Мartial arts

On the issue of choosing a type of combat sport during physical education classes in high school

Oleksandr Orlov — 2025-11-03

Purpose. Based on the analysis of scientific literature and practical experience, to substantiate the choice of martial arts system for implementation in the process of physical education in high school. Materials and Methods. Research methods: the study utilized analysis and synthesis of contemporary scientific and methodological literature, as well as relevant online sources, in combination with the generalization of practical experience. Results. For the first time, this review article presents a comparative critical analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various combat sports, including traditional martial arts, Eastern martial systems, and national styles. Based on the findings derived from the literature, the paper substantiates the feasibility (or lack thereof) of introducing specific types of combat sports to support the harmonious personal development of high school students within the framework of physical education. Characteristic features and potential health-related risks associated with representatives of the three aforementioned groups are examined in detail. Conclusions. The choice of physical activity types for high school physical education should be grounded in a balance of physiological safety, methodological consistency, and age-appropriate adaptation. Eastern martial arts, owing to their structural clarity and strong educational focus, are significantly more appropriate for integration into the physical education curriculum of general secondary schools compared to mixed martial arts (MMA), as well as national Ukrainian styles such as Boyovyi Hopak, Spas, Horting, and belt wrestling. Although these national systems are visually impressive and culturally resonant, their intense physical demands on adolescents and limited relevance for practical self-defense purposes, in our view, make them less suitable for systematic implementation in school-based physical education.

Comparative analysis of psychophysiological reactions of wrestlers of different ages

Volodymyr Shatskykh — 2025-11-03

Purpose: to conduct a comparative analysis of the psychophysiological reactions of wrestlers of different ages. Materials and Мethods. Thirty-six male Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers participated in the study. All athletes were divided into three age groups of 12 wrestlers each: Group 1 – juniors (aged 18-20, qualification: MSU and KMSU); Group 2 – cadets (aged 15-17, qualification: KMSU and 1st rank); Group 3 – younger juniors (aged 12-14, qualification: 1st and 2nd rank). Psychophysiological reactions were assessed using the following tests: simple motor skills; resistance to distracting factors; simple visual-motor reaction; simple auditory-motor reaction; reaction to static objects; reaction to a moving object; difference reaction; choice reaction from dynamic objects; assessment of tempo perception (80 beats/min^-1); assessment of the accuracy of reproducing a given line; speed of reproducing a given line; assessment of the perception of changes in object size. Statistical analysis was performed using the licensed program Statistica 10. Descriptive statistics are presented as the mean, standard deviation, 1st and 3rd quartiles, median, minimum and maximum results. The reliability of differences between the study groups was assessed using the Mann-Whitney criterion. Results: the following percentage differences were observed between the «junior» and «cadet» groups: from 0,9 % to 2,0 % in simple reactions; from 1,1 % to 25,4 % in complex reactions; from 3,1 % to 27,4 % in specific perceptions. Between the «juniors» and «younger juniors» groups: from 1,7 % to 7,0 % in simple reactions; from 1,7 % to 30,0 % in complex reactions; from 4,5 % to 29,8 % in specific perceptions. Between the «cadets» and «younger juniors» groups: from 0,4 % to 4,9 % in simple reactions; from 0,4 % to 3,6 % in complex reactions; from 1,2 % to 13,6 % in specific perceptions. Conclusions. The results of psychophysiological reactions in wrestlers of three age groups: juniors, cadets, and younger juniors. A comparative analysis of the study groups showed that the best results in all tests were observed in the «juniors» group, but a significant difference was observed only in the «Simple auditory-motor reaction» test (U=21,0; p<0,001). The worst results were observed in the «younger juniors» group. These results can be explained by the fact that psychophysiological reactions improve with age and training experience. The tests used are characterized by accessibility, specificity, informativeness, and financial feasibility. The results obtained allow us to recommend their use for monitoring the condition of athletes in various types of martial arts.

The effect of breathing exercises on increasing the power reserves of the respiratory system and heart rate variability in wrestlers aged 16-17

