Jukić, J., et. al..: THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR... PESH 2(2013) 2:35-41 THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR ABILITY AND EFFICIENCY IN KARATE OF KADETS UDC:796.853.26.812.1-053.5(497.5) (Original scientific paper) Josefina Jukić, Marijana Čavala University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology, Split, Croatia Abstract The aim of this paper was to determine relations between specific motor abilities and knowledge of young karate fighters and the quality of kata performance and efficiency in a fight. For this purpose, the research was done on the sample of eighty cadet karate fighters, aged 12-13. We applied eleven specific motor ability tests on the respondents (five tests to assess specific abilities and 6 tests to assess specific knowledge) and two variables to assess efficiency in karate (kata and fight). By factor analysis of the variables of specific motor ability and variables to assess efficiency in karate as a unique set of variables, we obtained the two following significant factors: the factor responsible for technical and fight efficiency and the factor responsible for the development of specific motor related abilities. By canonical correlation analysis, we obtained only one significant linear combination between the set of variables to assess specific motor abilities and motor knowledge and criterion variables. The basis of canonical correlation is made of general efficiency in fight and performing kata determined by specific motor knowledge – techniques, followed by, to a certain degree, specific agility. Key words: specific karate motoricity, contest efficiency, kata, technique. ing these actions (techniques) that influence directly the attack efficiency in karate. Specific agility, i.e. mobility of the karateka in various directions, is of high importance for successful fight performance in karate. Appropriate mobility enables the karateka to avoid the opponent’s attacks and to assume optimal position for efficient performance of karate techniques (Katić, Blažević, Krstulović, & Mulić, 2005; Blažević, Katić, & Popović, 2006). Sforza et al. (2001, 2002) analyzed the quality, i.e. technique efficiency on the basis of deviationvariability in the repeat technique performance monitored by a photoelectronic instrument. The method can be useful in learning, i.e. in acquiring and subsequent mastering particular karate techniques. In young karateka, karate training influences the development of flexibility, muscle strength and equilibrium (Violan, Small, Zetaru, & Micheli, 1997). Upon achievement of high quality performance in particular karate techniques, the speed of reaction and the skill of predicting the opponent’s attack are crucial for success in karate (Mori, Ohtani, & Imanaka, 2002). INTRODUCTION Mastering motor skills (techniques) in karate and their efficient use in fight require longstanding, strenuous training. The fight dynamics and movement frequency are especially emphasized, necessitating from a karateka a high level of motor and functional abilities, speed and strength (Ravier, Grappe, & Rouillon, 2003), and coordination (Weinberg, Seaoburne, & Jackson, 1981) in particular. Although of a relatively short duration, karate fights are characterized by maximal intensity, thus only the entities capable of enduring these demanding conditions can hold out in elite karate contests. Quite frequently, persistent and persevering training may prove inadequate, as specific predisposition is also needed to achieve top results. In karate, only the karateka with potentially above-average motor abilities, primarily explosive strength, speed and coordination, can achieve top results (Katić et al., 2013), it is especially pronounced in karate blows performed in combination such as gyaku zuki-mawashi geri and kizame zukigyaku zuki (Katić, Blažević, Krstulović, & Mulić, 2005). It is just the speed and quality of perform- 35 Jukić, J., et. al..: THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR... PESH 2(2013) 2:35-41 Mastering karate techniques is a long-term process that depends on both basic motor abilities and specific motor abilities. With time, motor skills in karate as well as general and specific motor abilities are integrated into the morphological system (Bertini, Pujia, & Giampietro, 2003; Giampietro, Pujia, & Bertini, 2003; Katić, 2003; Katić, Pejčić, & Viskić-Štalec, 2004) through optimization of the size and relations of the karateka somatotype components. The tests of specific, i.e. situation motoricity of the karateka are to a great extent saturated with the level of motor skill acquisition, and estimate specific speed (kick and blockade performance) and specific agility. Accordingly, specific