Karate Federation Research Articles

Karate Hakemlerinin Öz Yeterlikleri ile Bilişsel Esneklikleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

The present study aims to examine the relationship between the self-efficacy and cognitive flexibility of karate referees. A total of 138 referees, 88 male and 50 female, working in the Turkish Karate Federation participated in the study. The mean age of the referees was 38.09±13.43 years, mean body weight was 74.33±13.46 kg, mean height was 170.23±8.09 cm, and mean active refereeing period was 9.95±8.84 years. The Referee Self-Efficacy Scale developed by Myers et al. (2012) and adapted into Turkish by Karaçam and Pulur (2017) as well as the Cognitive Flexibility Scale developed by Bilgin (2009) were applied to the referees. Independent Samples T-test, One-Way ANOVA test, Pearson correlation test and descriptive statistics were applied to the data obtained. According to the results of the Pearson correlation analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between the referees' self-efficacy and cognitive flexibility levels (p<0.05). The results of the independent samples t-test showed that there was a significant difference in the level of self-efficacy between the males and females (p<0.05). Moreover, self-efficacy level was found to be significant in relation to refereeing class (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was determined in the study that the self-efficacy levels of the karate referees increased in parallel with their cognitive flexibility levels, the male participants had higher self-efficacy levels compared to the female participants, and self-efficacy levels increased in parallel with refereeing class.

Circuit Body Weight Training for Karate Athletes (Kumite - Under 21 Years): How is the Effect and Correlation on Weight Loss and Kizami - Gyaku Zuki?

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of circuit body weight training on weight loss and Kizami - Gyaku Zuki's punching skills. The sample of 21 karate athletes aged 17 – 20 years consisted of men: -60 kg, -67 kg, -75 kg, -84 kg, height 167 – 178 cm; and women: -50 kg, -55 kg, -61 kg, height 162 – 170 cm. The body weights in this study were adjusted to the 2024 World Karate Federation (WKF) regulations. However, not all samples could fill all weight classes according to the WKF regulations. The training program is carried out for 4 weeks or 12 meetings, with 3 meetings in one week. This exercise is carried out with an intensity of 50 – 70%, number of sets 3 – 5 sets, number of repetitions 14 – 18 times, recovery between posts is 20 seconds, recovery between sets 120 – 180 seconds. The results of this research are that circuit body weight training has an effect on weight loss and kizami - gyaku zuki punches (sig. 0.000 < 0.05). Then the product moment correlation shows a strong relationship, with a sig value. 0.017 (r = -626) means that the more the athlete's weight increases, the kizami – gyaku zuki punching skill decreases. Variables in body weight and kizami - gyaku zuki skills are very important for a fighting athlete, especially kumite, to be able to compete in the specified class. This research can be recommended for athletes who have a short general preparation period, because this program is only carried out for 4 weeks with 3 meetings in one week.

"Harnessing the Potential of Karate: Essential in the Modern World, narrated by Karate Coach Dr. Pradeep Kumar Yadav" (a Black Belt 3rd DAN in Karate from the World Karate Federation, Spain).

Karate, a traditional martial art originating from Japan, has long fascinated people around the globe. However, its significance extends beyond the realm of physical combat. In today's fast-paced and competitive world, where personal well-being and self-protection are paramount, the power of Karate emerges as an essential skill. This essay argues that Karate is not merely a form of self-defense, but a comprehensive discipline with immense physical and mental benefits. By examining its historical roots, physical techniques, mental discipline, and cultural importance, this essay will demonstrate why the practice of Karate is imperative in today's world.

Exploring the influential figures in the evolution of Shotokan Karate by Karate Coach Dr. Pradeep Kumar Yadav, Black Belt 3rd DAN in Karate from the World Karate Federation, Spain

Exploring the influential figures in the evolution of Shotokan Karate by Karate Coach Dr. Pradeep Kumar Yadav, Black Belt 3rd DAN in Karate from the World Karate Federation, Spain

Innovative sports management business models (on the example of the Ukrainian karate federation)

