Karate vs. Boxer?

Question

I was listening to Walton and Johnson on the radio and they were talking about boxers and I was wondering which one could win in a fight, karate (or any form of martial art) or a boxer. Martial artists know all of these moves but a boxer is built and fast also. Does the karate guy have a chance if this built strong guy is running at him with two fast blows to the stomach (I figure the karate guy might block the first but the second just comes in a second after). Or does the boxer have a chance against the karate guy's tactics like using your bodies weight against you? Tell me what you think (or know), thanks!

Answer 1

Here are the facts:

Boxing is distilled from what works in real combat where you are effectively fighting for your career against someone who wants to hurt and humiliate you.

Karate is not easily defined; the various groups do different things, focus on different objectives, and often argue amongst themselves about what really comprises Karate.

**********

There are no technical flaws in the boxer's striking arsenal or upper-body defense.  What boxers do is as close to real-world effectiveness as it's possible to get, while still remaining sustainable.  A boxer needs to be able to practice in a sustainable manner, without injuring himself or limiting his long-term prospects.  However, the boxer's repertoire of strikes is incomplete.

Karate practitioners have a larger selection of strikes, but many standard Karate techniques are technically flawed, with the "look" of a technique taking precedence over its real-world effectiveness.  Karate "blocks" are generally useless; most are renamed techniques that had their genesis in aikido joint-locks and throws, and are not really blocks.  Boxing blocks are much more effective and usable.  Many Karate people practice without actually hitting anything or anyone, and without being exposed to someone who literally wants to, and tries to, hurt them or destroy their career.  These Karate people are not able to use their techniques to hurt someone who actively resists them, and these people are not familiar with defending themselves against an attack.

**********

A century or more ago, on Okinawa, Karate was a real bare-knuckle fighting system.  It was useful and effective.  These days, in the interests of safety and sustainability, a lot of its techniques have been re-named and redefined, and although it may be useful for beating up an unresisting opponent, it is not useful against a skilled opponent who is actively trying to hurt you.

Boxers, though limited in their scope, are much more effective in a "real" confrontation.  The limitations of boxing can be easily addressed by adding a few techniques and changing a few techniques, resulting in a useful real-world set of skills.  Bare-knuckle boxing, along with some throws and low kicks, will beat a Karate practitioner every time.

Karate people do their art for many reasons, but pure fighting prowess is no longer the main reason that most people continue with the sport of Karate (unless they're clueless).

Answer 2

I think the winner would be whichever one was stronger AND faster.  I think the boxer could inflict damaging blows, but would not be good at blocking the kicks.  A karate fighter could throw and kick, but not have as much speed or power.  The winner would have to strike hard and fast, be the first to inflict damage, and then have the stamina to finish the fight.

Answer 3

Unfair comparision Bruce, Professional Boxer vs. Amatuer Karateka.  Of course Boxer wins.  Amateur Boxer vs. Professional Karateka (there are some), Karateka wins.  Amateur Boxer Amateur Karateka, better fighter wins.  If it is a real Okinawan fighting style though, I give it to Karateka.  Actually I have taken out a few boxers in my day.

Answer 4

Karate is mainly an exercise, those who are really really good at it may beat a boxer. But overall id give it to the boxer.

A boxer would be faster and hit harder then a guy in karate.

Boxing training is more intense. Karate teaches you how to hit to get points. Boxing teaches you to hit and get a knockout.

It all depends on the person really. Karate is not for fighting, its more of a spiritual workout in self defense.

Answer 5

Overall it depends on the fighters. If you placed a karate master against a pro-boxer it could go either way depending on how the

both the fighters open the fight, & what the did. Say if the karate master tried to play the boxers game with punches he wouldn't last long but if he used kicks for example and managed to land cleanly on the boxers legs, chest or head he could have the fight in the bag.

Another scenario would be if the boxer opened up with a quick, sharp relentless attack and knocked down the karate master. It really depends on the fighter and how he decides to approach the fight it could go either way.

Answer 6

I'll assume you are talking about a professional boxer.  

This is not up for a debate.  The professional boxer beats the karate guy up something fierce.  The professional boxer relies on his aggression, timing and ability to give and take punishment for a living.  He is not doinf it for a hobby it is his way of life.  The boxers reflexes and threshold for pain are going to be much higher.

Answer 7

Just depends on the skill level of the practitioner and their fight experience.   I could train in karate or boxing my entire life but would never possess the physical tools to beat Sam Peters in a fight,  so a lot depends on an individuals aptitude and talent level for the sport.  I could definitely beat him in a spelling contest though.