Motor skills as predictors of competitors' selection in karate

Abstract

The goal of the research, which encompassed a wide range of indicators, was to examine the predictive value of motor abilities of karatekas in competitive selections, regarding their competitive orientation towards a certain discipline: kata or kumite. Related to set object and goal of research, a hypothesis was set up: motor skills are significant predictors for competitive selection of karatekas. The sample of respondents was made of male karatekas, aged 12 to 14, who are in regular training process and who compete in current competitive system. e research encompassed 79 karatekas, of which 37 compete in kumite, 23 compete in kata, and 19 in both disciplines. To evaluate general motor skills of karatekas, 15 tests were applied, 3 tests for each of the following set: repetitive strenght, explosive strenght, speed, coordination and exibility. Descriptive statistical parameters were applied, Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANSOVA). Statistical significance was analyzed at (p<0.05) level. Results obtained conrmed the set up hypothesis of predictive value of motor abilities of competitive selections karatekas.

Keywords

• karate
• kata
• kumite
• motor skills