Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of Seisan kata as an aerobic power training mode, four male
(28.5±4.2 y) Chito-Ryu karate black belt practitioners did kata continuously for 10
min. In separate sessions the kata (formal, organized movement sequences) were done
at rates of 1 (PACE) and 2 (FAST) kata “cycles” per minute. Heartrate (HR) and V̇O2 were monitored continuously during the sessions. V̇O2 during the PACE and FAST sessions averaged 73±3 and 94±2% of leg cycling V̇O2 peak, respectively. The corresponding HRs were 93±6 and 101±3% of HRmax (leg cycle
test). PACE and FAST post-exercise blood lactates were 12±4 and 22±6%, respectively,
of the maximal leg cycle test values. These data indicate that karate kata can be
used as an effective and specific means for training aerobic power in karate practitioners.
Key words
Aerobic power - training - specificity - karate
