The impact of psycho–neuro–motor exercises on enhancing karate technical proficiency

Abstract

Martial arts are a structured system of combat traditions and tactics practised for various purposes such as selfdefence, competitive sports, leisure, and overall physical, mental, and psychological development. Achieving technical proficiency involves deeply understanding and internalising techniques through consistent practice. Our body processes both external and internal stimuli, requiring heightened attention. This study explores the effectiveness of psycho–neuro–motor exercises in improving a specific karate technique, mawashi-geri. Ten karate athletes from Rapid Karate Sports Club participated in the study during a training camp in Poiana Marului, Brasov, Romania. Over seven days, athletes performed three sets of slow-motion mawashi-geri kicks after warmup routines each morning. These exercises aimed to enhance neuromuscular coordination, potentially refining performance and reducing injury risks. Statistical analysis of pre- and post-training camp assessments of mobility (side and front splits) and speed (maximum repetitions of mawashi-geri in 10 s) revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in four pairs of variables. Results: When comparing the initial and final assessments, the most significant improvement in split mobility was 10 cm (a 6.28% increase), with the group averaging an improvement of 5.26 cm (2.58%). Similarly, the most significant improvement in kicking speed was evidenced by 5 additional kicks (a 41.66% improvement), while the group's average reflected an increase of one extra kick (a 7.78% increase). Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of integrating slow-motion practice into karate training, suggesting its potential to enhance complex movement execution such as mawashi-geri. However, the study acknowledges the need for future experiments to include a control group, isolate psycho–neuro–motor training, and introduce a fourth set of kicks at normal speed to enhance participants' awareness of exercise effects.