Zilioli et al. (2014) were the first to show an association between male facial width‐to‐height ratio (fWHR) and physical aggression and fighting ability in professional mixed‐martial‐arts fighters. ...Here, we re‐examined this relationship by replicating (using all original measures) and extending (using 23 new variables related to fighting performance) Zilioli et al. (2014) in a statistically well‐powered sample of 520 fighters using automatic and manual measures of the fWHR involving both eyelid and eyebrow landmarks, used interchangeably in previous reports (Studies 1–2). Most importantly, we successfully replicated Zilioli et al.'s (2014) central finding that fighters' fWHR, when manually calculated using the eyebrow landmark, predicted their fighting success (p = .004, controlling for body mass index and total fights). Consistent with past criticisms of using fight rather than fighter data to examine fighting success, which have argued that individual fights can be suddenly and unexpectedly determined and do not capture an individual's overall ability to succeed, Study 3 (N = 1367 fights) found no association between fWHR and singular victories. Studies 1–3 showed continual evidence that larger fWHRs were associated with grappling abilities, even after controlling for demographic and allometric factors. Strikingly, Study 3 discovered associations between all fWHR measures and grappling skill that remained robust before and after controlling for 17 different control variables. We discuss that grappling, or the act of taking down an opponent, involves a more aggressive, close‐combat approach than does striking. Combined, these results offer additional support for the argument that fWHR may have been shaped by sexual selection.
Head Trauma in Mixed Martial Arts Hutchison, Michael G.; Lawrence, David W.; Cusimano, Michael D. ...
The American journal of sports medicine,
06/2014, Volume:
42, Issue:
6
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Background:
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full combative sport with a recent global increase in popularity despite significant scrutiny from medical associations. To date, the empirical research of ...the risk of head injuries associated with this sport is limited. Youth and amateur participation is growing, warranting investigation into the burden and mechanism of injuries associated with this sport.
Purpose:
(1) To determine the incidence, risk factors, and characteristics of knockouts (KOs) and technical knockouts (TKOs) from repetitive strikes in professional MMA; and (2) to identify the mechanisms of head trauma and the situational factors that lead to KOs and TKOs secondary to repetitive strikes through video analysis.
Study Design:
Descriptive epidemiology study.
Methods:
Competition data and video records for all KOs and TKOs from numbered Ultimate Fighting Championship MMA events (n = 844) between 2006 to 2012. Analyses included (1) multivariate logistic regression to investigate factors associated with an increased risk of sustaining a KO or TKO secondary to repetitive strikes and (2) video analysis of all KOs and TKOs secondary to repetitive strikes with descriptive statistics.
Results:
During the study period, the KO rate was 6.4 per 100 athlete-exposures (AEs) (12.7% of matches), and the rate of TKOs secondary to repetitive strikes was 9.5 per 100 AEs (19.1% of matches), for a combined incidence of match-ending head trauma of 15.9 per 100 AEs (31.9% of matches). Logistic regression identified that weight class, earlier time in a round, earlier round in a match, and older age were risk factors for both KOs and TKOs secondary to repetitive strikes. Match significance and previously sustained KOs or TKOs were also risk factors for KOs. Video analysis identified that all KOs were the result of direct impact to the head, most frequently a strike to the mandibular region (53.9%). The average time between the KO-strike and match stoppage was 3.5 seconds (range, 0-20 seconds), with losers sustaining an average of 2.6 additional strikes (range, 0-20 strikes) to the head. For TKOs secondary to strikes, in the 30-second interval immediately preceding match stoppage, losers sustained, on average, 18.5 strikes (range, 5-46 strikes), with 92.3% of these being strikes to the head.
Conclusion:
Rates of KOs and TKOs in MMA are higher than previously reported rates in other combative and contact sports. Public health authorities and physicians should be cognizant of the rates and mechanisms of head trauma. Preventive measures to lessen the risks of head trauma for those who elect to participate in MMA are described.
