Effects of kumi-kata grip laterality and throwing side on attack effectiveness and combat result in elite judo athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of kumi-kata grip laterality and throwing side combinations (i.e., attacking on the same side of the gripping, or vice versa) on attack effectiveness and combat result in elite male and female judo athletes. Through systematic observation, 242 combats from 12 World Ranking tournaments were analysed. Results from logistic regression showed that attacking on the same side of the kumi-kata increase the chance of scoring (χ2 (4) = 10.688, P = 0.030; OR = 1.65, P = 0.009) and winning the combat (χ2 (4) = 11.181, P = 0.025; OR = 1.35, P = 0.018), independently of sex and weight category. Perform same-side attacks by kenka-yotsu (adversaries using reverse grip, right versus left) was the most effective (χ2 (4) = 11.321, P = 0.023; OR = 1.84, P = 0.023), especially for lightest weight judo fighters. Perform same-side attacks by ai-yotsu (both opponents using right or left grip at the same time; χ2 (4) = 9.630, P = 0.047; OR = 2.02; P = 0.009) and only one athlete gripping (only the athlete attacking performing the grip; χ2 (4) = 9.512, P = 0.050; OR = 3.08; P = 0.035) increased the likelihood of winning the combat. This information should be considered for coaches to plan combat strategies and design training situations close to the real competition.