speed is the ability of fast performance of as a rule multiple blows and blockades (in a series), whereas specific agility is the ability of using controlled explosive strength and/or force for efficient karateka mobility. These two specific abilities of the karateka also integrate all other basic abilities, explosive strength, speed and coordination in particular. Explosive strength will thereby influence performance of all tests of situation motoricity. Besides explosive strength, the speed of technique-blow performance and specific agility will also be influenced by the ability of movement frequency and coordination, respectively (Blažević, Katić, & Popović, 2006). Literature reports indicate that integration of specific and basic motoricity in terms of respective integration of explosive strength, speed and coordination into general motor efficiency and/or appropriate motor system optimal for achievement of top results in a particular sport event occurs with training process in all combat sports (Melhim, 2001; Katić, Blažević, Krstulović, & Mulić, 2005; Marković, Mišigoj-Duraković, & Trninić, 2005; Blažević, Katić, & Popović, 2006; Katić, Blažević, & Zagorac, 2006; Krstulović, Žuvela, & Katić, 2006; Katić, Jukić, & Milić, 2012). These results obtained in studies including elite senior karateka define basic and specific motor systems that are optimal for achievement of top results in karate. The processes of selection and training in karate tend to the formation of ideal definitive conditions of basic and specific motoricity that lead to the achievement of top results. Comparison of the results obtained on the impact of specific motoricity on fighting efficiency in the karateka aged 11-12, karateka aged 13-14 and sen- ior karateka pointed to the following stages in the development of the karateka contest efficiency (Katić, Jukić, Glavan, Ivanišević & Gudelj, 2009; Katić, Blažević, & Zagorac, 2010): - the 11-12 age group representing first stage in the development of the karateka contest efficiency, preceded by attendance of the initial karate school. In this stage, the specific frequency ability of the gedan barai blockade is essential for successful kate performance and contest efficiency. Gedan barai blockade is a technique that is acquired first, as the basis of defense actions that prevail n karate fight, while at the same time facilitating acquisition of other karate techniques, hand blow gyaku zuki in particular, which predominantly determines contest efficiency in karateka aged 11-12; - the 13-14 age group representing second stage in the development of the karateka contest efficiency, preceded by attendance of the advanced karate school. In this stage, the specific ability of the speed of blockade and kick performance (gedan barai-gyaku zuki) is crucial for successful kate performance and contest efficiency. Integration of defense and attack actions occurs in under-sixteen karateka, which predominantly determines their contest efficiency. Specific agility in terms of sidewise mobility significantly influences kate performance but has no major effect on contest efficiency. Concerning karate kicks, those performed in combination, i.e. gyaku zukimawashi geri and kizame zuki-gyaku zuki, are superior predictors of contest efficiency. Accordingly, integration of different attack-kick techniques into a unique attack action predominantly determines contest efficiency in under-sixteen karateka; and - integration of basic and specific motoricity occurs in junior karateka and senior karateka in particular. The number of predictors in determination of contest efficiency, including both specific motor abilities and specific motor skills, i.e. karate techniques, increases. Successful performance is to an even greater extent determined by the integration of defense and attack actions as well as by the ability of performing a series of different kicks (combinations). In addition, specific agility manifesting as karateka mobility in all directions has a decisive role in determination of contest efficiency in elite karate. The speed of blockade performance is the best predictor of fighting efficiency, followed by the speed of movement in multiple direc- 36 Jukić, J., et. al..: THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR... PESH 2(2013) 2:35-41 tions and frequency of foot kicks. Accordingly, the karateka fighting efficiency is predominantly determined by the specific abilities of speed and agility. The aim of the paper is to determine relations between specific motor abilities and knowledge of young karate fighters to the quality of performing kata and efficiency in fight, in addition to determining which specific motor abilities and which specific motor