DIFFERENCES IN KATA PERFORMANCE TIME AND DISTANCE FROM A MARKER FOR EXPERIENCED SHOTOKAN KARATEKA UNDER NORMAL SIGHTED AND BLINDFOLDED CONDITIONS

Abstract

10 experienced Shotokan karateka were tested on performance time and distance from a marker on the five Heian kata under normal sighted and blindfolded conditions. Whilst each kata's line of movement is different, it is the intention to start and finish at the same location. Analysis showed that despite an average of 16.8 yr. of training, whilst timing was not significantly affected on four of the kata by subjects being deprived of the visual sense, the group's mean change in distance from an original marker was significant for performances on three of the kata.