Dmytro Demchuk — 2025-11-03

Purpose. to determine the effect of breathing exercises on increasing the power reserves of the respiratory system and heart rate variability in wrestlers aged 16-17 years. Materials and methods. The following research methods were used in the study: theoretical analysis and generalization of data from scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observations; pedagogical experiment; medical and biological methods; methods of mathematical statistics. Twenty athletes aged 16-17, with first-class qualifications and KMS, took part in the experiment. The athletes were divided into groups: experimental and control, each with 10 wrestlers. To identify the dynamics of functional indicators, spirometry (l), the Stange test (c), the Genchi test (c) were used, and the Life Index (ml/kg) was calculated. In addition, parameters were determined to characterize the VSR of martial artists. Results: after conducting the studies, a statistically significant improvement in all indicators of the functional state of the respiratory system was recorded in the experimental group. In particular, the vital capacity of the lungs increased from 3,79 L to 4,59 L (p<0,01), which indicates an improvement in the elasticity of the chest, the development of respiratory muscles, and an increase in the ventilation capacity of the lungs. An increase in the duration of breath holding in the Stange test (from 58,7 s to 64,7 s) and the Genchi test (from 50,1 s to 54,9 s) (p<0,01) indicated an increase in hypoxic endurance and the body's adaptive capacity to oxygen deficiency The life index (LI) increased from 58,9 ml/kg to 63,8 ml/kg, indicating an effective ratio of lung ventilation potential to body weight. Analysis of heart rate variability after the experiment showed positive dynamics in athletes in the experimental group: Baevsky's stress index (from 183,52 to 73,89 conventional units; p<0,001) and the vegetative balance index (from 329,79 to 136,63 conventional units; p<0,001), indicating a decrease in the tension of regulatory systems, harmonization of the interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, and improvement in the overall adaptive state of the cardiovascular system. Thus, athletes transitioned from an elevated state to an optimal one, which corresponds to the physiological norm and balanced regulation. Conclusions. It has been established that the use of a complex of breathing exercises in the training process of wrestlers aged 16-17 has a positive effect on heart rate variability indicators, in particular, reducing stress load, reducing the tension of the heart's regulatory systems, improving the vegetative balance and the adaptive state of the cardiovascular system.

Analysis of the competitive activity of qualified female taekwondo athletes in light-weight categories

Vyacheslav Romanenko — 2025-11-03

Purpose. To analyze the competitive activity of qualified female taekwondo athletes in light-weight categories. Materials and Methods. The study employed the following scientific methods: theoretical analysis and synthesis of literature sources; pedagogical observation; video-computer analysis; and methods of mathematical statistics. The competitive activity of qualified female taekwondo athletes in the light-weight category (up to 49 kg) was analyzed using the mobile application «Martial Arts Video Analysis». A total of 30 competitive bouts of female athletes at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships and the 2023 European Cup were examined. Results. The analysis of competitive activity revealed that winners performed on average 20.43 actions per fight, which is 15 % more than the defeated athletes. The average number of points scored by winners was 6.97 per fight, almost twice as many as those scored by the losers. The average overall efficiency was 24.87 %. The effectiveness of technical and tactical actions in the first part of the fight was 18.41 %, in the second part – 27.27 %, and in the third part – 24.52 %. The interval between actions averaged 6.51 seconds. The diversity of actions was 2.67 per round. Regression analysis did not reveal statistically significant predictors, but there was a tendency toward significance for «Efficiency per fight» (p=0.072) and «Diversity of actions» (p=0.073). Analysis of specific technical and tactical actions showed that the weighted efficiency of winners (30 %) was almost twice that of losers (15.7 %). Three main technical and tactical actions accounted for 75 % of all points scored by winners, namely: Yop chagi (middle level) (1.77 points, 29 % of total), Ap joomuk chugi (close distance) (1.70 points, 28 % of total), and Ap joomuk chugi (long distance) (1.10 points, 18 % of total). Conclusions. The analysis of competitive activity in martial arts is crucial for predicting athletes’ success in competitions and for improving training methodologies. Success in competition largely depends on the effectiveness of an athlete’s technical and tactical performance. In the second part of the fight, light-weight female taekwondo athletes demonstrated an increase in technical and tactical activity and higher quality execution. Winners exhibited greater diversity in their technical and tactical repertoire (2.67 per round) compared to losers (1.57 per round). Logistic regression results indicated a tendency toward statistical significance for «Efficiency per fight» (p=0.072) and «Diversity of actions» (p=0.073), underscoring the importance of these indicators for competitive success. Three key technical and tactical actions provided 75% of the winners’ total points: Yop chagi (middle level), Ap joomuk chugi (close distance), and Ap joomuk chugi (long distance).

