Why is Taekwondo an Olympic event and Karaté isn't?

Question

They are both very similar.....what tipped the scales in favour of Taekwondo? I seem to remember Karaté being a demonstration sport in one Olympics (I may be mistaken).

Answer 1

More votes, that's y. The 2012 games were supposed to introduce the sport as a replacement to games that will not be played that year, but it didn't gather enough votes. It's still in the air tho.

Answer 2

many countries know takewondo while karate is only in japan

Answer 3

The IOC International Olympic Committee decided that Taekwondo was more of a Universal sport. In Karate they thought the Americans had too much of an advantage. For this same reason they are removi ng softball and baseball from future olympics. Its not fair to us but that is the way it is.

Answer 4

Its got flashier kicks than karate. But Muay Thai would have been a better choice.

Answer 5

I think it's because it's a neutral sport, certain techniques used in karate are deadly and could harm a person tremendously. Karate I think would be taken personally since there's more contact involved.

Answer 6

Because they are very similar.  If you put both of them in then you will have people wanting other martial arts in the Olympics.  Eventually you will have to let them all in.