Suggestions for Judo Training with Pacing Strategy and Decision Making by Judo Championship Phases

A New Developmental Approach for Judo Focusing on Health, Physical, Motor, and Educational Attributes

Judo is currently the most practiced combat sport in the world. There is no doubt of its importance for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. However, due to its inherent complexity, coaches tend to place greater or lesser emphasis only on one of its multiple domains during the judoka formative years. The present study presents a novel developmental approach signaling Judo as an excellent way for physical, motor, educational, and health development across the lifespan. In this study, we consulted 23 Judo coaches, aiming to clarify the relevance and adequacy of the domains (Competitive, Health, Technical-Tactical, and Philosophical-Educational) and phases of the proposed model. Our findings showed that the model contents-physical, motor, educational, and health-are entwined with its four domains, which were considered of utmost importance by experts in the development of judokas. We, therefore, contend that our model is essential to better understand the growth and development of young judokas. Also, it may be a useful tool for Motor Development experts.

More time for judo matches? Analysis of type of techniques, time, scores, and penalties in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

This study aimed to analyze the distribution of judo matches in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, considering matches in the regular duration (≤4 min) and during the extra time (the golden score) according to sex, scores, penalties, phases of competition, weight categories, and judo techniques. The data were extracted from the Official Results Books of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. The combats were divided in matches that were finished in the regular duration and that were finished by the golden score, with a total of 450 matches. The Chi-square test was used to identify the association between all variables and different groups of matches duration, with the level at p < 0.05. The main results demonstrated significant association, considering sex and frequency of matches in the regular time (χ2 = 6.59; p = 0.010) for female athletes. The majority of matches ended in the 3–4 min (χ2 = 204.16; p < 0.001), scores were mostly awarded in the regular time and penalties in the golden score (χ2 = 48.72; p < 0.001), and few matches ended by the golden score for heavyweight athletes (χ2 = 15.16; p = 0.019). Therefore, a high number of matches ended in the golden score in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, with a high number of penalties in this competition.

Combat Time in International Male Judo Competitions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to synthesize literature data on male judo combat time in international competitions between 2010 and 2019. The search was carried out from May 8th to June 11th, 2021, in electronic databases using the following keywords: ("technical-tactical" OR "time motion" OR "combat time") AND ("judo" OR "combat sports" OR "martial arts"). After the selection process, 8 articles were included in the systematic review and 7 in the meta-analysis. These studies analyzed 2,562 international male judo combats over the years 2010-2019. We observed that the average male judo combat time changed (2010 = 202.8; 2011-2012 = 304.8; 2016 = 237.4; 2018-2019 = 189.8 s) after each rule change (2010, 2013, 2017, and 2018). There was a significant difference between combats that ended up to the regular time and those that needed overtime (Golden Score: 2013 = 3% vs. 2018-2019 = 21%; p = 0.03). There were differences between 60 kg (p ≤ 0.019) and + 100 kg (p ≤ 0.04) categories and the others in 2011-2012. However, no significant difference was found between the combat time by weight division after the 2017 rule changes, although there are still differences in relation to the end of the combats (p < 0.001). There were significant changes in the male judo combat time with each rule change (2010, 2013, 2017, and 2018), and the data from the included studies point to a trend of homogeneity in the combat time spent between the weight divisions over the years, and an increase in the occurrence of Golden Score. More studies need to be carried out to identify the new temporal behaviors of athletes.

Analysis of Successful Behaviors Leading to Groundwork Scoring Skills in Elite Judo Athletes

The present study aimed (1) to propose an approach of observational analysis of the preceding standing judo (tachi-waza (TW)) context to a groundwork (ne-waza (NW)) grappling score (NWGS), and (2) to analyze the outcomes of applying such a model in high-level judoists. We conducted an observational analysis of 176 NW scoring actions of 794 combats observed in Baku’s World Judo Championships of 2018. Women scored more NWGS, performing more corporal controls but less segmental controls compared with the men. Moreover, NWGS were scored predominately during the second and third minutes of combat, independently of the sex or the weight category. Most NWGS occurred after an asymmetrical lateral structure, without showing associations with a particular type of NWGS. The movement structure of the attacking action during TW leading to an NWGS was predominantly techniques without turn, followed closely by techniques with turn, and barely performed after supine position techniques. Data showed that NWGS occurred more frequently after a failed TW attack (68.6%) than after a scored TW attack (31.4%). The TW attacker achieved NWGS with a higher frequency (62%) than the TW defender (38%), who mainly took advantage of a failed TW attack (98.5% vs. 1.5%, after failed vs. scored TW, respectively). The grip configurations most frequently employed during TW were dorsal-sleeve and flap-sleeve; overall, frontal grips were predominant over dorsal grips. However, no specific TW grip was related to success or grip progression before an NWGS. Our results will help judo coaches understand the influence of these factors on judo performance and optimize the planning and execution of technical–tactical content.

Comparisons of Motor Actions and Biomechanical Assessments of Judo Techniques Between Female Weight Categories

This study aimed to perform motor action and biomechanical analysis of techniques in female judo athletes separated by weight categories of 638 female bouts (103 extra lightweight <48 kg, 140 half lightweight 48>52 kg, 65 lightweight 52>57 kg, 73 half middleweight 57>63 kg, 77 middleweight 63>70 kg, 80 half heavyweight 70>78 kg and 60 heavyweight >78 kg). All bouts were analyzed following the phases of approach, gripping, defensive action, attack, also biomechanical analysis of techniques and groundwork was performed (p ≤ .05). Results indicated that lightweight athletes presented lower attempts to grip, right collar grip and left collar grip frequencies than other categories. Extra lightweight judokas presented lower right back grip and left back and sleeve grip frequencies as well as lower occurrence of techniques with arm and leg lever scored than half lightweight athletes, while half lightweight athletes demonstrated higher frequency of techniques with waist lever variable scored than lightweight ones. These findings should be considered for training prescription.