Research on the relationship between competitive activity and the level of sensorimotor reactions in highly skilled taekwondo practitioners

Maksym Baibikov — 2025-11-03

Purpose: to determine the relationship between competitive activity and the level of sensorimotor reactions in highly skilled taekwondo practitioners. Materials and methods. Research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; video-computer analysis of the competitive activity of highly skilled taekwondo practitioners; psychophysiological measurement method; methods of mathematical statistics using the computer programs Statistika 12,5 and Numbers. Ten highly skilled taekwondo athletes who are members of the Ukrainian national team (age: 20.7±3.77; qualification: Master of sports of Ukraine-honored master of sports of Ukraine) and who participated in the 2024 European Championships were selected for the study. Results: competitive activity indicators were found to be variable; medalists performed on average 4.58 more technical and tactical actions with 19,57 % greater efficiency than those who lost; medalists prevailed in points scored during the fight over those who lost by an average of 4,58 points; medalists performed an average of 1.87 more effective actions in shorter intervals by an average of 13,65 ms; no statistically significant relationship was found between the total reaction time to a moving object and a number of competitive performance indicators (p>0,05); at the same time, a strong positive correlation was found between the average reaction time in the first stage of the RMO test and the effectiveness of the third part of the match (r=0,89, p<0,05); a moderate inverse correlation was also found between the reaction time of choice and the number of effective actions (r=−0,31). The main limitation of the study is the small sample size. Conclusions. Sensory-motor ability indicators, combined with technical and tactical characteristics, can be useful for predicting competition results and optimizing athlete training. The results confirm the feasibility of using the proposed psychophysiological tests as additional selection and monitoring criteria

Analysis of the arsenal and effectiveness of attacking technical and tactical actions of highly skilled freestyle wrestlers at the 2024 Olympic Games

Kyrylo Ohar — 2025-11-03

Purpose: to analyze the arsenal and effectiveness of attacking technical and tactical actions of highly skilled freestyle wrestlers at the 2024 Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling. Materials and methods. We looked at 113 freestyle wrestling matches at the 2024 Olympics. All matches were divided into three groups according to weight categories: light (57 kg, 65 kg) n=35, middle (74 kg, 86 kg) n=40, and heavy (97 kg, 125 kg) n=38. Each match had a winner and a loser, and their number coincided with the number of matches. Accordingly, two groups were created: winners and losers. Research methods: analysis of scientific sources, analysis of video materials of competitive wrestling matches, methods of mathematical statistics. Results: More active wrestlers throughout the match, more often become winners of fights, they surpass the losers in the number of attempts to perform techniques 712/521, in the number of effective attempts 451/128. The defeated wrestlers become more active in the second period 179/342, while the number of successful attempts does not increase 63/65, the effectiveness of attacks decreases 35,2 %/19Б,0 %. The effectiveness of the winners' attacks significantly (p˂0,001) exceeds the opponents' indicator throughout the match. Most often, wrestlers perform leg shots (37.6% of all techniques). One leg shots make up 32,0 %, among which outside single leg shots 14,7 %, ankle picks 11,3 %, which are most often performed. The share of takedowns to parterre is (13,3 %), transitions from an overhook and head control position are more often used (6,7 %). Quite often, wrestlers use the pushes the opponent out of the mat (13,3 %) and earn a score for the activity time (18,1 %). In the parterre position, athletes mostly use gut wrenches (41,3 %), leg lace turns (21 %) and counterattacks (24 %). Conclusions. Winners wrestle actively throughout the match and have more diverse technical and tactical preparedness in the stance and parterre. In their arsenal of actions in the stance, wrestlers mostly use legs shots, the leaders among them are single leg shots, mainly outside singles and ankle picks. In the parterre position, wrestlers mainly perform gut wrenches and leg lace turns. Representatives of light and middle weight categories are more active and effective in matches than representatives of heavy weight categories. Wrestlers of middle weight categories are the most diverse in performing technical and tactical actions.

Research on self-analysis of competitive activity of taekwondo athletes based on a survey of members of the Ukrainian national team

Pavlo Pshenichnikov — 2025-11-03

Purpose: to investigate the results of self-analysis of competitive activity of members of the Ukrainian national team in WTF taekwondo based on a questionnaire survey. Materials and methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of data from scientific and methodological literature and the Internet; questionnaire survey of athletes' attitudes towards improving technical and tactical training based on self-analysis of competitive activities; systematic analysis method; methods of mathematical statistics (the percentage of athletes who responded to the answer option proposed in the questionnaire out of the total number of participants in the questionnaire survey was determined). Results: the results of the survey of members of the Ukrainian national WTF taekwondo team showed that only 6,52 % of respondents were satisfied with their sporting achievements. It was found that a high percentage of members of the Ukrainian national team do not have clear plans for future competitive activities and participate in a varying number of competitions throughout the year. It was found that the majority of respondents (87 %) consider it necessary to use competition analysis to predict successful competition performance. It was determined that among the respondents, the vast majority of athletes use competition analysis with different characteristics: 80,4 % of athletes analyze all their matches; 63,04 % of athletes analyze the matches of their opponents and other athletes in the competitions in which they participate; 34,7 % of athletes analyze the matches of leading athletes and winners of international competitions; 63,04 % of athletes analyze their competitive activities independently; 52,17 % of athletes analyze their competitive activities together with their coach; 54,34 % of athletes record the results of their analysis of their competitive activities; 23,91 % (11 athletes) rely on their memory and, accordingly, do not make any records of their analysis of competitive activities. Conclusions. During the survey of qualified taekwondo athletes, data were revealed regarding problems with control and self-assessment of their technical and tactical activities during competition, which provides a complete basis for developing means of controlling technical and tactical preparedness (control exercises and control matches) based on modeling competitive activity and improving control and management, both in the training process and during competitive matches on both sides in the «coach-athlete» interaction.

