Morphological Characteristics as Predictors of Competitors Selection in Karate

Abstract

The research was aimed at determining the predictive values of morphological characteristics in the competitive selection of young karatekas. The research included a total of 79 karatekas, aged 11 to 13 (± 0.5 years) of which 37 were competitors in kumite, 23 in kata, and 19 participants who competed in both disciplines. It was expected that certain differences between the examined groups of karatekas in morphological characteristics would appear, which was confirmed by the obtained results. The hypothesis that participants of different competitive orientations will differ significantly in the results of morphological characteristics has been partially confirmed. However, the tendencies of some differences registered in the oldest age of the participants, as well as the analysis of some researches conducted on the population of elite karate players, indicate the importance of forecasting definite morphological characteristics for success in a specific competitive discipline (kata or kumite).