Strategy and Decision Making in Karate

Abstract

Karate will be included in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo as an additional sport. The inner logic of this activity includes a specific scoring system and way of modeling. Three hundred and nine bouts were observed in the competition context, which resulted in new perspectives on training and competition. The scoring of punches (43.7% of total scored points) and face kicks (37.9%) appears to be more significant (p ≤ 0.01) than that of body kicks (15.3%, p ≤ 0.01) and leg-sweeping (3.1%, p = 0.31). Penalties appear to be very significant and associated with victory when "scored" by the competitor against himself or herself (p ≤ 0.01). Competitors must score points and penalties. This zero-sum game induces a simple rivalry, whose purpose is domination and which must rely on a predefined strategy and initiative. Karatekas have to make decisions, such as when taking the risk to score points and penalties, whether or not they lead the score. Karatekas may decide to expose or protect themselves, create situations, or simply remain realistic and adhere to the plan. The question of decision making, which is central to this work, forces us to focus our future work on the notions of expectations and self-fulfilling prophecies.

Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Performance in Karate: Comparative Study between Tunisian and Foreign Karatekas

“…The goal of our study is to determine whether, beyond potentially modeling karate competitions, it would be possible to issue coaching requirements. We assume that the existing literature on the scoring system in karate must be supplemented by issue related to the expectations of the coaches and the relationships between the coaches and their competitors (Frigout, Tasseel-Ponche, & Delafontaine, 2019). What types of motor decisions could karatekas make during a competition in an ongoing bout and in their relationship with their coaches (Frigout, Tasseel-Ponche, & Delafontaine, 2019)?…”

“…To achieve this goal, the authors carried out observations during four selective (Frigout, Tasseel-Ponche, & Delafontaine, 2019). Additionally, two competitions at international level were observed: the Open Paris Karate-Premier League, which is a ranking competition that allows competitors to score points to be qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.…”

“…Thanks to this type of observation, we were able to define a performance model in karate competitions (Frigout, Tasseel-Ponche, & Delafontaine, 2019) by using Frigout, Tasseel-Ponche, & Delafontaine (2019) work: the technical and tactical paradox, which requires finding the right balance between "exposing, realism, protecting, and creativity".…”