The Roundhouse kick (RHK) is one of the most employed techniques in taekwondo competitions to score on the opponent, since it provides a fast and a powerful attack. However, its effectiveness depends ...on high technical accuracy. To polish an athlete’s technique, trainers generally provide movement-related information via augmented feedback. Feedback is provided in two different ways, knowledge of result (KR) and knowledge of performance (KP). KR is about the accuracy score of a trial, whereas KP concerns the movement pattern that produces the result. Few studies have focused on understanding which moment of providing feedback on martial arts movement patterns is the most efficient. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether KP would be more effective for taekwondo RHK learning if provided after relatively good trials, after relatively poor trials or when requested by the learner. Eighteen undergraduate students with no prior experience with martial arts were assigned to different groups: a group that received feedback after performing good trials (GOOD), a group that received feedback after poor attempts (POOR) and a group that decided when to receive feedback (SELF). Four blocks of tests were performed, including a pre-test, post-test, retention and transfer. The subjects had to hit a higher amount of RHK on a kick pad according the movement pattern. The ANOVA revealed that the SELF group showed a higher score than the GOOD and POOR groups, while no differences were found between the GOOD and POOR groups.
Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced among judo athletes. Although it helps them to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents, previous studies have shown that RWL can have a negative ...impact on the athlete's performance and overall well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence that examines the influence of rapid weight loss on physiological parameters, biomarkers, and psychological well-being in judo athletes. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. We searched for studies on Web of Science and PubMed that elaborate on the influence of ≥5% RWL achieved over ≤7-day period in judokas. Out of 52 studies initially found, 14 studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we examined data from 1103 judo athletes. Retrieved studies showed conflicting data concerning physiological parameters and biomarkers, while psychological well-being parameters were more consistent than physiological and biomarkers. The feeling of tension, anger, and fatigue significantly increased while a decrease in vigor was demonstrated among athletes who lost weight rapidly. The evidence on the impact of RWL on performance remains ambiguous. More studies under standardized conditions are needed in order to provide firm evidence. Considering the harmful effects of RWL outlined in the existing literature, it is important to determine and monitor athlete's minimal competitive weight to prioritize the health and safety of the athlete, emphasize fairness, and ultimately benefit the sport.
There have been a variety of attempts by scholars to neatly define and categorize Asian martial arts terminology, often in connection with martial arts history, philosophy, and practical training ...activities. Overall, the English term ‘martial arts’ is typically linked to East Asian fighting activities. In comparison, Western fighting methods, such as boxing and wrestling, are almost never referred to as ‘martial arts’ but mostly labeled ‘sports’ or ‘combat sports.’ This is reflected in the basic split of the broader martial arts community, which is between the so-called traditionalists and the modernists. The former often stress spirituality and mysticism and claim that the primary aim of martial arts is self-defense, while the latter are commonly affiliated with sports training and competitive events. The rift between the two camps is not settled and it represents the main reason of the many conflicting opinions and arguments articulated in the martial arts discourse. The principle method of this study is an extensive literature review with the aim to clarify the confusion by pointing out the many paradoxes present in the historical and philosophical narratives in connection with practical training activities of the martial arts. Besides, this article represents also a critique of the general, academic discourse about the Asian martial arts, which often appears disingenuous and is generally dominated by the traditionalists.
El objetivo del estudio es analizar las percepciones de los atletas olímpicos brasileños de deportes de combate (MEC) sobre la postergación de los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio 2020, como resultado de la ...pandemia de covid-19. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con cuatro atletas olímpicos brasileños. La investigación siguió el construccionismo social, con énfasis en las prácticas discursivas, registrando la forma en que los entrevistados producen sentidos. De las entrevistas emergen dos categorías temáticas que posibilitan el análisis: a) la lógica de las masculinidades hegemónicas y; b) los impactos en la salud mental. Los hallazgos de esta investigación sugieren que a pesar de haber conseguido un buen desempeño en los Juegos Olímpicos, el aislamiento produjo en los atletas de MEC de Brasil un fuerte impacto sobre su estado de animo y expectativas, asociado con las dificultades ocasionadas por la falta de estructura mínima disponible en Brasil. Todos los entrevistados reconocen la importancia de los servicios de psicología para la superación de las dificultades vividas por los deportistas frente a la pandemia.
