Differences in the Morphological Characteristics and Body Composition between Elite Montenegrin Kata and Kumite Karatekas

Elite karatekas should have specific morphological characteristics suitable for their specializations. This study aimed to determine the differences in morphological characteristics and body composition of elite Montenegrin karate athletes according to different specializations. This study consisted of a total of 16 male karate athletes divided according to specialization in kata (form or movement pattern) and kumite (fighting) disciplines. The subject sample included healthy, black belt karate senior athletes, with no prior injuries divided into kata (n-6, 19.83±4.71 years) and kumite (n-10, 20.4±5.21 years) athletes. Morphological characteristics and body composition were evaluated by a battery of 11 variables: body height (BH), body mass (BM), triceps skinfold (TS), biceps skinfold (BiS), back skinfold (BS), abdominal skinfold (AS), upper leg skinfold (UlS), lower leg skinfold (LlS), body mass index (BMI), fat percentage (FP), and muscle mass percentages (MP). The differences in morphological characteristics and the composition of the body between kata and kumite karatekas were determined by using a statistical procedure with a t-test for small independent samples. It was determined that the kumite had a higher body height, and body weight, as well as a higher percentage of muscle mass than kata karatekas. In other parameters concerning the distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue, as well as the percentage of body fat, there was no difference between the groups. The results suggest that there is some difference in morphological characteristics between kata and kumite karatekas, but for more complete conclusions an analysis should be performed on a larger sample of high-level karate athletes.