The Influence of the Practiced Karate Style on the Dexterity and Strength of the Hand

Abstract

Background: The need for a strong grip in ‘ground’ martial arts is undisputed, but it is not obvious in karate. It may be expected that in the case of advanced karate fighters where dynamic combat movements dominate, the level of speed skills will be high. However, does the karate style affect the Ditrich rod dexterity and the strength of the players’ handshake? Methods: 39 participants were analyzed, all of whom were elite karate fighters—21 in the Kyokushin style (age: 31.4 ± 6.3; body weight: 77.2 ± 18.2 kg) and 18 in the Shotokan style (age: 23.3 ± 11.8 years; body weight: 70.9) ± 14.2 kg). They performed the following: a test of reaction speed and dexterity with a Ditrich rod, and a hand grip strength test with a dynamometer. Results: The data shows that there is no difference in the Ditrich rod test for both the left and right hand among the analyzed Kyokushin and Shotokan fighters. Significant differences were recorded in the grip strength of both hands (p < 0.05). There is a positive correlation between the strength of the grip on both hands (r = 0.593; p < 0.05). Discussion: Kyokushin-style karate players have a higher grip strength than those trained in the Shotokan style. Perhaps this is due to differences in the preparation for fights. The analysis showed no statistical significance in the Ditrich rod test. It is probable that the level of dexterity in karate is independent of the training canon.

Handgrip Strength as a Distinguishing Factor of People Training Martial Arts

“…Unsurprisingly, skill and years of trainings are connected with the survey respondents' ages. Additionally, it might be predicted that martial arts students' HGS and weight are related, which is congruent with the data in the literature [8,11,31,[54][55][56]. The same holds true for HGS and age [51,57].…”

“…The wrist should lie along the extension line of the forearm. During this testing, the test hand must not touch any part of the body [31,52]. The strength of the hand is measured in kilograms.…”

“…Thus, jujutsu and karate should differ in many aspects concerning the strength of those practicing the two forms of activity. It is not questioned that in many combat sports (wrestling, sambo, judo, sport jujutsu), strong grappling is needed [28][29][30], whereas in karate, where dynamic actions prevail, grappling is of minor importance [31]. Thus, HGS seems to be an ideal characteristic for analyzing differences between various karate and jujutsu training practitioners.…”

Combat Response Training Tester Based on Intelligent Force-Measuring Sensor and Digital Circuit

“…The subjects were trained in aerobics once a week for up to 17 weeks, each time lasting for 90 minutes. The experimental group used an aerobic intervention method for teaching, and the control group used the three- Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing level routine action of the "public aerobic grade exercise standard" [22]. During the experiment, the subjects generally did not participate in other forms of exercise.…”

Quantitative Ultrasound Examination (QUS) of the Calcaneus in Long-Term Martial Arts Training on the Example of Long-Time Practitioners of Okinawa Kobudo/Karate Shorin-Ryu

“…Physical activity (PA) is commonly recommended in subjects at risk for osteoporosis due to its potential to improve balance. Karate, among other martial arts, is considered a form of PA producing better postural effects, including stability [31], strength [32], and kinematics [33]. Little is known about how Kobudo, simultaneously with karate practice, influences bone strength or density of the lower extremities.…”