Introduction For martial artists, the ability to manage reactions in the face of adversity and bounce back after a stressful event can have major impact on performance. The scope of the research is ...to investigate martial artists’ level of resilience and aggression (Go-ahead, Foul play, and Assertiveness factors), what is specific to athletes and who have suffered from moderate and/or severe injuries (in terms of resilience and three factors of aggression examined), and test the possibility that a psychological variable under investigation can predict athletes’ injury severity. Materials and methods A total sample of 154 athletes from striking combat sports—SC (karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, and boxing), grappling combat sports—GC (judo and BJJ), and mixed martial artists (MMA) participated in the research. For assessing resilience, the Romanian adaptation of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was used, and for aggression, the Romanian adaptation of Makarowski’s Sports Aggression Questionnaire was used. An injury report form was also created and applied to athletes. Results The post-hoc tests (after running a single-factor multivariate analysis of variance) revealed significant differences for resilience and Foul (violent) play between the sports disciplines analyzed. A significant positive correlation was found between athletes’ injury severity and assertiveness in SC and between injury severity and resilience in GC. Through the t -test for independent samples, it was highlighted that the average value for Foul (violent) play is significantly higher in athletes who have suffered mild, moderate, and/or severe injuries compared with martial arts athletes who have suffered from only mild/minor injuries. A binomial logistic regression was also performed to verify to what extent Foul play predicts athletes’ injury severity. Conclusion A low level of Foul (violent) play is linked with a decreased likelihood of moderate and/or severe injuries in martial arts athletes. The study findings suggest that resilience, foul play, and assertiveness have an important role in injury prevention among martial artists.
This study aims to analyze the age, regional distribution, and fighting styles of 174 top-ranking Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) elite athletes to encourage the long-term success of coaches and ...athletes in terms of athletic development, talent selection, and training strategies. It uses frequency and descriptive statistical analysis to reveal age, nationality, and differences between fighting styles. A t-test was conducted to identify the age differences of male and female athletes within the same weight divisions, and a one-way ANOVA test was applied to see if there were significant differences between these weight divisions. Results showed that the athletes competed within a wide age range (23-42 years old), with a mean age of 31.82±3.77 years (male: 31.75±3.70; female: 32.00±3.99). There was no significant difference in the ages of male and female athletes or between weight classes, and most athletes were aged between 26 and 35 years, which accounted for 80% of the total number. Athletes represented 33 different countries, with more from the United States and Brazil (58.6%). They displayed 13 different fighting styles, categorized into styles in which either mixed, striking, or grappling were dominant, accounting for 44.9%, 32.7%, and 22.4%, respectively. The resultant data showed that UFC elite athletes compete with mixed fighting styles, with striking styles being more widespread, which is different when compared with the early stages of the event when grappling or wrestling styles were dominant in competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship and the present and future
of women's sports Mixed martial arts stars like Amanda
Nunes, Zhang Weili, and Ronda Rousey have made female athletes top
draws in the ...Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Jennifer
McClearen charts how the promotion incorporates women into its
far-flung media ventures and investigates the complexities
surrounding female inclusion. On the one hand, the undeniable
popularity of cards headlined by women add much-needed diversity to
the sporting landscape. On the other, the UFC leverages an illusion
of promoting difference-whether gender, racial, ethnic, or
sexual-to grow its empire with an inexpensive and expendable pool
of female fighters. McClearen illuminates how the UFC's
half-hearted efforts at representation generate profit and cultural
cachet while covering up the fact it exploits women of color,
lesbians, gender non-conforming women, and others.
Thought provoking and timely, Fighting Visibility tells
the story of how a sports entertainment phenomenon made difference
a part of its brand-and the ways women paid the price for
success.
The present work analyzed the historical development of Shuaijiao and Judo, comparing the development and diffusion these two martial arts, one of Chinese origin and another of Japanese origin, ...respectively. Beyond comparison between the historical context, it was sought through the literature review to find the relations between Shuaijiao and Judo, and to find out at what point the Shuaijiao influenced the creation of Kodokan Judo. É realizada uma revisāo de literatura a partir de livros, periódicos e artigos científicos, sites e revistas de Shuaijiao, Judô e Jiu-jitsu nos bancos de dados Google Academico e Wanfang Data para poder dimensionar o contexto histórico de ambas as artes marciais e seus respectivos desenvolvimentos. A prática desenvolvida por Xuanyuan (Huangdi) chamada entăo de Jiaodi ... foi nas dinastías posteriores amplamente difundido nāo somente como uma apresentaçâo teatral, sendo adotada pelo governo como parte fundamental do treinamento militar (WENG, 1990; ANTUNES, 2014), a partir dos festivais e do fortalecimento do Jiaodi como arte marcial para o treinamento militar o Jiaodi evoluiu gradativamente se espalhando por todo o território chines até tornar o que é atualmente conhecido como Shuaijiao (WU, LI & YU, 1992).
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