Technical diversification, body composition and somatotype of both heavy and light Polish ju-jitsukas of high level

Evaluation of the Level of Technical and Tactical Skills and Its Relationships with Aerobic Capacity and Special Fitness in Elite Ju-Jitsu Athletes

Background: Ju-jitsu training has to be comprehensive in terms of training intensity, developing a wide range of physical fitness and learning multiple technical skills. These requirements result from the specificity of the competition characteristic of the sport form of this martial art. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aerobic capacity and special physical fitness of ju-jitsu athletes at the highest sports performance level and to determine the relationships between special fitness and the indices of technical and tactical skills. Methods: In order to determine the current level of special fitness of the athletes, a set of karate fitness tests were used, namely, the Special Judo Fitness Test and the Kickboxer Special Physical Fitness Test. Furthermore, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) was measured using a graded exercise test in a group of 30 sport ju-jitsu athletes at the highest level of sports performance. To evaluate the level of technical and tactical skills, an analysis of recordings of tournament bouts was carried out, and, based on the observations, the indices of effectiveness, efficiency, and activeness of the attack were calculated. Results: Individuals with higher fitness were more active and effective in the attack. The special efficiency indices showed significant correlations with the technical and tactical parameters. Better fighting performance was dependent on the speed of the punches, kicking range, and the results of the special fitness tests. Conclusions: To achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of sport ju-jitsu, the training process should be based on comprehensive motor development and an optimal level of special fitness.

Evaluation of the Body Composition and Selected Physiological Variables of the Skin Surface Depending on Technical and Tactical Skills of Kickboxing Athletes in K1 Style

BACKGROUND

Kickboxing is a combat sport with high demands on fitness and coordination skills. Scientific research shows that kickboxing fights induce substantial physiological stress. Therefore, it is important to determine the body composition of athletes before competitions and to analyze the skin temperature and skin pH during the fight.

METHODS

This study aimed to determine the body composition, skin temperature, and skin pH in kickboxers during a fight according to K1 rules. A total of 24 kickboxers (age range: 19 to 28 years) competing in a local K1 kickboxing league participated in the present study.

RESULTS

Changes in skin temperature and pH were observed and significant correlations were found between body composition and weight category.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in skin temperature and pH were demonstrated after each round of the bout. Level of body fat and muscle tissue significantly correlates with technical-tactical skills of the K1 athletes studied.

Anthropometric profile of combat athletes via multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND

Athletic success is a complex phenotype influenced by multiple factors, from sport-specific skills to anthropometric characteristics. Considering the latter, the literature has repeatedly indicated that athletes possess distinct physical characteristics depending on the practiced discipline. The aim of the present study was to apply univariate and multivariate methods to assess a wide range of morphometric and somatotypic characteristics in male combat athletes.

METHODS

Biometric data were obtained from 206 male university-level practitioners of judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, kickboxing, taekwondo, and wrestling. Measures included height- and length-based variables, breadths, circumferences, and skinfolds. Body proportions and somatotype, using Sheldon's method of somatotopy as modified by Heath and Carter, were then determined. Body fat percentage was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis using tetrapolar hand-to-foot electrodes. Data were subjected to a wide array of statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results show between-group differences in the magnitudes of the analyzed characteristics. While mesomorphy was the dominant component of each group somatotype, enhanced ectomorphy was observed in those disciplines that require a high level of agility. Principal component analysis reduced the multivariate dimensionality of the data to three components (characterizing body size, height-based measures, and the anthropometric structure of the upper extremities) that explained the majority of data variance.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of a sport-specific anthropometric profile via height- and mass-based and morphometric and somatotypic variables can aid in the design of training protocols and the identification of athlete markers as well as serve as a diagnostic criterion in predicting combat athlete performance.

Perceived aggressiveness predicts fighting performance in mixed-martial-arts fighters

Accurate assessment of competitive ability is a critical component of contest behavior in animals, and it could be just as important in human competition, particularly in human ancestral populations. Here, we tested the role that facial perception plays in this assessment by investigating the association between both perceived aggressiveness and perceived fighting ability in fighters' faces and their actual fighting success. Perceived aggressiveness was positively associated with the proportion of fights won, after we controlled for the effect of weight, which also independently predicted perceived aggression. In contrast, perception of fighting ability was confounded by weight, and an association between perceived fighting ability and actual fighting success was restricted to heavyweight fighters. Shape regressions revealed that aggressive-looking faces are generally wider and have a broader chin, more prominent eyebrows, and a larger nose than less aggressive-looking faces. Our results indicate that perception of aggressiveness and fighting ability might cue different aspects of success in male-male physical confrontation.