The aim of the paper is to present an analysis of the influence of selected kinematic factors on the side kick technique. This issue is especially important in the traditional version of taekwon-do, in which a single strike may reveal the winner. Six taekwon-do (International Taekwon-do Federation) athletes were asked to participate in this case study. Generally accepted criteria of sports technique biomechanical analysis were adhered to. The athletes executed a side kick three times (in Taekwon-do terminology referred to as yop chagi) in a way which they use the kick in board breaking. The obtained data were used to determine the mean velocity changes in the function of relative extension length of the kicking leg. The maximum knee and foot velocities in the Cartesian coordinate system were determined. The leg lifting time and the duration of kick execution as well as the maximum force which the standing foot exerted on the ground were also determined. On the basis of the obtained values, mean values and standard deviations were calculated. The correlation dependence (r=0.72) shows that greater knee velocity affects the velocity which the foot develops as well as the fact that the total time of kick execution depends on the velocity which the knee (r = −0.59) and the foot (r = − 0.86) develop in the leg lifting phase. The average maximum speed was obtained at the length of the leg equal to 82% of the maximum length of the fully extended leg. This length can be considered the optimum value for achieving the maximum dynamics of the kick.

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Background The aim of this paper is to establish biomechanical optimization of the high-flying front kick (in taekwon-do terminology referred to as twimyo nopi ap chagi), which would result in developing a more effective method of executing this particular kick. Material/Methods: The study analysed movements of 14 ITF taekwon-do athletes (age: 16.5±0.7 years; weight 64.1±7.0 kg; height 176.5±4.6 cm). A system of complex analysis of movement called Smart-D made by the Italian company BTS Spa was used for the tests. For the purpose of the experimental part of the study the study participants were asked to adopt the same initial stance (in taekwon-do terminology called Niunja So Palmok Degi Maki) and perform the high-flying front kick in two different techniques-using the traditional technique (scissors) and the natural technique (non-scissors).

Purpose:Biomechanical analysis of martial art techniques are objective and quantitative method, which may be useful in training practice for the purpose of improving these techniques as well as monitoring and enhancing athletes performance. The aim of this study was to assess selected kinetic parameters and lower limb loading during karate front kick, using force platforms, for both kicking and support leg. Material:Karate athlete, second dan, black belt holder in Idokan style, participated in this case study. The subject performed front kick in the air (without a physical target), both for his right and left leg, while standing on the force platforms. For the purpose of kinetic data recording two force platforms were used in this study (Kistler force plate, type 9286AA, Kistler, Switzerland). Selected kinetic parameters for kicking and support leg as well as front kick execution time were analysed. Results:Results of our case study revealed higher values of the kinetic parameters for the right leg, comparing to the left leg. This results confirm athlete's declaration of being right leg dominant. Conclusions:Analysis of selected kinetic parameters may be useful in identifying lower leg laterization (leg dominance), as well as existing asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant leg in karate and other martial art athletes.

Purpose: The development of a motion capture system leads to fast and accessible ways of precise testing of athletes and their motor abilities. The striking performance in martial arts and combat sports requires measuring velocity in the context of successful contact with the target. The aim of this study was to present the novel kinematic target effect coefficient and its possible use as a speed accuracy benchmark of performance based on the example of taekwon-do roundhouse and frontal kicks. Methods: The stereophotogrammetry motion capture setup consists of 10 infrared cameras (NIR Vicon MX-T40). Analysis includes 180 kicks (roundhouse and frontal kicks) performed by 15 adult participants on a master level in taekwon-do. The kinematic target effect comparison includes two targets – a training shield and a table tennis ball hanging from the ceiling. Markers were placed on the lower extremities of participants. Spatial-temporal variables were registered for both kicking legs, techniques, and target types. Results: Both roundhouse and frontal kicks revealed target and marker dependent differences during its execution. The kinematic target effect coefficient values differ for the specific marker and kick type. Conclusion: The wireless motion capture systems could be helpful in the training process and an athlete’s evaluation before sports competitions.