Comparative analysis of competitive activity in ring disciplines of kickboxing

Oleksandr Romanenko — 2025-11-03

Purpose. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of competitive activity in ring kickboxing disciplines and to determine their specific technical and tactical characteristics. Materials and Methods. Video recordings of 161 bouts from the 2022 WAKO World Championship and the 2023 European Championship were analyzed. For statistical comparison, a subsample of 39 bouts (semifinal and final stages) including 78 male athletes from middle weight categories was used. The video analysis focused on the structure and intensity of competitive actions. Standard parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were applied. Results. Significant differences were observed between the ring disciplines. A clear hierarchy of tempo activity was established: Full-Contact > K1 > Low-Kick. In Full-Contact, punches predominated (over 70 % of total strikes), whereas in K1 and Low-Kick the distribution between punches and kicks was more balanced. The ratio of single to series strikes revealed a relatively similar technical–tactical structure across disciplines. Regardless of the style, series actions were mainly performed with punches, while kicks served a preparatory or finishing role in combinations. The analysis of series composition showed the dominance of short two-strike combinations in all disciplines, though their content varied: punch–punch combinations prevailed in Full-Contact, while mixed «punch–kick» or «kick–punch» sequences were typical of K1 and Low-Kick. In K1, the broader technical arsenal contributed to a higher proportion of early stoppages. Conclusions. Full-Contact is characterized by the highest striking intensity and dominance of punches. K1 and Low-Kick demonstrate a more balanced ratio of punches to kicks, with a predominance of single leg strikes that distinguishes them from Full-Contact. Further research should expand the sample and include a deeper assessment of strike efficiency, defensive actions, and situational factors to develop model characteristics of athletes.

Optimization of the training process for women in taekwondo

Igor Pashkov — 2025-11-03

Purpose. Based on bibliometric analysis, to determine the features of optimizing the process of training women in taekwondo. Material and methods. The following methods were used to conduct the study: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet networks, generalization of advanced practical experience. A computer search of literature was conducted in scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The search for scientific and methodological sources was carried out using the keywords: «gender in taekwondo», «womenʼs training», «dosage of physical activity for women», «womenʼs physical abilities», «womenʼs physiological characteristics». Results. Significant physiological differences between men and women require mandatory differentiation of the training process. Studying these differences is important because it allows us to better understand how gender factors can affect the performance and success of athletes in competitions. First of all, this should be done taking into account sensitive periods of development of motor qualities and appropriate physical loads based on age changes. These differences are so significant that without taking them into account it is not possible to fully use the natural abilities of female athletes. Physiological reactions to training loads and the mechanism of adaptation to them in women do not differ significantly from the reactions in men. Differences are observed in the quantitative expressions of these reactions. These quantitative indicators determine women's sporting achievements. In highly qualified female athletes involved in taekwondo, optimizing performance may require the implementation of gender-specific training and nutrition strategies, with an emphasis on controlling body weight and protein intake. The changes that occur in the female body during the menstrual cycle determine the dynamics of the functional capabilities of the female athlete's body, their tolerance to training and competitive loads. Planning the volume and intensity of training loads during women's training, during meso, microcycles, should be based on the physiological characteristics of the female athlete's body. The morphostructure of the female body differs from the male body in a higher fat content. This creates advantages for men in running and jumping. The large width of the pelvis in women causes its large rotational movements. This enhances the work of the pelvic muscles to maintain the center of gravity above the feet and reduces the efficiency of running compared to men. Conclusions. Determining the structural components of women's training in taekwondo is an integral part of sports improvement to achieve high sports results. The trainer-teacher must take into account the individual physiological characteristics of the female athlete's body, which will allow adjusting the content, nature and structure of the training process and thereby improving the sports skills of taekwondo athletes. The use of large physical loads during training sessions of meso, microcycles during the annual macrocycle should be based on the physiological characteristics of the female athlete's body.