Assessing the Effects of Kata and Kumite Techniques on Physical Performance in Elite Karatekas

1. Introduction

Karate is a popular Japanese martial art with over 10 million athletes and 100 million practitioners in the world [1]. The popularity and scientific interest of karate grew up in the last decades, when the World Karate Federation has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and it will make its first appearance as an Olympic Sport at the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo. Karate competition consists in a sequence of attacks and defenses by using punches and kicks with high speed and power [2]. Karate is basically divided into two main techniques that represent the two disciplines in the world tournaments: kumite and kata [3]. The word kumite means sparring; thus, karatekas use the basic techniques in interfering conditions during the competition against an adversary. Kumite matches last 3 min, and a high intensity activity, concerning kicks, punches, and quick horizontal displacements, is required [4]. It is easily understandable that the main aspects that should be trained in kumite karatekas are perceptual and anticipatory skills [5]. Conversely, kata competition consists in a standardized sequence of offensive and defensive gestures without the presence of the opponent; thus, it can be considered as a virtual fighting [6]. Both competitions are characterized by periods of lower intensity and periods of maximum work [7]; thus, maximal speed and explosive power are crucial elements of karate performance [8]. In the past, the coaching programs were similar for both techniques, and most of the athletes successfully participated in both kumite and kata during official competitions. However, the revised rules of the competitions made kumite more dynamic than kata; consequently, a proper specialization should be required in elite karatekas based on the specific technique [9].

The technological innovations of the last years allowed using wearable sensor systems for motor performance evaluation [10,11], also in combat sports [12,13,14]. In order to select the best discipline between kata and kumite for each karateka, information regarding physical and physiological characteristics of the athletes have to be taken into account [15]. More specifically, physiological aspects include cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and body composition; instead, physical characteristics include speed, stability, power, mobility, coordination, and agility [16].

In literature, several studies have been already conducted on the physiological and physical differences between kata and kumite....