The article is about summarizing the experience of competitive practices of planning, organizing and conducting sports competitions, as well as identifying potential ways to overcome them and solve them. By using the methods of theoretical analysis, generalization of data from scientific and methodological literature and sports statistics and analytics, the Internet, methods of empirical analysis, induction on the information base of the Ukrainian Karate Federation, an analysis of the sports management system was carried out, and an actual business model for holding sports competitions under the auspices of the Ukrainian Karate Federation was identified. As a result, a six-factor model for evaluating the effectiveness of sports activities based on a functional feature is proposed. The structural-logical algorithm of the method proposed above allowed the authors of the article to single out the most significant results that characterize the personal contributions of the authors and the scientific novelty of the conducted research: the content of the concept of "innovation" in sports has been improved; a new conceptual model for evaluating modern approaches to ensuring more effective sports events in Ukraine is proposed; it has been proven that the introduction of an innovative management model in karate competitions allows to increase their competitiveness in front of other sports by obtaining an economic and social effect, to increase their profitability, investment attractiveness, to achieve sustainable development; measures are proposed that will offer to solve the existing problems in the preparation and conduct of sports competitions, taking into account the strategic goals of the overall regulation of the sports ecosystem in Ukraine.

INVESTIGATION OF THE PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING SKILLS OF KARATE REFEREES

Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the problem-solving skills and decision-making levels of karate referees. Method: The research group consists of 410 (161 female and 249 male) karate referees from different classifications who worked in the Turkish Karate Federation in the 2020-2021 season. As a data collection tool, the 35-item “Problem Solving Inventory” developed by Heppner and Petersen (1982) and adapted into Turkish by Taylan (1990) and the original Mann. et al. (1998) and adapted into Turkish by Deniz (2004) "Melbourne Decision Making Scale I-II" (MKVÖ) was used. Independent Sample T-Test, One-Factor Analysis of Variance and Pearson Correlation Test were applied to the obtained data after descriptive statistical operations were performed. Results and Conclusion: As a result of the research, while there was no significant difference in the decision-making levels of karate referees according to the refereeing year (p>0.05), there was a significant difference in the decision-making levels according to gender and refereeing classification (p<0.05). When we look at the problem-solving skills of karate referees, there were significant differences in problem-solving skills according to gender, refereeing year and refereeing classification (p<0.05).

Somatotype Profiles of Montenegrin Karatekas: An Observational Study.

Competitive karate activity involves numerous factors affecting performance in sport. Physical structure and somatotype is considered to be one of them. This study aimed to determine whether there are differences between karate athletes in five male and five female official weight categories in different anthropometric measurements and to determine the somatotype profiles of athletes divided by weight categories. This study consisted of a total of 27 male karate athletes (21.88 ± 4.66 years) and 24 female karate athletes (20.29 ± 3.14 years). Measurements were taken in April 2020. Athletes are classified into official weight categories according to World Karate Federation rules. Somatotypes were calculated using anthropometry. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis to compare group differences regarding weight categories. Anthropometric parameters were highest in the heaviest categories compared to lighter categories. All male subjects were endomorphic mesomorph, except for category <84 kg, which was endomorphic ectomorphs. Somatotype analysis of male categories found a difference between the <75 kg and <84 kg in endomorphy. In mesomorphy, there is no difference between categories. Perceiving ectomorphy, there is a significant difference between the first category and the >84 kg. Profiling female athletes, three different types of somatotypes were obtained concerning the weight category. The lightest weight category was predominantly endomorphic ectomorphs, and two weight categories were ectomorphic endomorphs (<61 kg and <68 kg), and the other two weight categories were endomorphic mesomorphs (<55 kg and >68 kg). Somatotype differences in the female karate athletes were observed only in the ectomorphy components, between <50 kg and <61 kg. The present study points to how the somatotypes profiles of karate athletes differ between weight categories.

Можливості омегаметрії в оцінці функціонального стану спортсменок, які спеціалізуються в карате

