Background. Martial Arts (MA) are complex systems that involve both psycho-motor facets and cultural traditions. Although Western approaches tend to discern between meditative movement for health, competitive sports, and ethnic rites, many martial arts have to be regarded as holistic entities that comprise medical features, physical exercises, and mystical perspectives. Methods. Review, critical comparative analysis. Results. Cardiologic studies upon the martial arts mainly explore the Chinese disciplines of Tai Chi Chuan 太极拳and Qigong 气功and speak about cost-effective and safe ways of treatment. These approaches are applied to reduce hypertension and high heart rate and might have positive effects on endothelial function and heart rate variability. In addition to these cardiac perspectives, Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong proofed to exhibit preventative and therapeutic effects on anxiety and depression, hence their function for controlling psychopathological sequelae of heart conditions. A wealth of studies highlights that these martial arts also improve the patients’ quality of life and enhance their adherence to rehabilitation programmes. For some years, also Karate and Judo have gained ground in cardiology. Conclusion. Chinese Martial Arts are a viable means in cardiac rehabilitation. From the perspective of cross-cultural research in medicine, more studies on the martial arts that involve both Western and Chinese theories of cardiology are required.
Introduction. Motivation is one of the key topics in sport psychology. The majority of researches concerning sport motivation are focused on the motivation of sport competitors. The present study concentrates on the motivation of coaches The aim of the present study was to investigate the type of sport motivation (based on distinction of types of sport achievement orientation by Gill and Deeter: competitiveness, win orientation, goal orientation) in coaches of martial arts, and to determine temperamental and personality-related determinants of motivation. Material and methods. The participants comprised 37 male trainers of martial arts (25 boxing coaches, 12 karate coaches). The average age was 36,8 years. The study employed various research tools including: The Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ) by Gill & Deeter in the Polish adaptation by Marcin Krawczyński, EPQ-R – Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire in the Polish adaptation by Brzozowski and Drwal, and FCB-TI – Formal Characteristic of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory by Zawadzki and Strelau. Results. The study has shown statistically significant differences in win orientation between the coaches of boxing and karate. Higher levels of win orientation were observed in the karate coaches. The correlations between goal oriented motivation and neuroticism, and between goal orientation and such temperamental dimensions as emotional reactivity or endurance were also noted in this group. Among the boxing coaches the correlation between sensory sensitivity and goal orientation was found. Conclusions. The results indicate that most differentiating type of motivation between the coaches is the goal orientation, which shows correlations with temperamental and personality variables.
The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable social sciences instrument to measure the cultural appreciation of martial arts practitioners. To that end, the Cultural Appreciation of Martial Arts Scale (CAMAS) was developed. The study resulted in a 20-item, 3-factor scale that measures Cultural Knowledge, Cultural Sensitivity, and Cultural Awareness in the martial arts. The CAMAS has already garnered interest from instructors, whose schools were selected for this study, for use in evaluating program efficacy in providing cultural teachings and as a possible method to expose marketing opportunities for program offerings.
Introduction. The aim of this work was to monitor the changes a boxer undergoes in the punch endurance test in relation to special training indicators and subsequently, by means of correlation of the time series, to determine the time shift of the delayed cumulative effect in long-term preparation of boxers. Material and methods. The work has an intraindividual basis. By means of the training logs, we recorded the special training indicators and periodization in the training cycles in accordance with the sporting calendar. The athlete under observation carried out a special punch endurance test on the punch bag in regular 4-week intervals, whose duration was identical with the competitive match. The test was issued by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) in the AIBA Coaches Manual (AIBA Coaches Commission, 2011). When correlating the time series, we used the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The statistical significance of the relationships has been judged at a 20 % level of significance. Results. The average count in the punch endurance test was RTC1 830,17 ± 75,67 punches and RTC2 867 ± 40,36 punches. Statistically significant correlations with training means of speed endurance (SpdE) 1-2 time shifts (2-4 weeks) and sparring (TT S) 1-3 time shifts (2-6 weeks) have been demonstrated. Conclusions. In terms of the dynamics of changes in special punch endurance, the development copied the systematic periodization of training load, the level improved from accumulation, through the intensification up to the transformation stage, where the best test results were achieved before the top events.
