Should I take Taekwondo or Judo in college?

Question

I'm going to college in the fall and wish to take up a new martial art. I'm right now a black belt in karate after being in the art for 7 years.

I have a drive that honestly few have been able to keep up with, so I will do whatever it takes to become great at it.

At my university, the Taekwondo instructor competed in the Olympics before. However, I realize that judo is an effective self-defense art. I wouldn't mind competing one day because I have seen and utilize the philosophical/art side of the martial arts, thus trying something new will broaden my horizons.

What do you think and why? Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

for a new comer i would sugest taekwondo but considering you have done a striking martial art before i would go for judo

Answer 2

I would agree with Hassam, go for Judo. If you are serious about competing there is a Judo event at the Olympics as well.

Adding some ground work to your existing Karate abilities will not be a bad idea.

Answer 3

If you are a black belt in karate, you shouldn't need our input on the comparative analysis of judo and taekwondo.

If you already have a black belt in karate, what's wrong with competing in karate?

Answer 4

Taekwondo works really well with self defence. and i guess you will be having a good coach. It also greatly improves your reactions and body control.

Answer 5

All Martial arts are great, and equally good. I also do Karate been 5 years. It depends if you want to perfect your fighting skill for competition or learn more techniques.

If the competition I would recommend Taekwondo since you already have the Karate knowledge and Taekwondo  will add to the speed you use your legs which will be of great help.

If judo, then you'll be learn more unique grapples and flip which also could be helpful but in a Karate competition you won't be using them as much, because most opponent want to end it as fast as possible.

In the end I would say Judo only because Taekwondo  is similar to karate while Judo is a bit more different and I its always good to learn new arts. In the end you might be able to create your own style

Answer 6

i would try Taekwondo as it is a really good mixture of

most martial arts

its strong in defence as well as offence

good luck deciding A,S

x x x

Answer 7

Both, you'll get goo stand up and good ground technique.

Answer 8

i would definetly take taekwondo! ive been taking taewondo for baout three months and im already a yellow belt. so far i have learned how to break a nose and a wrist. we also learned how to fall properly if someone comes up to you and pushes you or trips you, i know how tro fall properly and protect myself from injery. we also learned how to get  out of a headlock and how to get away if someone grabs your wrists or arms. i feel much safer already and ive only been taking it for threee months. have fun and good luck

Answer 9

Either is fine, however realize that olympic style TKD is not the most effective for self defense, but you should already have that covered with the karate. I myself would choose Judo, just because it would teach a different range then what you already know.

I would not take any advice given by bunjikan Ninja, as I would think somebody with the experience he claims to have would know that you do not have to register your hands as lethal weapons, especially as a yellow belt in TKD:

Proof in his answer to this question.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...