The purpose of the study was to investigate the peculiarities of changes in the general functional condition of the brain of highly qualified female athletes specializing in karate, in terms of omega potential indicators and to assess the adaptive capability of the central nervous system during physical load. Materials and methods. The study involved 14 highly qualified female athletes aged 17-22 years – representatives of the Odessa Regional Karate Federation. Determination of the dynamics of infraslow bioelectrical processes of the brain, namely omegapotential, was carried out according to the method of O. G. Sychov et al. (1980) at rest, after performing a test in one squat, with dosed physical load in a closed cycle (with reverse) and during the recovery period after exercise. Results and discussion. According to the results of anthropometric and physiometric measurements, the height of the studied girls specializing in karate, on average, was 164.43±0.86 cm, and body weight – 56.36±2.23 kg. The thorax circumference at rest was 84.86±1.57 cm, at the inhale – 89.57±1.49 cm, at the exhale – 82.5±1.57 cm. The average value of vital capacity of the lungs was 3457.14±101.93 ml, wrist dynamometry – 23.36±1.02 kg, back dynamometry – 63.57±3.53 kg. The analysis of the results of the study of infraslow brain processes showed that in the initial state the omega potential value ranged from 10 to 59 mV, which indicated the optimal baseline level in most female athletes before exercise. In the state of relative rest, the average omega potential values (21-40 mV) were found in 79% of the surveyed girls, high (41-60 mV) and low (up to 20 mV) – in 14% and 7%, respectively. The results of study of omega potential dynamics when tested in one squat indicate isolated cases of adequate responses and optimal activation of adaptive systems of the body to the functional load. In most female athletes, the violation of chemo-metabolic, neurohumoral and hormonal processes were observed after performing the test of one squat. The peculiarities of omega-potential dynamics, which were noted during the performance of dosed physical load in a closed cycle (with reverse), indicate a gradual decrease in the studied indicators relative to the initial state during the performance of bicycle ergometric load, especially during the period of reverse (heart rate = 150-155 beats / min) and at the end of testing. At the same time, the depth of shifts also increased, which reflects the significant tension on the central nervous system and other body systems of female athletes in response to physical load. After performing exercise at the 2nd and 5th minutes of rest, no recovery of infraslow bioelectrical processes to the initial level was recorded, which indicates the development of overstrain of adaptive mechanisms. Conclusion. Testing of qualified female athletes specializing in karate, using a functional test conducted in one squat, according to the data of average group indicators of omega potential revealed a violation of chemo-metabolic, neurohumoral and hormonal processes. The study of individual data shows that in most of the surveyed there are various violations of these body systems. The dynamics of infraslow bioelectrical processes in the brain of female athletes during testing using bicycle ergometric load in a closed cycle (with reverse) is characterized by a steady decrease in omega potential throughout the test, which reflects the overstrain of regulatory mechanisms and deep mobilization of functional capabilities. The restoration of the level of omega potential to the initial level at the 5th minute of the post-exercise period does not occur

Methodological and Methodical Support for the Organization of an Inclusive Educational and Training Process for Athletes with Disabilities in Karate

The purpose of the study: to determine the key principles of methodological and systematic support for the organization of an inclusive educational and training process for athletes with disabilities in karate.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The experts in the field of physical culture and sports participated in the study, namely: honored coach of Ukraine, honored worker of physical culture and sports of Ukraine, chairman of the Sports Committee for People with Disabilities of the Ukrainian Karate Federation, athletes with disabilities who have the status of world champions and Deaflympics champions, etc. All experts had sports (professional) experience from 5 to 20 years. To achieve the purpose of the study, the following methods were used: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, the method of expert evaluation, questionnaire surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using the methods of mathematical statistics. Expert evaluation was performed by the ranking method. The degree of agreement of the experts was determined using the Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.&#x0D; Results. In the course of the study, the methodological and systematic aspects of the organization of the inclusive educational and training process for athletes with disabilities in karate were determined. One of the main features in the organization of karate training sessions among people with disabilities is their nosological group. The further selection of means and methods of educational and training work depends on the nosological group. During inclusive training sessions, the greatest attention is paid to correctional and compensatory (14.6%), recreational and health (13.6%), and preventive (13.4%) work. At the same time, no less important is the solution of such a problem as the socialization of people with disabilities through sports, as a system of relationships in society.&#x0D; Conclusions. Properly selected methodological and systematic support affects the effectiveness of the organization of the inclusive educational and training process. This support has its own characteristics, which, firstly, depend on the nosological group, secondly, are characterized by the correct choice of means, methods, principles and functions implemented during classes, and thirdly, are aimed at the socialization of people with disabilities.

Morphological and Motor Fitness Determinants of Shotokan Karate Performance.

The achievement of high performance levels in a complex structured sport such as karate is determined by the competitor’s physical fitness, fighting technique, tactics and mental state. This study aimed to identify the most important determinants of top-level performance in karate. Methods: The participants were 32 karate competitors (12 women and 20 men) aged 18–25 years. A series of tests measuring 11 anthropometric features was undertaken twice during a year, separated by a 6-week interval during a training camp at the Olympic Preparation Center in Walcz, Poland. Motor skills were measured with strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and reaction time tests. Special motor fitness was assessed with tests of karate technical skills. The results were subject to statistical analysis using multiple stepwise regression of the Polish Karate Federation ranking points as the dependent variable. Results: The multiple regression analysis revealed two main determinants of high scores in female and male karate competitors. In women, these were thigh circumference and the speed of the mawashi-geri-kick roundhouse technique (i.e., the maximum number of delivered kicks in 30 s), whilst for men they were the extent of the sideway leg swing to the highest possible height (yoko-geri) and general endurance assessed with the bent arm hang test. Conclusion: Karate training should account for the determinants of high-level competitive karate performance identified in this study. Strengthening the lower limbs, exercises increasing hip joint mobility, low position movements, performing leg techniques in various planes and applying external loads undoubtedly increase a karate athlete’s strength and lead to the development of a more extensive repertoire of karate leg techniques, especially at the highest-scoring head level (jodan).