During our childhood, even early after being borne, we have innate features for self-defense instinctively which are barely noticed. On the other hand, nowadays, martial arts and self-defense practices are being steadily educated as a popular form of training. These approaches can end up with consequences in real combats. The purpose of the present paper is to introduce a new training concept by considering very basic and instinctive defensive movements exhibited by a human since his/her birth and develop and follow these features for self-defense in adolescence. This new concept will indicate that some martial arts (i.e. martial skills – different from common interpretation of a martial art) have been with us since our birth. Here we will demonstrate that even a cutie infant can provide us with noble self-defense ideas.
Kata, the series of combat techniques arranged into a “form” for solo practice, is practiced by martial artists during training. With some styles of martial arts moving away from kata practice, this paper analyzes research from multiple fields to determine the worth of including such practice as it relates to preparing the practitioner for practical self-defense. It also seeks to provide recommendations on how kata should be practiced to gain the most benefit. The following areas of study are analyzed: visualization, muscle memory, safety, adaptation to combat stress, and anaerobic capacity. It was found that kata provides a relatively safe method of training that, when used in combination of physical training, can provide increases in skill level equivalent to training that incorporates a partner. However to meet this claim, several criteria for practice must be met: The practitioner must have a sound knowledge of the applications of the kata, the attackers must be vividly visualized during practice, and the practitioner should stop if focus is lost and practice in short sessions. In addition, physical practice must accompany mental practice and the kata should be performed with realistic intensity to prevent ingraining bad habits.
Introduction. A positive relationship is recognised in literature between strength and body weight. On that basis a division into weight categories has been introduced in many combat sports. Nutritional behaviours are influenced by a number of factors that indirectly affect body weight. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between personality and the body composition of athletes using the example of the Polish national youth female wrestling team. Material and methods. The study consisted in the performance of a personality evaluation using the NEO-FFI questionnaire and a body composition analysis using a TANITA BC-418 analyser. 15 athletes from the Polish national youth female wrestling team aged (20.26 ± 1.43 years) participated in the study. Results. The study showed a lack of relationship between personality and body composition in members of the national wrestling team. Conclusions. Research points to a relationship between nutritional behaviours and satisfying not only the physiological, but also psychological needs of the body. A thorough investigation of this mechanism and of the possibility of its application may be very helpful, especially for combat sport athletes. The ability to optimise body weight, without the necessity of ensuring its fast reduction during the pre-start period, may have a significant impact on a person’s results.
Introduction. Little is known of the physiological trainability of boxers and their reactions to current training strategy. Material and methods. Anthropometric, back/hand strength, upper-body plyometric power and 3x3 min running parameters were measured four times throughout the year and maximal oxygen uptake () at peak season. In twelve male open-class boxers (mean ± standard deviation) age: 22.7±2.7 yrs, height: 177.2±9.4 cm and body mass: 72.1±10.7 kg. Results. Surprisingly body mass, body fat, percentage body fat and total run distance showed no improvement throughout the season until peak season (all p<.002), 72.1 kg, 8.4 kg, 11.5 %, and 2548 m respectively. However this appeared to be at the expense of fat free mass which decreased by ~2 kg at peak season (p=.014). Furthermore, improvement beyond the starting levels at the start of the season for all parameters was never achieved. The results suggest that despite coach and boxer best efforts, training per-se does not necessarily result in the desired improvements. Conclusion. It is advised that boxers maintain a level of diet-control/training during holiday periods, this will allow the run-up to peak season to be about a controlled decrease of BF and maintenance or increase of fat free mass, strength and power. A simple set of tests should be used to track progress and identify areas that need improving. Strength, plyometric and individualisation of training should be implemented to improve the boxers’ speed and power-endurance.