knowledge contribute to efficiency in karate kata and fight efficiency. ured by the subject’s distance from the target, defined by the extended arm performing jaku zuki. On the sign given by the timekeeper, the subject started performing the geden barai-gyaku zuki combination from the fighting posture as fast as possible. The combination had to be performed five times, the last gyaku zuki blow against the wall makiwara or vertically placed gym mattress denoting the task completion. The task was repeated three times, and test result was measured in tenths of second. - Speed of the gedan barai blockade technique performance. The task was to perform as many blockades during 30 seconds from the initial fighting posture as possible, in three repeats; test result was recorded as the sum of overall correctly performed blockades. - Speed of the mawashi geri foot kick technique performance; the task was to perform as many mawashi geri kicks against the punch bag during 30 seconds from the initial fighting posture. The kick level was determined according to the subject’s body height, whereby each subject was to reach at least his own neck level. The respective level to be reached was marked by a belt above which the kick had to be performed. The task was repeated three times, and the result was recorded as the overall number of properly performed mawashi geri kicks against the punch bag. The assessment of specific motor knowledge – techniques was determined on the basis of subjective evaluation by three judges calculating the first main judgment component in 6 karate techniques. The following techniques were evaluated individually: gyaku zuki, kizame zuki and mawashi geri, and in combinations gyaku zuki-mawashi geri, gyaku zuki-uraken and kizame zuki-gyaku zuki. Technical efficiency – KATE was determined on the basis of subjective evaluation by three judges of two karate kate performance. In this variable, result was determined as sum of average scores for kate 1 and kate 2. Fighting efficiency – RESULT was determined on the basis of contest results achieved at national championships of under-sixteen karateka. Based on the results achieved, the judges classified the karateka into three categories as follows: underaverage, average and above-average. After measuring and organizing the data, we applied statistic data processing using Statistica ver. 11.0. program. We used factor analysis to MATERIAL AND METHODS The research has been done on the sample of eighty young karate fighters aged 12-13 in Split. On choosing tests for assessment of the situation motor abilities, due care was taken to select the tests that provide best estimate of the most important factors of fight performance, i.e. specific agility-mobility and specific speed, i.e. speed of technique performance (Blažević, Katić, & Popović, 2006): - Sidesteps on taking guard with hands lifted up; the test is used to estimate specific movement speed. The task was to pass the four-meter distance as fast as possible by side steps in both directions six times. The test was repeated three times with due time allowed for rest in-between, and the result was measured in tenths of second. - Speed of movement in a triangle; the test is used to estimate specific movement speed. The task was to move as fast as possible in fighting guard along the sides of an equilateral triangle of 3 m in dimensions, marked on the floor. The subject moved fast from one vertex along the side to another vertex, around the medicine ball placed there, then turning back sidewise towards the third vertex, again around the medicine ball placed there, to move sidewise back to the initial site. Then he had to move back sidewise, sidewise forward and sidewise back to the start position. The speed of moving along the triangle sides was measured in tenths of second, and the task was repeated three times. - Speed of blockade performance and hand blow as a combined technique; the task was to perform the gedan barai-gyaku zuki combination five times consecutively at maximal speed. In order to ensure identical test conditions to all study subjects, the tall and short ones alike, the distance of the target to be hit by gyaku zuki blow was meas- 37 Jukić, J., et. al..: THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR... determine the factor of the unique (motor) domain consisting of variables sets to assess specific motor abilities, specific motor knowledge (the assessing of performing the karate technique quality) and to assess efficiency in karate (the performance of karate kata and efficiency in a fight). The algorhythm consists of varimax rotation of the main components of the intercorrelation variables matrix. To establish connection and/or the influence between specific