These three styles have several similarities, but there are fundamental differences in all areas. Kung Fu finds its roots as a martial art (words in themselves are often used in everyday speech to represent good work done) in China. 

Its most famous temples are found not only in the Shaolin Mountains, but throughout the land of China which are dozens, possibly a hundred or more different styles.

Tae Kwon Do comes from the divided countries of North and South Korea. 

There are several different styles of Tae Kwon Do, and the divisions now run internationally with the ITF (International Tae Kwon Do Federation) and the WTF (World Taekwondo Federation).

Karate is also an international sensation that began in Japan. The three styles are linked together with Kung Fu being the unofficial father of the other two styles. 

Martial arts that often pass through ports in Japan or Korea are refined, and change over time. For Karate, there are also several different schools and styles from Kyokushinkai to Goju Ryu from Shotokan.

Kung Fu

With its sweeping movements, animal styles and specialized weapons, the main difference between Kung Fu and the other 3 styles are its circular movements. Of the three, this type of martial arts centers of all circular movements especially in their kicks, strikes and blocks. 

Even in his sister style of the Wing Chun of Hong Kong and in southern China there is a strong emphasis on circular movements.

Karate

Shadow_Karate_KickThis is the most direct style and is the most linear of the three styles. When Kung Fu seems to go gracefully around and break the balance of a target, Karate breaks through exactly the center of it. 

Karate is reminiscent of a square or a cube in its geometry of strikes and blocks. As a karate practitioner, a lot of energy is found, but the movements lack some fluidity.


Taekwondo

Tae Kwon Do is something like a middle point between Karate and Kung Fu. It is the most angular of the 3 styles. The movements and blows are cut in the diagonal lines. It does not flow like Kung Fu, nor is it as linear as Karate. 

The kicks and strikes are fast, and often quite aerial. There is power to be found in strikes, but techniques are built around speed.