Background. Martial Arts (MA) are complex systems that involve both psycho-motor facets and cultural traditions. Although Western approaches tend to discern between meditative movement for health, competitive sports, and ethnic rites, many martial arts have to be regarded as holistic entities that comprise medical features, physical exercises, and mystical perspectives. Methods. Review, critical comparative analysis. Results. Cardiologic studies upon the martial arts mainly explore the Chinese disciplines of Tai Chi Chuan 太极拳and Qigong 气功and speak about cost-effective and safe ways of treatment. These approaches are applied to reduce hypertension and high heart rate and might have positive effects on endothelial function and heart rate variability. In addition to these cardiac perspectives, Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong proofed to exhibit preventative and therapeutic effects on anxiety and depression, hence their function for controlling psychopathological sequelae of heart conditions. A wealth of studies highlights that these martial arts also improve the patients’ quality of life and enhance their adherence to rehabilitation programmes. For some years, also Karate and Judo have gained ground in cardiology. Conclusion. Chinese Martial Arts are a viable means in cardiac rehabilitation. From the perspective of cross-cultural research in medicine, more studies on the martial arts that involve both Western and Chinese theories of cardiology are required.
Introduction. The aim of the study was to verify whether long-term practise of the basic kata stances in Shotokan karate contributes to the occurrence of pain in the lower extremities and lumbar spine. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a group of men taking part in Shotokan karate kata tournaments whose age ranged from 15 to 60 years with training experience between 5 and 42 years. A total of 57 valid questionnaires composed of 31 questions were selected. Results. The percentage of the respondents who complained of musculoskeletal pain was 82% (the most common locations included: 34% knee, 28% hip, 13% ankle, 11% lumbar spine); this group was then divided into 3 subgroups with respect to the length of training experience. They were compared with a group of subjects who did not experience any pain which was divided into subgroups according to the same criteria. In the first group, with less than 10 years of training experience, 75% of the subjects experienced musculoskeletal pain, in the second subgroup, 10 to 15 years of training experience, 81% suffered from pain and in the last subgroup, over 15 years of training experience, 86% of the athletes complained of pain. Conclusions. The occurrence of pain in the joints of the lower extremities and lumbar spine confirms that the ailments result from performing the basic stances. There is evidence for a relation between the length of training experience and the occurrence of pain in athletes taking part in kata tournaments.
Introduction. The study was designed to measure emotional intelligence of elite male and female wrestlers and to analyse their stress coping styles. Material and methods. A group of elite male and female wrestlers aged 18-26 years was studied. The psychological factors were analysed using two research tools: the Two-Dimensional Inventory of Emotional Intelligence (DINEMO) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Results. The study participants achieved average scores for emotional intelligence and for particular stress-coping styles. Measurements of the selected psychological factors showed that male wrestlers and female wrestlers were significantly different from each other. The female wrestlers had a lower level of intrapersonal emotional intelligence. The male wrestlers had higher scores for the task-oriented style of coping with stress while the female athletes scored higher on the avoidance style. Conclusions. Emotional intelligence and stress-coping styles are among psychological factors that influence the functioning of male and female wrestlers in sport and personal life. A need has been identified to shape and develop their emotional intelligence and adaptive stress coping styles.
Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week introductory Judo class on force-time characteristics during an explosive isometric gripping task. Material and methods. Twenty-two healthy men and women (age: 21.8±3.2yr; height: 169.6±7.4cm; body mass: 75.4±13.2 kg), 10 in an introductory judo class and 12 age-matched controls, were recruited for this study. All participants performed three five-second maximal voluntary contractions with their right hand on a handgrip dynamometer in a neutral stance before and after the 10-week intervention. The variables measured were: peak force (PF), average force (AVGF), average force to 90%PF (AVG90), rate of force development (PRFD), time to PF (TPF), force at PRFD (F@PRFD), and impulse [area under the curve for the first second (AUC1) and the first two seconds (AUC2)]. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) was used to determine differences in all variables between groups (judo vs. control) prior to and following the intervention period. Results. No differences were observed between groups within any variable. Conclusions. A 10-week introductory judo class did not have an effect on force-time characteristics during an explosive isometric gripping task. Future studies should examine longer/more intense interventions or examine novice versus experienced judoka.
