Time-motion analysis during elite judo combats (defragmenting the gripping time)

Background and Study Aim: Time-motion analysis of judo combats allows both coaches and athletes to optimise the training and competition processes. One of the most important actions in achieving winning or losing is the moment of the gripping. The aim of this study is knowledge about the temporal structure of elite judo combat by the sex and weight category of combatants, decomposing the gripping time into “trying gripping time” and “accomplished gripping time”. Material and Methods: The observational design was punctual, nomothetic, and multidimensional. A total of 181 judokas were analysed in 150 matches at high international level in three female weight categories (-48, 48-63, and +78 kg) and three male weight categories (-60, 60-81, and +100 kg). An observation tool was performed to analyse the main time-motion indicators in judo combat. In addition to the categorisation of variables commonly used by the previous by literature, the total gripping time (kumi kata) was divided into “trying” and “accomplished” gripping time. The validity and reliability of the data were checked to ensure the scientific rigour of the observational research. Results: There are temporal differences between some weight categories - both within and between the sexes, particularly in the variables related to kumi kata (gripping). Indeed, 59.3% of effort sequences comprised either “trying gripping time” or “accomplished gripping time”. Conclusions: This suggests the importance of adapting technical-tactical and conditioning training associated with kumi kata to the records obtained for these two elements of the total gripping time, which will help optimise elite judo training by sex and weight category.