I understand why people do this.   I understand the need to simpify.  Let's try this example.   The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recently told people to not called the H1N1 virus the "Swine Flu" because farmers were losing money on the selling of their pigs.   People are so used to saying swine flu now that that is what everyone know's it by.   The same has happened to Karate.   The Korean's have risen to their great power by being in the Olympics but not without the help and the back of Karate.   People think "Well, it all looks the same".  If you were to put the two together, side by side, then you would see the difference's in kata and fighting.  (Sparring)   The reason's or excuse for this hijacking of the word "karate" to promote schools that do not teach "Traditional Karate" so they can further advance their agenda.   They meaning, the Tae Kwon Do schools.   This isn't right and never has been.  I believe it is morally wrong to falsely advertise that you teach Karate and don't.   I believe it is ethically wrong as well.    The Better Business Bureau or the BBB say's they go after businesses that false advertise but they are not active on pursing this subject.   Well, I've got news for the BBB and all of those they have their hands, feet, and whatever else involved.  The roof is about to collapse.  The truth is about to come out and my book that I will publish here in early 2010 will explain this truth.   I have a powerful platform, great information, stories, and storyline for my book.  It's a book that helps those that cannot help themselves.    Every ninth of the book is based on true stories.   Stories of adversity and improbable odds.  A modern David vs. Goliath story if you will.   The best thing is is that I have god on my side to guide me through this important part in time.    The truth shall set you free.     Remember this,  Calling Tae Kwon Do, Karate, is like calling you a Mexican or a Canadian.   You are neither, you're an American.    Please stop from calling anything other than Karate, Karate.   There are over 220 different types of Karate and 4 major styles from Japan.   The 4 major styles are Shotokan (35 versions) 24 of Goju-Ryu, 17 of Shito-Ryu, and 13 of Wado-Ryu.   Kung Fu is from China and Tae Kwon Do is from Korea.   Karate is from Japan!  Make a note of it!

"Morally wrong to falsely advertised"

I tend to agree and look forward to reading your book.

People call TKD (previously called Tang Soo Do) Karate because that's what it used to be. ALL the founders of TKD study under Funakoshi. After the liberation of Korea the anti-Japanese of the Korean people attempted to move away from anything that look remotely Japanese. But all the TKD forms in the beginning were Shotokan katas.

TKD, use's karate name so they make more money, that is why the use karate name. The name of karate is more common to the american people.most people on the street do not no the difference between karate and tkd.

I think they should fly under there own flag. But they do what you can to make money.SCJ.

Outstanding Article! May I use it and put it on my website? http://stoneybrookkarate.com

Prior to 1960, TKD was an exact imitation of Shotokan Karate. The father of TKD, Choi Hong Hi was a Nidan in Shotokan Karate.