Evaluation of the Level of Technical and Tactical Skills and Its Relationships with Aerobic Capacity and Special Fitness in Elite Ju-Jitsu Athletes

Abstract

Background: Ju-jitsu training has to be comprehensive in terms of training intensity, developing a wide range of physical fitness and learning multiple technical skills. These requirements result from the specificity of the competition characteristic of the sport form of this martial art. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aerobic capacity and special physical fitness of ju-jitsu athletes at the highest sports performance level and to determine the relationships between special fitness and the indices of technical and tactical skills. Methods: In order to determine the current level of special fitness of the athletes, a set of karate fitness tests were used, namely, the Special Judo Fitness Test and the Kickboxer Special Physical Fitness Test. Furthermore, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured using a graded exercise test in a group of 30 sport ju-jitsu athletes at the highest level of sports performance. To evaluate the level of technical and tactical skills, an analysis of recordings of tournament bouts was carried out, and, based on the observations, the indices of effectiveness, efficiency, and activeness of the attack were calculated. Results: Individuals with higher fitness were more active and effective in the attack. The special efficiency indices showed significant correlations with the technical and tactical parameters. Better fighting performance was dependent on the speed of the punches, kicking range, and the results of the special fitness tests. Conclusions: To achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of sport ju-jitsu, the training process should be based on comprehensive motor development and an optimal level of special fitness.

Effects of weight divisions in time-motion of female high-level Brazilian Jiu-jitsu combat behaviors

“…Female Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) practitioners are growing, and the demand for scientific studies generating gender-specific training approaches is needed. An inclusive understanding of the time-motion combat demands of female combat athletes could positively impact the success rate and help in training efficiency ( Williams et al, 2019 ; Ambroży et al, 2021 ; Pawelec et al, 2022 ). The performance in grappling combat sports is related to the ability of female or male competitors to execute specific actions at the right moment during each combat phase while quickly adjusting to the continually changing combat context to the following action or phase ( Sterkowicz-Przybycień et al, 2017 ).…”

Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience

“…The results correspond positively with the measurements of sports jiu-jitsu athletes. Ambroży [ 38 ] showed that jiu-jitsu competitors who perform a lot of gripping actions presented a strength advantage in this aspect compared to karatekas, who were characterized by significantly less frequent gripping, with the prevalence of punches and kicks, similarly to Muay Thai competitors. A high level of development of this motor aspect among grapplers and wrestlers compared to strikers was also shown by Adamczyk et al [ 39 ].…”

Aerobic Capacity and Restitution Efficiency Level in Relation to the Training Experience and Weekly Training Volume of Male and Female Judo National Team Members in the Cadet Age Group (U18) during the Preparatory Period

“…Consequently, the training process for the cadet age group must be adjusted to the training period in the long-term plan, the level of individual motor abilities, and the experience of the athlete. Moreover, it is very important to conduct mental preparation within the training process in the cadet age group, which often determines the effect of undertaken efforts, judo fights, as well as the regeneration process [ 40 , 41 ].…”