RESEARCH OF THE PHYSICAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE HIGHEST CATEGORY KARATISTS

Abstract

This review focuses on the most important physical and physiological characteristics of karate athletes from the scientific research available. It has been found that high-level karate performers require a high level of physical fitness. Top-level karate men are characterize by low fat content and mesomorphic-ectomorphic somatotypic characterristics. Aerobic capacity has been reported to play an important role in performance. This prevents fatigue during training and provides recovery processes during rest periods between two consecutive combat actions and between two consecutive matches. It was found that between men and women kata (form) and kumite (sparring / martial arts) there are no significant differences in terms of aerobic performance. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings. In terms of anaerobic performance, there is a difference in the maximum power examined by the forcespeed test between national and international karate athletes (karate practitioners), but for the maximum accumulated oxygen deficiency test, there is no difference between the two.

The explosive power of the muscles plays a vital role in the karate's ability to perform at a high level. However, it was found that vertical jumping characteristics, maximum power and maximum speed differed between national and international karate athletes. Moreover, it has been reported that karate performance is more dependent on muscle strength at lower loads than at higher ones. Thus, the decisive action of karate essentially depends on the explosive strength of the muscles of both the upper and lower extremities. With regard to dynamic strength, limited research has been done. Maximum absolute bench press, maximum one rep of half squat, and perfor-mance of isokinetic tasks were signifycantly different between highly competitive and novice male karatekas. There is no research on female karate athletes. Regarding flexibility, which is important for high kicks and adequate range of action at high speeds, it has been demonstrated that the range of bilateral hip and knee flexion in karate athletes is higher than that of non-karate athletes. Finally, reaction time is an important element in karate, because high-level execution is based mainly on explosive techniques. There is a significant difference in the reaction time of choice between high-level karatekas and beginners. Further research is needed on the physiological characteristics of female karatekas, the differrences between kata and kumite athletes and their variations depending on weight categories.