IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. While throwing is the most important skill in judo, the majority of match time involves gripping exchanges (kumite). However, the roles of either arm in kumite are not well understood.
Problem and aim. This study examines how judo athletes use their arms during kumite.
Material and methods. A survey of 239 Japanese collegiate judo athletes was conducted. The survey covered judo athletes’ tsuri-te and hiki-te use in kumite, sex/gender, competition level, and weight categories. First, chi-square tests were performed to examine the relationships between arm use and competition level, gender, and weight category. Additionally, an analysis was conducted to compare the functional differences between tsuri-te and hiki-te.
Results. No significant associations were found between arm use and competition level, gender, or weight category for either tsuri-te or hiki-te. However, a comparison of tsuri-te and hiki-te revealed that tsuri-te was primarily used for lifting and relaxing, while hiki-te was predominantly used for pulling (p < 0.001).
Conclusions. No differences in the role of either arm were found between competition levels, sex/gender, or weight class, suggesting that the intentions for using tsuri-te and hiki-te differ and that arm use is a general and basic technique. It is essential for judo athletes and coaches to understand the role of each arm when practicing the overall movement during kumite.