WEIGHT CATEGORIES AND THEIR RELATIONS WITH SOMATOTYPES OF NATIONAL-LEVEL MALE CADET JUDOKAS

Abstract

Body structure may play a determining role in achieving high-level performance in judo, and it seems to influence the type of techniques applied. The objective of this study was to determine the somatotypes of national-level male cadet judokas in different weight categories in order to observe possible differences between athletes. Material and methods: A total of 68 male judokas, lightweights (n=35) with an age of (15.5 ± 0.7 years), middleweights (n=23) with an age of (15.12 ± 0.68 years), and heavyweights (n=10) with an average age of (15.39 ± 0.57 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric variables were used to calculate somatotypes, which were determined using the Heath-Carter method. Analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used to determine differences between weight categories. Results: Somatotype differences between weight categories in male cadet judokas were observed. All categories could be classified into three somatotypes in male cadet-athletes. Conclusion: The lighter categories were recognized as Meso-ectomorph. The middle categories had the Endo-mesomorphic somatotype and the heaviest athletes had more extreme cases of Meso-endomorphs. According to the results obtained, the judokas have a different body composition than the cadet judokas at the international level. Therefore, coaches should prepare specific training programs for athletes who belong to different somatotypes, as well as monitoring diet.