Introduction. It has been suggested that the performance characteristics of competitive karate formats (intermittent high-intensity activity of brief duration with short recovery periods) involve a large anaerobic component. Hence, performance and effectiveness may be improved by enhancing anaerobic power and capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week plyometric-based intervention in adolescent karate practitioners. Material and methods. Nineteen male karate practitioners were divided into an experimental and control group. The control group performed traditional karate training (four sessions per week). Training in the experimental group was amended to include plyometric-based exercises targeting the lower and upper body but maintained the same training volume as the control group (four sessions per week). Pre- and post-intervention anaerobic performance was measured by calculating peak power (PP) and the time to reach PP (tPP) in a 10-s variation of the Wingate Anaerobic Test separately for the upper and lower extremities. Results. PP and tPP magnitudes significantly increased in the experimental group and the between-group differences at post-intervention were also significant. Conclusions. The introduction of plyometric exercises in a traditional karate training protocol can significantly increase upper- and lower-extremity anaerobic performance.
Purpose. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training on anaerobic capacity in taekwondo athletes. Materials and methods. The study recruited 20 male International Taekwondo Federation-style practitioners that were randomly divided into an experimental (n=10) and a control (n=10) group. The control group (C) executed a regular training protocol (five 90-min sessions per week) involving traditional TKD methods and techniques for 8 weeks. During the same timeframe, the experimental group (E) followed the same TKD training regime as group C except two of the five sessions were substituted with interval training-based TKD exercise involving 30 s of maximal kicking drills (round middle kick) separated by 90 s of rest. Anaerobic capacity and power were measured pre- and post-training by the 30-s Wingate cycle ergometer test. Results. Post-training values of peak power, total work output, and time of sustained peak power increased only in group E. Group E was also characterized by a significant post-training increase in minute ventilation (VE) and blood lactate (LA-). No significant changes were observed in group C. Connlusions. The inclusion of interval training-based exercise significantly enhanced anaerobic power and capacity in taekwondo practitioners.
Introduction. The present work had for objective to investigate the role mastery of grappling, chiefly on the ground, considering the existence of factors whose impact extends beyond the sporting spheres, although in which they can be potentiated. Materials and methods. The literature review has been the procedure adopted to accomplish this work, including books and case studies from which the data were extracted and interpreted in their set. Results. The studies analyzed converge pointing out the primacy of the grappling under striking in MMA events. Besides, there is a trend in the sense that the higher the qualification of the fighters, the more expressive the incidence of their performance on the ground, that which, in turn, suggests that the issue is not exhausted in the mere field of grappling. Some studies have shown that, even within the context of grappling battles, the groundwork effectiveness indexes are still the most expressive Conclusion. Taking into account the athletes performances as well as the vulnerabilities presented by the group of law enforcement officers analyzed, some guidelines have been drawn up in order to contribute to the improvement of the methodological systems in force. 1- Whether in the sports sphere, or in the war against crime, the main approach must be based on grappling, even it is accomplished in a context in which it must be associated to striking. 2- Ground fight qualification is an imperative not only for succeeding in sporting competitions but also for survival in non-rules encounters. 3- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) must be the central pillar of modernization of the current hand-to-hand combat systems, in order to reconfigure them to the new modern combat scenario, where more and more specific ground fighting skills are required besides other capabilities.
Introduction. Combat sports, even though they are associated with aggressive behavior, but athletes often train how to control emotions and aggression. Thus aggression level can be one of the selection criteria for combat sports. Material and methods. The study analyzed the value of the 2D:4D ratio and the level of aggression in 102 athletes in selected combat sports: kyokushin karate (20), ITF taekwondo (22), kickboxing (19), wrestling (21), and judo (20). Furthermore, the study evaluated a control group of 76 men who did not engage in competitive sports training. Results. The athletes practicing combat sports displayed a higher 2D:4D ratio than the persons from the control group. On the other hand, the study observed significant differences (p<0.05) in the 2D:4D ratio values within the experimental group between karate and taekwondo fighters and the rest of the athletes. Conclusions. The 2D:4D ratio is a good tool that may be useful during the selection of combat sport athletes by providing indirect information about the level of testosterone during the fetal period. Combat sports, through training, have a positive impact on their practitioners, allowing the athletes to improve the control over their emotions and know themselves better, which results in reduced aggressiveness and anger towards other people.
