Background: Kickboxing is a combat sport that encompasses various forms of competition. K1 kickboxing is conducted without any restrictions on the force of strikes, and the bout can end prematurely through a knockout. Headgear has been introduced in amateur kickboxing to safeguard the head. However, scientific studies have shown that despite their use, serious head injuries can still occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal structure of the bout by calculating the number of head strikes in K1 kickboxing bouts with and without headgear. Methods: Thirty K1 kickboxing bouts were analyzed, with 30 participants included in the study. The fights were conducted according to the World Association Kickboxing Organization (WAKO) rules. The bouts consisted of three rounds of 2 min each, with a 1 min break between rounds. Sparring pairs were arranged according to weight categories. The first bouts were conducted without headgear, and two weeks later, the fights were repeated with WAKO-approved headgear. The number of head strikes was assessed retrospectively by analyzing video recordings of the bouts, categorizing strikes as hand or foot strikes, and differentiating between strikes that hit the head directly or indirectly. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between bouts with and without headgear in terms of the number of strikes to the head (p = 0.002), strikes directly to the head (p < 0.001), all hand strikes to the head (p = 0.001), hand strikes directly to the head (p = 0.003), and foot strikes directly to the head (p = 0.03). Higher values were observed in bouts with headgear. Conclusions: Headgear increases the probability of direct strikes to the head. Therefore, it is important to familiarize kickboxers with the use of headgear in their sport to minimize head injuries.

Background: Brain injuries are a common problem in combat sports, especially in disciplines such as kickboxing. Kickboxing is a combat sport that has several variations of competition, with the most contact-oriented fights being carried out under the format of K-1 rules. While these sports require a high level of skill and physical endurance, frequent micro-traumas to the brain can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of athletes. According to studies, combat sports are one of the riskiest sports in terms of brain injuries. Among the sports disciplines with the highest number of brain injuries, boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and kickboxing are mentioned. Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 18 K-1 kickboxing athletes who demonstrate a high level of sports performance. The subjects were between the ages 18 and 28. QEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) is a numeric spectral analysis of the EEG record, where the data is digitally coded and statistically analysed using the Fourier transform algorithm. Each examination of one person lasts about 10 min with closed eyes. The wave amplitude and power for specific frequencies (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR), Beta 1, and Beta2) were analysed using 9 leads. Results: High values were shown in the Alpha frequency for central leads, SMR in the Frontal 4 (F4 lead), Beta 1 in leads F4 and Parietal 3 (P3), and Beta2 in all leads. Conclusions: The high activity of brainwaves such as SMR, Beta and Alpha can have a negative effect on the athletic performance of kickboxing athletes by affecting focus, stress, anxiety, and concentration. Therefore, it is important for athletes to monitor their brainwave activity and use appropriate training strategies to achieve optimal results.

Background: Combat sports, including MMA and BJJ place very high and varied demands on athletes in terms of strength and strength-endurance training. The aim of the present study was to level of development motor fitness athletes combat sports and examine their relationship with training experience, and high sports performance. Methods: Thirty athletes were studied and compared between two groups: MMA (N=15) and BJJ (N=15). Somatic measurements were performed. Selected manifestations of the athletes potential in terms of strength and strength endurance were also measured, using selected tests from the International Physical Fitness Test (EUROFIT) battery, and relative strength and MAW indices were calculated. A coach ranking of athletes by sports achievement was developed. Next, the strength of the relationship of the effect of the aspects of strength and conditioning with training experience and sports performance was assessed. Results: The level of motor fitness in the groups was significantly different between the athletes of these sports in terms of strength and strength endurance abilities (p=0,006-0,038). A higher level of these elements of fitness was displayed by BJJ athletes. In both groups, significant correlations were found between the motor effect and the training experience (r=0,53-0,89) also sports result (r=0,53-0,76). Conclusions: The results allow for the initial diagnosis and interpretation of motor fitness competencies along with the profile of its key manifestations in MMA and BJJ, which promotes optimization of the quality of coaching control.