Kazuhide Iide

Physiological Responses of Simulated Karate Sparring Matches in young Men and Boys

The purpose of this study was to investigate the duration of each series of offensive and defensive techniques and the cardiovascular, metabolic, and perceptual responses during 2- and 3-minute bouts of simulated karate sparring. Six young men (age, 18-20 years) and 6 boys (age, 16-17 years) participated in this study. We formed 3 pairs of men and 3 pairs of boys to create a demanding competitive environment. After a rest period, each pair performed a 2-minute bout of sparring, sat quietly for 60 minutes, and then performed 3-minute bout of sparring. We measured oxygen uptake (&OV0312;o2), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate responses and ascertained the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and energy expenditure (EE) during these sparring bouts. The ventilatory threshold was estimated from ventilatory equivalent and &OV0312;o2 obtained during the treadmill test. The duration of each series of offensive and defensive techniques was videotaped. During the 2- and 3-minute bouts of sparring, the duration of longest series of offensive and/or defensive combination techniques performed were 2.1 ± 1.0 and 1.8 ± 0.4 seconds, respectively; the mean total times of performing offensive and defensive techniques were 13.3 ± 3.3 and 19.4 ± 5.5 seconds, respectively. The mean oxygen uptake (&OV0312;o2), the percentage of maximum oxygen uptake (%&OV0312;o2max), HR, percentage of maximum HR, RPE, and EE for a 3-minute bout of sparring were significantly higher than for a 2-minute bout of sparring. The mean %&OV0312;o2max values for these bouts of sparring were below the ventilatory threshold. It is recommended that karate practitioners perform more specific weight training, plyometric exercises, and interval training to increase the ability to buffer acid muscle and blood concentrations and to build lean body mass, strength, and power to develop the specific motor skills required in sparring.

Comparison of Nutrient Intake between Japanese Female Elite and Collegiate Karate Players

Most published data on the physical and physiological profiles of karate athletes is based on studies of male athletes and data on female athletes is rare. The purposes of this study were: 1) to collect baseline data on nutrient intake in order to advise athletes regarding nutrition practices that may enhance performance, and 2) to compare nutrient intake of elite and collegiate karate athletes. Thirtyfive female black belt karate athletes volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided into 2 groups: 20 athletes who were members of the national team (elite athletes) and 15 collegiate karate athletes (collegiate athletes). The elite athletes showed significantly higher mean lean body mass and significantly lower body fat and fat mass than the collegiate athletes. The elite athletes showed significantly higher energy intake and more nutrient intakes than the collegiate athletes. There were no significant differences in diet compositions between the elite and collegiate athletes. The elite athletes showed all micronutrient intakes were above 100% of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or Adequate Intake (AIs), whereas the collegiate athletes showed micronutrient intakes below 100% of the EAR or AIs for potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A and C. Thus, we advised collegiate athletes to consume adequate amounts of carbohydrates and protein. To attain these goals, it is desirable to increase the amount of meals by increasing the intake levels of grains, vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products, lean meat and fish.

Nutrient Intake and Body Composition of World Karate Champions: 4 Case Reports

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the nutrient intake and body composition of elite Japanese karate practitioners. Methods: Four world champion karate practitioners volunteered as follows: a male kata (forms: pre-established sequences of defensive and offensive techniques and movements) (case 1), a male sparring (case 2), a female kata (case 3), and a female sparring (case 4). Percentage of body fat, fat mass and lean body mass were evaluated using a bioelectric impedance analyzer. Nutrient intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Results: In both male and female athletes, a lower percentage of body fat and higher body height, heavier weight, and lean body mass were found in the sparring practitioners than the kata athletes. None of the athletes took supplements. Each athlete’ diet was modified to increase or maintain Lean body mass. Because all athletes did not reach the recommended dietary allowances for certain vitamins and minerals, we recommended increasing intake levels of vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products in order to increase micronutrient intakes. Conclusion: The world karate champions representing Japan have a very low percentage of body fat, especially sparring athletes. The athletes became aware of the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Effects of High-Intensity Circuit Training on Calcaneal Bone Status in Collegiate Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high-intensity circuit training (HICT) using body weight as resistance on calcaneal bone status in sedentary collegiate women. Methods: The subjects were 24 healthy sedentary collegiate women and were randomly divided into 2 groups: 12 in the HICT group and 12 in the control group. The HICT group performed 14-min HICT, 2 d•wk-1 for 10 weeks. Quantitative ultrasound measurements of the right calcaneus were performed to measure speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index (SI).Nutrient intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Results: After the training period, the HICT group showed significantly lower body weight, fat mass and %Fat, whereas there were no significant changes in the control group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in energy or nutrient intake before or after the training period. After the training period, the HICT group exhibited significant increases of SOS and SI, whereas the controls did not show any significant changes. Conclusion: Performing 14-min of HICT, 2 d•wk-1, for 10 weeks has positive effects on calcaneal bone status.

Calcaneal Bone Status in Elite Karate Practitioners

Karate is one of the most popular martial arts practiced both inside and outside of Japan. Traditional karate training consists of the practice of basic techniques, kata and sparring. The basic techniques such as punching, kicking, blocking and striking are practiced either in the stationary position or with body movements in various formal stances. Kata are set forms in a pre-established sequence of defensive and offensive techniques and movements. Sparring is the execution of defensive and offensive techniques while one is freely moving against an opponent. In addition to the traditional karate training, many competitive practitioners cross train by undertaking strenuous running and weight training programs to increase endurance, muscle development and power.