motor abilities and technical knowledge of young karate fighters and their efficiency in performing karate kata and their efficiency in a fight, we applied classic canonical correlation analysis. Therefore, by applying factor and canonical correlation analysis, we will determine the ideal complex of specific motor abilities and knowledge of cadet karate fighters necessary to achieve top results in karate. PESH 2(2013) 2:35-41 karate fight followed by specific motor abilities of agility and blockade frequency gedan barai. This isolated factor explains for 54% of total variability, and functions as a general factor of motor efficiency in karate of cadets, dominantly integrating technical efficiency with efficiency in karate, whether in kata or a fight. The bases of this factor are basic motor abilities of explosive power, psychomotor speed and agility. A significant projection to this factor is made by blockade frequency variable gedan barai which is more saturated by force than by speed since it blocks forceful blows by leg into the lower part of the trunk directed by an opponent. Table 1 Varimax factors (v) of variables of specific motor abilities and of efficiency variables in karate V1 V2 -0.31 -0.42 -0.01 0.34 -0.62 -0.53 -0.62 0.61 Mawashi geri (f) Gyaku zuki 0.18 0.90 0.69 0.19 Kizame zuki Mawashi geri Gyaku zuki-mawashi geri Gyaku zuki-uraken Kizame zuki-gyaku zuki 0.94 0.88 0.92 0.89 0.93 0.09 0.28 0.21 0.20 0.20 KATE RESULT Eigenvalues % of Variance 0.93 0.85 0.12 -0.06 6.97 0.54 2.17 0.17 VARIABLE # Sidesteps (s) Movement in triangle (s)# Block-blow (s)# Gedan barai (f) RESULTS Specific motor abilities in karate assessed by situation-related tests and specific motor knowledge assessed by the performance quality of basic karate technique are mutually highly determined and must be observed on the whole. Therefore, we applied factor analysis of variables to assess specific motor abilities and knowledge in addition to variables to assess the efficiency in kata and karate fights as a unique domain, shown in Table 1. The results of canonical correlation analysis between specific motor abilities variables and criterion variables are shown in Table 2. Correlations between variables of specific motor ability and criterion variables are shown in Table 3. # variable with opposite metric orientation The other isolated factor is defined by variables to assess specific motor abilities such as specific agility in the aspect of mobility and specific speed in the aspect of the speed of performing basic karate techniques such as the frequency of blows by the leg (mawashi geri), the speed of performing blockade combination and a blow by arm (blockblow) and the speed of performing blockade (gedan barai). This factor integrates specific agility and speed into a unique motor ability, as a dominant characteristic of top karate fighters. By canonical correlation analysis, we obtained just one significant linear combination between set of variables to assess specific motor abilities and DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS By factor analysis (table 1) of variables of specific motorcity (specific motor abilities and specific motor knowledge, i.e. karate technique) and variables to assess efficiency in karate as a unique set of variables, two significant factors were obtained, as follows: factor responsible for technical and fight efficiency, and factor responsible for the development of specific motor abilities. The biggest projections on the first isolated factor have variables for assessing performance quality of all techniques as well as variables in kata and 38 Jukić, J., et. al..: THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR... PESH 2(2013) 2:35-41 motor knowledge and set made of two criterion variables: efficiency in performing kata karate and efficiency in a karate fight (Table 2). of all variables to assess specific motor knowledge in karate, i.e. blow technique, regardless of whether these blows are performed separately or in a combination. This is a general factor responsible Table 2 The results of canonical correlation analysis between for manifestation of all specific motor knowledge specificmotor abilities variables and criterion variables of karate. The structure of the first canonical factor of the Variable CAN 1 criterion set of variables is characterised by Specific motor variables extremely high projection variables to assess effiSidesteps (s)# 0.39 ciency in performing kata and variable to assess Movement in triangle (s)# 0.45 fighting efficiency, i.e. efficiency in a fight. Here Block-blow (s)# 0.07 we are dealing with a general factor responsible for Gedan barai (f) -0.26 efficiency in karate in cadets, defined by the perMawashi geri (f) -0.26 forming quality of kata and by fighting efficiency. Gyaku zuki -0.89 The basis of the first canonical correlation is Kizame zuki -0.95 general efficiency in a fight and in performing Mawashi geri -0.91 kata, determined by specific motor knowledge – Gyaku zuki – mawashi geri -0.94 techniques, followed by agility to a certain extent. Gyaku zuki – uraken -0.89 Correlations (table 3) point out the structure, Kizame zuki – gyaku zuki -0.96 i.e. complexity of certain karate criterion in the Criterion variables domain of specific motor ability in cadets. AboveKATE -0.86 average and dominant correlations were obtained among specific motor knowledge and criterion, but RESULT -0.98 Can R 0.93 these correlations are slightly more marked in relation to the performing criterion of karate kata. Legend: KATE – Kate 1 and Kate 2 (technical efficiency), RESULT – fighting efficiency, CAN – canonical variable, Among variables to assess specific motor abilities, Can R – canonical correlation # there is a significant connection between the pervariable with opposite metric orientation formance of kata and specific agility as well as the Table 3 Correlations between specific motor abilities frequency of performing gedan barai blockade, variables and criterion variables and also between efficiency in a fight and specific agility. KATE RESULT VARIABLE The results of factor analysis in the domain of Sidesteps (s)# -0.35 -0.35 predictor and criterion variables, the results of Movement in triangle (s)# -0.43 -0.31 canonical correlation analysis between predictor Block-blow (s)# -0.10 0.03 and criterion variables as well as the correlation Gedan barai (f) 0.40 0.20 itself between predictors and criteria evidently Mawashi geri (f) 0.26 0.17 show that efficiency in karate in young cadets is Gyaku zuki 0.83 0.68 more determined by specific motor knowledge Kizame zuki 0.86 0.78 than by specific motor abilities. Mawashi geri 0.84 0.70 Thus, to achieve an efficient technique, it needs Gyaku zuki-mawashi geri 0.87 0.74 to be performed with quality, adopted to the level Gyaku zuki-uraken 0.83 0.67 of automatism, which is not the case in cadets and Kizame zuki-gyaku zuki 0.88 0.75 there is a significant variability in the performance # variable with opposite metric orientation quality among them. Precisely the differences in the quality of performance-adoption techniques We can observe a significant correlation determine both technical and fighting efficiency of (p<0.001) of the first pair of canonical factors with cadets. extremely high canonical correlation coefficient of Only after the technique is completely adopted, 0.93. and this should happen in older cadets or, more The first canonical factor of the predictor set of likely, in young juniors, will the efficiency in variables is defined by extremely high projections karate be dominant and equally determined by spe- 39 Jukić, J., et. al..: THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR... PESH 2(2013) 2:35-41 cific motor knowledge and specific motor abilities. Furthermore, the top karate fighters reach a complete integration of specific motor abilities and basic motor abilities, primarily coordination, explosive power and psychomotor speed. That is why top results in karate can only be achieved by the karateka with potentially aboveaverage motor abilities, primarily explosive strength, speed and coordination, which are then integrated in the general motor efficiency through karate training. This integration is the basis for the development of motor functioning in kinesiologic education (Katić, 2003; Katić, Pejčić, & ViskićŠtalec, 2004) and sports (Melhim, 2001; Marković, Mišigoj-Duraković, & Trninić, 2005; Krstulović, Žuvela, & Katić, 2006; Katić, Blažević, & Zagorac, 2010; Katić, Jukić, & Milić, 2012). Motor knowledge in karate, as well as general specific motor abilities, are integrated into morphological system with time by optimising sizes and relations of the components in somatotypes of karate fighters. Acknowledgements The study was supported by grant No.177-00000003410 from the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. REFERENCES Bertini, I., Pujia, A., & Giampietro, M. (2003). A follow-up study of the variations in the body composition of karate athletes. Acta Diabetologica, 40, 142-144. Blažević, S., Katić, R., & Popović, D. (2006). The effect of motor abilities on karate performance. Collegium Antropologicum, 30, 327-333. Giampietro M., Pujia, A., & Bertini, I. (2003). Anthropometric features and body composition of young athletes practicing karate at a high and medium competitive level. Acta Diabetologica, 40, 145-148. Katić, R. (2003). Identification of biomotor structures as a precondition for programming kinesiologic