تأثير التدريبات البالستية علي بعض القدرات البدنية الخاصة للاعبي الکاراتيه

يهدف البحث إلي معرفة تأثير التدريبات البالستية علي بعض القدرات البدنية الخاصة للاعبي الکاراتيه، واستخدم الباحثون المنهج التجريبي بنظام المجموعتين عن طريق القياس القبلي والبعدي، وتمثل مجتمع البحث من لاعبي الکاراتيه بمحافظة البحر الأحمر والمسجلين بالاتحاد ‏المصري للکاراتيه موسم 2020/2021، وتتراوح اعمارهم ما بين (14-16) سنة والبالغ عددهم (50) لاعب، تم اختيارهم بالطريقة العمدية واشتملت العينة على (30) لاعب حاصلين علي الحزام الأسود والمسجلين بالاتحاد المصري للکاراتيه، (10) لاعبا أجريت عليهم الدراسة الاستطلاعية، (20) لاعبا أجريت عليهم الدراسة الأساسية، وأظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن البرنامج التدريبي أثر تأثيرا ايجابيا على تنمية مستوي القدرات البدنية للاعبي الکاراتيه للمجموعة التجريبية. The research aims to know the effect of ballistic exercises on some of the special physical abilities of karate players, and the researchers used the experimental method with the two-group system by means of tribal and remote measurement, and the research community represented Karate players in the Red Sea Governorate and registered in the Egyptian Karate Federation season 2020/2021, and their ages ranged between (14-16) years old, and their number is (50) players. They were chosen in a deliberate way. The sample included (30) players with black belts and registered in the Egyptian Karate Federation, (10) players who were subjected to the exploratory study, (20) players who were subjected to the basic study. The results of the study showed that the training program had a positive impact on the development of the level of physical abilities of the karate players of the experimental group.

Anthropometric and fitness normative values for young karatekas.

To provide information regarding the anthropometric and fitness profile of young karatekas and to study its evolution with age. Data from top-level karatekas were included in the analysis: 97 athletes in the U14 category (12–13 years old), 238 in cadet (14–15 years old), 261 in junior (16–17 years old) and 177 in U21 (18–20 years old), which makes a total of 773 athlete data sets. Karatekas underwent anthropometric (weight, height, body mass index and body fat percentage) and fitness (sit and reach, 20-m shuttle run, standing long jump, overhead 3-kg ball throw, 10x5-m shuttle run, and plate-tapping) assessments during the training camps organized by the Spanish National Karate Federation between 1999 and 2016. Male karatekas were taller and heavier, and performed better than females in all the fitness dimensions assessed, except for flexibility and speed of upper limb movements. The obtained cardiovascular and lower-body muscular values indicated that karatekas in this study were placed between the 80th and the 90th percentile when compared with the general population. The results of the agility, coordination and speed of upper limb movements, and flexibility tests showed that the karatekas obtained much higher scores than those observed in age-matched populations. Young karatekas show a high fitness level in comparison with the general population, especially with regards to aerobic performance, lower-body muscular power and upper-limb movement speed. Reference values of anthropometric and fitness dimensions are provided in order to be used by coaches, conditioning trainers and sport scientists when testing young male and female karatekas.

Does Physical Fitness Predict Future Karate Success? A Study in Young Female Karatekas.

To assess the discriminative ability of several fitness dimensions and anthropometric attributes for forecasting competitive success in female karate athletes. Fitness and anthropometric data from 98 female junior karatekas obtained during the training camps of the Spanish National Karate Federation between 1999 and 2012 were used. Binary logistic-regression models were built to ascertain whether the set of fitness and anthropometric variables could predict future sporting-performance levels. For this purpose, participants were classified as elite (medalist in World or European Championships in the senior category) or subelite (at least a medalist in Spanish National Championships in cadet or junior but not included in the elite group), according to the results achieved up to 2019. Participants who were subsequently classified as elite karatekas showed significant differences in agility, upper- and lower-body muscle power, and general fitness in comparison with those who were classified as subelite in the senior category. A total of 57 junior female karatekas who were subsequently classified as elite (7) or subelite (50) were included in the binary logistic-regression analysis. Resultant models showed significant capacity to predict karate performance. Assessing physical fitness in junior categories can be a useful resource to determine future karate success. Coaches in this sport should pay special attention to the levels of muscle power and agility shown by their athletes, as both fitness dimensions could be indicators of future sportive success.

