICK (5425) and a member of our team will follow up with you on next steps. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Pil-Sung!
