karate is mostly just learning steps and actually contact fighting.
for taekwan do it's a sport martial art. If you're going to the olympics or want to be the best point fighter there ever was, do this.
Judo is great for people who think throwing your opponent is more effective than punching their face.
overall, Ive never had actual karate/taekwan do/judo lessons so those are just outsider opinions here
Was about to post how wrong you were in your post but then I saw your last sentence. Carry on my non-martial art oriented friend. I've been doing martial arts for 26 years, and you know nothing about what you speak. Practicality of an art comes from your teacher not the art itself. There are only so many ways that you can punch, kick, and throw effectively. Most martial arts teach you to fall properly so you absorb the impact and don't get hurt when someone sweeps the leg.
Your instructor is more important than the type of art when you're starting out. Do any and all of these you're interested in and stick with the one that YOU like the most. Most martial arts schools/studios will allow you take a few free classes to see if it's for you. It's really that easy. You aren't learning a 2,000 year old art to go fight in feudal Japan so it doesn't matter what you pick, as long as you stick with it.
Ikarus, I did not mean to sound like a dick in my response so if I do. sorry mate.
Ikarus, I did not mean to sound like a dick in my response so if I do. sorry mate.
no offense taken, kind brontosaurus adminus, thanks for correcting my gibberish