Тенденції змін у правилах змагань у сучасних олімпійських спортивних єдиноборствах

The relevance of the research is that frequent changes in the rules of competition in different types of martial arts affect the structure and content of competitive activities of athletes, therefore, they should be taken into account in the training process. However, the other consequences of the transformation of the rules of competition in Olympic combat sports are considered fragmentary by the authors. The aim of the study was to identify trends of changes in competition rules in modern Olympic combat sports. Research methods included theoretical analysis method, documentary method, generalization of literature data and the Internet. The results of the work consist in the analysis of changes in the competition rules over the last ten to fifteen years, approved by the following international sports federations: International Fencing Federation, International Boxing Association, the United World Wrestling (International Federation of Greco-Roman Wrestling, Free Wrestling and Women's Wrestling), World Karate Federation, International Judo Federation, World Taekwondo Federation. There were identified the following trends of changes in the competition rules in modern Olympic combat sports: the increase in entertainment and accessibility for spectators; consolidation of the duel and increasing the speed of performing technical and tactical actions; objectification of the judiciary; increasing the importance of each match at all stages of the competition; increased penalties for violations of the "disciplinary code of competition" and "passive" conduct of the fight; injury prevention. The necessity of improving the tactical knowledge of athletes and the search for new tactical schemes based on a detailed study of the actual rules of competition, which will ensure success not only in individual episodes of a match with certain opponents, but also at different stages of competitions in Olympic martial arts.

Conmoción cerebral en el karate deportivo: disminución en la frecuencia en los campeonatos mundiales de karate

Objetivo: Presentar la reducción progresiva en la frecuencia de conmociones cerebrales en los Campeonatos Mundiales de Karate, a partir de los cambios en el reglamento de la Federación Mundial de Karate (FMK). Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo de las conmociones cerebrales ocurridas en los campeonatos del mundo de Madrid (2002), Monterrey (2004), Tampere (2006), Tokio (2008), Belgrado (2010) y París (2012). Resultados: La frecuencia de conmociones cerebrales, definidas según la Conferencia Internacional de Conmoción en el Deporte (Viena 2001, Praga 2004, Zurich 2008 y 2012) ha disminuido progresivamente en los Campeonatos del Mundo de Karate: una conmoción cada 230 combates en Madrid, una cada 196 en Monterrey, una cada 99 en Tampere, una cada 612 en Tokio, una cada 512 en Belgrado, y una cada 1.140 en París. Discusión y Conclusión: El uso de protecciones, la aplicación rigurosa del reglamento del karate deportivo y la educación continua en la prevención de lesiones de los competidores, técnicos y árbitros, ha disminuido la frecuencia de conmociones cerebrales en los Campeonatos del Mundo, haciendo del karate deportivo una disciplina más segura, cumpliendo con los principios del Olimpismo.

Globalization of the traditional Okinawan art of Shotokan karate

Since the eighteenth century, the traditional Okinawan art of Shotokan karate has transformed into a global sport. The violent history of Okinawa in the late 1700s led to the art’s initial creation. In its early years, karate was banned by the government and all practice of it had to take place in secret. Karate was practiced just in Okinawa for over a century. The spread of karate into Japan in 1922 initiated its move towards a Western migration. Through a combination of mass media and the experience of spectators and practitioners, karate spread around the globe. In 1970, international karate competitions began to take place. This initiated the popularization of the sport of karate, introducing more changes to the sport based on the preferences of the spectators. The World Karate Federation (WKF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) together took this art and created an Olympic sport.

Technical and Tactical Discriminatory Factors Between Winners and Defeated Elite Karate Athletes.