education in children aged seven to nine years. Collegium Antropologicum, 27,351-360. Katić, R., Jukić, J., Glavan, I., Ivanišević, S., & Gudelj, I. (2009). The impact of specific motoricity on karate performance in young karateka. Collegium Antropologicum, 33, 123-130. Katić, R., Blažević, S., & Zagorac, N. (2010). The impact of basic motor abilities on the specific motoricity performance in elite karateka. Collegium Antropologicum, 34, 1341-1345. Katić, R., Pejčić, A., & Viskić-Štalec, N. (2004). The mechanisms of morphological-motor functioning in elementary school female first- to fourth-graders. Collegium Antropologicum, 28, 261-269. Katić R., Blažević, S. & Zagorac, N. (2006). The impact of cognitive processors and conative regulators on specific motor abilities in boxers. Collegium Antropologicum, 30, 829-836. Katić R., Blažević, S., Krstulović, S. & Mulić, R. (2005). Morphological structures of elite karateka and their impact on technical and fighting efficiency. Collegium Antropologicum, 29, 79-84. Katić, R., Jukić, J., & Milić, M. (2012). Biomotor Status and Kinesiological Education of Students Aged to 5 Years – Example: Karate. Collegium Antropologicum, 36, 555–562. Katić, R., Jukić, J., Čavala, M., Vučić, D. & Blažević, S. (2013). Motor Determinants of Fighting Efficacy in Croatian Youth Karateka. Collegium Antropologicum, 37, 1-8. Krstulović, S., Žuvela, F., & Katić, R. (2006). Biomotor systems in elite junior judoists. Collegium Antropologicum, 30, 845-851. Marković, G., Mišigoj-Duraković, M., & Trninić, S (2005). Fitness profile of elite Croatian female taekwondo athletes. Collegium Antropologicum, 29, 93-99. Melhim, A.F. (2001). Aerobic and anaerobic power responses to the practice of taekwon-do. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 35, 231-234. Mori, S. Y., Ohtani, K., & Imanaka, K. (2002). Reaction times and anticipatory skills of karate athletes. Human Movement Science, 21, 213-230. Ravier, G., Grappe, F., & Rouillon, J.D. (2003). Comparison between the maximal variables of velocity, force and power from two analysis methods in the functional assessment of karate. Science & Sports, 18, 134-140. Sforza, C., Turci, M., Grassi, G.P., Fragnito, N., Serrao, G., & Ferrario, V.F. (2001). Repeatability of choku-tsuki and oi-tsuki in Shotokan karate: A 3-dimensional analysis with thirteen black-belt karateka. Perceptual & Motor Skills, 92, 1230-1232. Sforza, C., Turci, M., Grassi, G.P., Shirai, V.F., Pizzini, G., & Ferrario, V.F. (2002). Repeatability of mae-gerikreage traditional karate: A three-dimensional analysis with black-belt karateka. Perceptual & Motor Skills, 95, 40 Jukić, J., et. al..: THE RELATIONS OF SPECIFIC MOTOR... PESH 2(2013) 2:35-41 433-444. Violan, M.A., Small, E.W., Zetaruk, M.N., & Micheli, L.J. (1997). The effect of karate training on flexibility, muscle strength, and balance in 8- to 13-year-old boys. Pediatric Exercise Science, 9, 55-64. Weinberg, R., Seabourne, T., & Jackson, A. (1981). Effects of visuo-motor behaviour rehersal relaxation and imagery on karate. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 3, 225-238 Correspondence: Marijana Cavala Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Teslina 6, 21000 Split, Croatia e mail: mcavala@kifst.hr РЕЛАЦИИ НА СПЕЦИФИЧНАТА МОТОРИКА И У СПЕХОТ ВО КАРАТЕ СПОРТОТ КАЈ КАДЕТИТЕ UDK:796.853.26.812.1-053.5(497.5) (Originalen nau~en trud Јосефина Јукиќ, Маријана Чавала Univerzite vo Split, Fakultet za Kineziologija, Split, Hrvatska Абстракт Целта на трудот беше да се утврдат специфичните моторни способности и знаењето на млади каратисти со квалитетна изведба на катите и успех во борбата. Со таа цел истражувањето е реализирано на примерок од 80 каратисти - кадети на возраст од 12-13 години. На испитанцте се применети 11 тестови за проценување на специфичната моторка (пет теста за проценка на спицифичните способности и 6 теста за проценување на специфичното знаење) и две варијабли за проценување на успехот во карете спортот (кати и борба). Со факторска анлиза на варијаблите од специфичната моторика и варијабли за проценување на успехот во каратето добиени се два значајни фактори и тоа: фактор одговорен за техника и борбена ефикасност и фактор одговорен за развој на специфичните моторни способности. Со каноничка корелациона анализа добиена е една значејна линерана комбинација меѓу двата ситема варијабли за прценка на специфичните моторони способоности и моторни знаења и кретериумските варијабли. Канноничкта корелација укажува дека генералната ефикасност во борба и изведувањето на катите е детерминирана со специфичните моторни знаења-техниката и во одредена мерка и специфичната агилност. Клучни зборови специфична моторика, натпреварувачка ефикасност , ката, техника 41 42