MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM SELECTION
Karate vs taekwondo: choosing a martial art
If you are comparing karate and taekwondo, start with the skills you want to learn and the actual classes available to you. These are distinct disciplines, and neither is automatically the better choice for every person. Striking 101 does not teach karate or taekwondo; this guide explains how to compare options and explore our other programs.
Both involve more than a single technique
It is misleading to describe karate as only hand techniques and taekwondo as only kicks. Both include punching and kicking. The balance of techniques, forms, partner practice and competition preparation depends on the style, organization and school.
For a concrete sport example, the World Karate Federation’s introduction to kumite describes scoring with punches and kicks. World Taekwondo’s September 2024 competition rules likewise specify permitted fist and foot techniques. These examples describe particular competition systems, not every school’s curriculum or the current rules for every event.
Ask a prospective school what its students actually practice. A label alone does not tell you the proportion of kicking, hand techniques, forms or contact in a beginner lesson.
Compare the class rather than declaring a winner
Explain your interests: learning striking skills, exploring a sport, practicing forms or finding a regular activity. Ask which program fits your age and experience, how beginners are introduced and how progress is discussed.
Ask what physical contact is involved, how partners are selected and how a student can pause an exercise. Confirm clothing, equipment, additional costs and the real member timetable. Do not assume that every karate or taekwondo school follows the same arrangements.
If competition interests you, ask about the specific organization and event rules. Scoring, permitted targets, protection and contact requirements should be confirmed with the relevant organizer; a general comparison is not a competition rulebook.
Know what Striking 101 offers
Striking 101 offers other martial arts programs. Boxing focuses on punches, movement and defense. Dutch kickboxing combines punches and kicks. Muay Thai has its own striking curriculum. Wrestling and submission grappling focus on grappling, while MMA connects striking, takedowns and ground skills.
These are alternatives you can investigate, not interchangeable versions of karate or taekwondo. If you specifically want a karate or taekwondo curriculum, Striking 101 does not provide that training.
Explore our Forest Hills alternatives guide and Brewster alternatives guide. Forest Hills lists boxing, Dutch kickboxing, Muay Thai, submission grappling, MMA and wrestling. Brewster lists boxing, Dutch kickboxing, Muay Thai, adult MMA and wrestling for children and adults. Check each local program page and confirm appropriate placement.
Our striking comparison and program-selection guide provide more questions about our actual options.
Parents should confirm the actual children’s program
At Forest Hills, Brewster and Brooklyn, boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai are taught within regular children’s martial arts classes. This does not mean every lesson covers all three or that children attend the adult curriculum.
The children’s program serves ages 4–8 and the kids’ program ages 9–12. A parent or guardian should contact the academy to confirm the right introduction. Brewster teaches wrestling within Submission Grappling for children and adults; its precise groups must be confirmed separately rather than inferred from these general age bands.
Ask about supervision, partner activities, equipment, arrival, collection and how parents can discuss concerns. Our children’s striking guide and children’s program-selection guide explain further questions to ask.
Keep expectations realistic
A martial arts class offers an opportunity to practice skills with coaching. No discipline automatically guarantees rapid fitness changes, confidence or protection in a confrontation. Ask what you will learn rather than choosing from promises of instant results.
Self-defense skills are taught within Striking 101’s regular classes. Ask how they are covered in the particular program you would join; this does not establish a separate self-defense course or identical curriculum at every academy. Our self-defense guide explains scope and expectations.
Choose a first learning goal, ask for feedback and review whether the class suits you. Consult the equipment guide before buying gear and the training-routine guide before setting attendance targets.
Explore a local academy
Forest Hills: 96-21 69th Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Call 718-559-9403. Explore the Forest Hills academy and ask about the appropriate regular program.
Brewster: 2505 Carmel Ave, Brewster, NY 10509. Call 845-650-8935. Explore the Brewster academy to confirm your starting session.
If Brooklyn is closer, contact the Brooklyn academy directly. Local program and class arrangements can differ. Use an existing local program booking or contact route after confirming placement.