Introduction. The equalizing level of judokas preparation and more tough international competition force to seek continuously for reserves. The dimishing reserves still remaining in fitness draw attention to technical and tactical preparation. Here, movement symmetry and its application in tactics have been little used, as yet. The objective was to determine appearance of movement symmetry its extent and importance for sport successes by judokas. Methods and material. general physical fitness tests, interviews, observations. Tested were 136 advanced judokas (male and female), mainly juniors (finalists of the Polish Youth Games, reserve of the Polish Junior National Team). Results were given on the background of literature data for 959 judokas from various countries. Results. Investigation of the large judokas group has shown domination of right-side body activity, especially in young judokas (threefold in juniors). Over 20% of leading judokas made throws in both directions, with their number increasing with increase in sport proficiency (up to 57.3% among medal winners, and 71.4% among golden medal winners during various events, including Olympic Games). Symmetrically trained judokas have had greater successes when using right and left throws. This points to the increasing important of movement versatility at the highest level of sports mastery. Conclusion. Physical fitness test results in judokas show a differentiation in the body sides abilities in particular tests. This differentiation has been the highest in balance, flexibility and global movement coordination tests and lowest in the force (speed type tests).
Background and aim: Mental visualisation training makes use of human imagination in such a way as to program a person’s mind to perform a movement task in the best possible manner. The aim of this article is to evaluate the effects of mental visualisation training in sport with regard to karate shotokan fighters. Material and methods: 20 karate shotokan fighters – members of the Lower Silesia team competing in kata events – were purposefully selected for the study. The age of those studied ranged between 18 and 39 years. They had training experience of 5 to 20 years and were ranked from the 1st to the 5th dan. The fighters performed an exercise consisting in visualising their participation in a kata event. The empirical research was performed using the diagnostic survey method and the research material was collected by means of a specially prepared survey questionnaire. Results: Before commencing mental visualisation training the study participants evaluated all the areas of their mental preparation at a medium level (3). After one month one area received a very high score, four of them – high scores and two of them – medium scores. After two months one area received a very high score and the remaining ones – high scores. After three months six areas received very high scores and one area – a high score, but only marginally short of a very high score. Conclusions: Over a period of two months a trend tow rds positive effects of mental visualisation training was noted. The full effects were achieved after three months of practice.
The aim of the study was to present the modifications of strength athletics, enabling the competitors to achieve maximal muscular stimulations, leading to the development of specific strength in large muscle groups. The application goal was also determined, involving presentation of exercise sets used in strength sports and combat sports, developing specific strength in major muscle groups, particularly considering the tempo of exercising in each training sub-periods. The reference sources are reviewed as well as the earlier publications, describing the basic modalities of strength athletics. The versions of this approach connected with methodical recommendations of Polish Strength Athletics School, established by Augustyn Dziedzic are also presented. Each variant of strength athletics is described in terms of its usefulness for developing maximal strength, anaerobic endurance, mastering motor habits (techniques), applying exercises which have a similar or a more complex structure than these previously applied and a fast tempo of exercising. Tempo variations are attributed to each sub-period of the training cycle, considering the frequency of application and exercise sets, aimed at the development of large muscle groups are presented. It is emphasized that strength athletics should be regarded as a set of approaches, which, regularly applied, allow considerable increases of maximal muscular strength, anaerobic endurance and mastering motor habits. It has been confirmed that the application of different modalities of exercising tempo not only enriches their resources, but also can increase muscular strength and power, significantly contributing to the improvement of athletic performance in combat sports.
Background. A theoretical framework (perspective) for taken deliberations and analysis gives a humanistic theory of martial arts and martial arts anthropology. Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze the usefulness of technical forms for teaching martial arts on example karate and taekwondo. The problem is: Are the forms (kata, poomsae) required to properly teach karate or taekwondo today? Method. Consideration will be given by expressions of Grand Masters, recognized master teachers, experts of karate practice, and study all appropriate literature. It is a broad analysis of the discourse and authors own long-term participant observation over the last thirty years. Results. Most experts agree that the technical forms are still the appropriate method of teaching karate and similar martial arts. On the other hand, kata/poomsae exercise only hamper full mastery of the martial arts. An analysis of five forms karate Idokan style was presented as well. Conclusions. The ratio of trainees to fighting, technical forms and training varies. Similarly diverse are the opinions of experts on the forms - their meaning and current relevance. Most authorities, experts and authors recognize that training in these traditional technical forms is the important, permanent value, as a method of teaching and learning karate, taekwondo and other, similar martial arts.
