A notational analysis on WKF world senior karate champion, Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a notational analysis system to examine the WKF World Senior Karate Champion, Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan. A hand notation study examined 20 fights in order to determine the most predominant scoring technique and the tactical preparations for technique execution; mat territory (Dominant, Neutral, Defensive), hand techniques, foot techniques, place of contact (head and body), left/right execution and offensive/defensive pressure. To detect strategy changes within the bout, the intensity and type of actions in the last 30 seconds were also monitored and compared to the first 2.30 minutes duration. Results showed strategy change within the last 30 seconds. From notating techniques into two separate bout durations, this made results specific to bout duration; providing understanding for tactical decision making in relation to the remaining duration. A total number of 266 techniques executed were executed by the athlete, being awarded 58 techniques (18% success rate). This study explored how the athlete was effective, examining variables used within technique execution, presenting mean data and standard deviation along with non-parametric statistical procedures. For related variables, data was analysed using the Wilcoxon test. For analysing 3 or more samples, the Friedman test was used. The opponents’ executed a total number of 321 techniques, being awarded 5; attaining a low success rate of 2%. Results established the athlete’s most predominant scoring technique, Gyaku Tsuki accounting for 54% of all scores. The most frequent place of contact for all executions was the head; calculating as a mean value of 10 to the head and 3 to the body (occurring; 76% to the head, 24% to the body). Results for offensive/defensive pressure showed, executions were significantly offensive (mean value of 8); defensive mean value of 5. Percentage of execution pressures calculated 64% offensive and 36% defensive. The athlete predominantly executed techniques within a Neutral position, (Mean value =7), Dominant position, (mean value =5), Defensive (mean value=1). There were closer distribution (58:42%) between the athletes left (8 ±SD) and right (6±SD) executions. Due to the most predominant scoring technique being Gyaku Tsuki, this influenced hand techniques to be the most executed techniques, percentage of total hand techniques calculated as 57%; foot techniques was 43%. The athlete increased the frequency of execution rate within the last 30 seconds increased, executing a mean value of 4.4 techniques p/min within in the first 2.30 minutes, and 4.8 techniques p/min in the last 30 seconds.