Purpose: To assess the technical and tactical demands of elite karate athletes in relation to 3 match sequences (ie,advantage, disadvantage, and drawing) and match outcome (ie,win/defeat). Methods: One hundred twenty elite seniors' (60 men and 60 women) World Karate Federation combats were analyzed during 2 World Championships (2012 and 2014). Specific karate attributes (strategy, technique, tactic, target, and effectiveness) were evaluated and classified into 3 sequences: advantage, disadvantage, and drawing. Results: Karatekas performed more combination techniques in disadvantage sequences than in drawing sequences (P = .011). A higher number of timed-attack actions were reported during advantage sequences than during drawing sequences (P = .048). Winners of the whole combat had higher lower-limb technique rate (1.0 [0.9] vs 0.1 [0.3]; P = .044) and less rate of timed attack (0.3 [0.5] vs 0.6 [1.0]; P = .030) than defeated karatekas during advantage and drawing sequences, respectively. Conclusions: Winners used higher lower-limb technique and less timed-attack rates than defeated karatekas in advantage and drawing sequences, respectively. Indeed, using lower-limb technique during advantageous situations could be a powerful strategy to increase the lead. Therefore, it seems fundamental for coaches of top elite karatekas to put their athletes in simulated situations and push them to increase their use of lower-limb techniques.

Сучасні підходи до класифікації спортсменів з порушеннями опорно-рухового апарату в карате

Types of classification of athletes with locomotorium disorders in adaptive sports in general have been characterized and classes of sportsmen with disabilities in karate WKF and JKS have been analyzed. The analysis of program and normative documents related to karate, scientific-methodical and special literature on classification of athletes of the International Paralympic Committee and international sports federations of persons with disabilities was conducted. Objective. Identification of the characteristics of the classification of athletes with locomotor disorders involved in karate and participating in competitions in various versions, namely the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS). Methods. Analysis and generalization of scientific-methodical and special literature. Results. Today, in adaptive sport, the classification of athletes with disabilities is carried out in accordance with the principle of equality, providing all the equal opportunities necessary to achieve the highest sports result. It involves the distribution of athletes by type of disease and functionality. There are three types of classification: medical, functional and handicap. In the analysis of the karate competition program, it was determined that the classification of athletes according to WKF rules is carried out in three categories for athletes who compete in kata. Namely, athletes using a wheel, athletes with visual impairments, and athletes with intellectual disabilities. According to the JKS rules, the classification of athletes is represented by the following groups: athletes with amputations (three groups), athletes with the consequences of cerebral palsy, athletes with mental disabilities, and athletes moving on wheels. In karate, as in other sports events, functional classifications are used that are based on the generally accepted medical. Today, there are two fundamentally different functional classifications of athletes in karate who take part in individual competitions. The WKF classification system is more voluminous at the expense of increasing the number of classes and is significantly different from the JKS classification system.

Decisive Moment: A Metric to Determine Success in Elite Karate Bouts.

To evaluate the concept of decisive moment (DM) as a novel analysis approach providing insights into factors leading to successful high-performance kumite karate outcomes using time-motion variables. DM represents the moment from which 1 of the 2 opponents uninterruptedly dominates the other until the end of the fight. A total of 120 elite seniors (60 men and 60 women) World Karate Federation combats were analyzed during 2 World Championships (2012 and 2014). Specific characteristics of karate combat (strategy, technique, tactic, target, and effectiveness) were evaluated and classified in 3 sections: at, before, and after DM. DM occurred at about 49% (32.8%) of bout duration. Up to DM no clearly identifiable differences in performance characteristics were found between winners and losers. At and after DM, an offensive strategy with focus on upper-limb techniques, attack and counterattack, targeting the head showed highest potential to achieve and maintain dominance and to win. After DM, losers showed increasingly reactive techniques, mainly timed attacks and combinatory techniques. The DM concept presents a novel approach to time-motion analysis, which for the first time allowed identification of clear discriminating factors of success and defeat in kumite karate at the highest performance level.

Karate and Dance Training to Improve Balance and Stabilize Mood in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Feasibility Study.

The present pilot study investigated the effect of karate (according to the rules of the German Karate Federation) and dance training compared to an inactive control group in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). 65 patients were recruited. At the end, 37 patients completed the post-test. From those 37 patients, 16 had chosen the karate training, 9 the dance training and 12 the waiting control group. Before and after the whole training phase cognitive performance, emotional well-being and balance were measured. The results showed that both, karate and dance training groups, improved balance. Furthermore, the mood dropped only in the waiting control group receiving no training at all, whereas it remained stable in patients who attended the karate and dance group. The training adherence was higher in the karate than the dance group indicating a high acceptability in PD patients for karate. In sum, karate can have the same positive effects as dance for PD patients. Further studies with larger samples and more rigorous methodologies are required to investigate the reported effects in more detail.