Interquartile differences in biomechanical parameters in CrossFit® athletes during deep squats with submaximal load until fatigue

BACKGROUND

CrossFit^® exercises are demanding and require high power outputs sustained over time, therefore the daily workouts (WOD) could provoke considerable fatigue and lead to injury in a subsequent exercise session. To improve performance and prevent injury, the effect of pacing strategies has to be studied, by observing how fatigue modifies movement biodynamics until muscle failure. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the interquartile differences in biomechanical parameters in CrossFit^® athletes during deep squats with submaximal load until fatigue.

METHODS

This is a comparative and descriptive applied research study using electromyographic analysis. Twenty CrossFit^® competition athletes participated in this study (age 27±6 years; training experience 14.4±7.7 months; weight 80±11 kg; height 175±7 cm; BMI 26±3 kg/m²).

RESULTS

The mean time until fatigue was 14±8 minutes. Pairwise comparisons confirmed fatigue by using the lactate results (pre=1.80 mg/dL, post=12.60 mg/dL; P=0.0001). Significant differences were noted among quartiles (Pillai's trace F=3.99; P=0.001) on the composite variable.

CONCLUSIONS

The results supported the hypothesis of self-regulation and showed higher velocity associated with higher maximal power. Concentric muscular recruitment was associated to the detriment of the eccentric phase during progressive fatigue. Coaches and athletes can apply the results of the present study when establishing WOD strategies during training and competition.

Making Decisions and Motor Actions with Technical Biomechanical Classifications in Male Judo Weight Categories

The aim of the study was to compare motor action variables of judo combat phases and technical biomechanical assessment of the seven weight categories. The sample was composed of 638 bouts (176 of extra lightweight <66 kg, 289 of half lightweight 66 > 73 kg, 180 of lightweight 73 > 81 kg, 244 of half middleweight 81 > 90 kg, 174 of middleweight 81 > 90 kg, 151 of half heavyweight 90 > 100 kg and 142 of heavyweight >100 kg) during motor actions of approach, gripping, attack, defense and groundwork combat phases, verifying the interactions between them by Markov chains and comparisons by Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests (p ≤ .05). The results demonstrated that lighter weight categories showed higher approach phases than the heavyweight category, and the lightweight group demonstrated higher defensive action frequencies than the half lightweight category and heavyweight athletes. Heavyweight and middleweight categories demonstrated higher groundwork combat frequencies than lighter weights, and the heavyweight category showed higher pause frequencies than the lightweight category. Regarding the decision-making model, the main transitions presented by the Markov chains showed higher prevalence of the following combinations: gripping occurring before the lever and length attacks, lever attack followed by the length attack, and length attack occurring earlier than the groundwork phase.

Judo performance: kinanthropometric importance for technical tactical and biomechanics

Abstract In such a competitive combat sport as judo, it is important that the training is carefully planned so that the athlete can stand out in the international competition. In this context, it is important that the trainer and evaluator are accurate regarding the measures taken of the athlete. Such measures, when correctly performed, can prepare the trainer with tools that allow prescribing contextualized training. The present point of view will show how kinanthropometric variables can be considered by coaches and evaluators when performing technical-tactical and biomechanical analysis in judo athletes. There are differences between sex and weight divisions as to the actions that are prevalent in each one of the categories. Lighter divisions performances must have specific training regarding approach and gripping. Attention should be paid to anticipation in athletes of the light and middle divisions. The rating of force development is the most important biomechanical measure.

Ending MMA Combat, Specific Grappling Techniques According to the Type of the Outcome

This study compared grappling motor actions of male mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes considering outcome types from Ultimate Fighting Championship ( UFC) bouts. A validated protocol of technical-tactical analysis was utilized as in previous studies addressing MMA performance analysis, and Kruskall Wallis and U Mann-Whitney tests were applied to compare effects of types of outcome decisions (Split vs. Unanimous Decision vs. Knockout-KO/Technical-knockout-TKO vs. Submission). Unanimous Decision showed higher frequencies of takedowns attempted/round than KO/TKO and Submission outcomes (p ≤ 0.05; 1.9 ± 1.9 vs. 1.3 ± 1.4 vs. 1.0 ± 1.1 attempts). Bouts with Split Decision demonstrated higher takedowns/round than bouts ended by Submission (p = 0.048; 0.4 ± 0.7 vs. 0.2 ± 0.6 attempts). TKO/KO showed lower values of sweeps/round (p = 0.008, 0.0 ± 0.0 vs. 0.1 ± 0.3 attempts) and takedowns attempted/round (p = 0.014, 1.3 ± 1.4 vs. 2.0 ± 1.6 attempts) than bouts ending by Split Decision. The Submission outcome showed a higher frequency of submissions attempted/round than KO/TKO and Unanimous Decision (p ≤ 0.041, 0.3 ± 0.7 vs 0.2 ± 0.5 vs 0.2 ± 0.5). These results show a large specificity in the type of grappling attack/situation according to the strategy to end the combat. These results also show that the grappling strategy and tactics are variable depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the athletes, and can be used by coaches and athletes to develop specific training programs.