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. Anthropometry is recognized as a significant determinant of athletic performance. Despite extensive research on anthropometric factors in conventional sports, limited attention has been given to specific martial arts disciplines, notably elite karate athletes. Hence, this investigation seeks to explore the correlation between muscle mass, body fat percentage, bone mass, and punch speed among karate athletes. Methods. A total of 15 male elite-level karate athletes participated in this study. Body weight, body fat percentage, bone mass, and muscle mass were assessed utilizing the Xiaomi Scale 2, whereas punch speed was gauged employing the Hykso Punch Tracker. Results. There was a positive relationship with body fat percentage of 0.679, right speed had a positive relationship with body fat percentage of 0.609, and maximal speed had a negative relationship with body fat percentage of -0.692. While the muscle mass variable shows a correlation value with a left speed of -0.687, a right speed of -0.616, and a maximum speed of 0.701. In addition, the bone mass variable has a correlation value with left speed of -0.734, right speed of 0.592, and maximum speed of 0.805. Conclusion. A positive correlation between body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass with punch speed among karate athletes. Athletes exhibiting lower muscle mass and higher body fat tend to demonstrate slower punching speeds. Consequently, the assessment of body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass emerges as a valuable tool for informing the technical aspects of training, particularly in enhancing punch speed for karate practitioners. Keywords: Body Fat,

mass, and bone mass with punch speed among karate athletes. Athletes exhibiting lower muscle mass and higher body fat tend to demonstrate slower punching speeds. Consequently, the assessment of body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass emerges as a valuable tool for informing the technical aspects of training, particularly in enhancing punch speed for karate practitioners. Keywords: Body Fat, Muscle Mass, Bone Mass, Punch, Karate Resumen. Objetivo. La antropometría es reconocida como un determinante importante del rendimiento deportivo. A pesar de una extensa investigación sobre los factores antropométricos en los deportes convencionales, se ha prestado una atención limitada a disci- plinas específicas de artes marciales, especialmente en los atletas de karate de élite. Por lo tanto, esta investigación busca explorar la correlación entre la masa muscular, el porcentaje de grasa corporal, la masa ósea y la velocidad de golpe entre los atletas de karate. Métodos. En este estudio participaron un total de 15 atletas masculinos de karate de élite. El peso corporal, el porcentaje de grasa corporal, la masa ósea y la masa muscular se evaluaron utilizando la Xiaomi Scale 2, mientras que la velocidad de golpe se midió empleando el Hykso Punch Tracker. Resultados. Hubo una relación positiva con el porcentaje de grasa corporal de 0,679, la velocidad correcta tuvo una relación positiva con el porcentaje de grasa corporal de 0,609 y la velocidad máxima tuvo una relación negativa con el porcentaje de grasa corporal de -0,692. Mientras que la variable masa muscular muestra un valor de correlación con una velocidad izquierda de -0.687, con una velocidad derecha de -0.616 y con una velocidad máxima de 0.701. Además, la variable masa ósea tiene un valor de correlación con la velocidad izquierda de -0,734, la velocidad derecha de 0,592 y la velocidad máxima de 0,805. Conclu- sión. Una correlación positiva entre el porcentaje de grasa corporal, la masa muscular y la masa ósea con la velocidad del golpe entre los atletas de karate. Los atletas que exhibían menor masa muscular y mayor grasa corporal tendían a demostrar velocidades de golpe más lentas. En consecuencia, la evaluación del porcentaje de

y la velocidad máxima de 0,805. Conclu- sión. Una correlación positiva entre el porcentaje de grasa corporal, la masa muscular y la masa ósea con la velocidad del golpe entre los atletas de karate. Los atletas que exhibían menor masa muscular y mayor grasa corporal tendían a demostrar velocidades de golpe más lentas. En consecuencia, la evaluación del porcentaje de grasa corporal, la masa muscular y la masa ósea emerge como una herra- mienta valiosa para informar los aspectos técnicos del entrenamiento, particularmente para mejorar la velocidad del golpe para los practicantes de karate. Palabras clave: Grasa corporal, Masa muscular, Masa ósea, Puñetazo, Karate Fecha recepción: 20-02-24. Fecha de aceptación: 17-05-24 Lita Mulia litamulia.2023@student.uny.ac.id Introduction A number of studies state that martial arts disciplines demand exceptional physical fitness as attributes such as strength, velocity, agility, and stamina significantly influ- ence the athlete's performance and achievements (Aprian- tono et al., 2020; Arazi & Izadi, 2017; Martínez-Rodríguez et al., 2023; Shariat et al., 2017). Furthermore, anthropo- metric characteristics represent integral biological variables associated with athletic performance (Dopsaj et al., 2020; Kim & Nam, 2021; Ně má & Ružbarský, 2023). It is widely acknowledged that anthropometry serves not only as a piv- otal criterion in athlete selection but also as a tool for iden- tifying prospective sporting talent (Dopsaj et al., 2020; Pion et al., 2014; Ramos-Campo et al., 2016). Karate, a martial discipline originating from Japan, is experiencing a notable surge in prominence, evident in the escalating public enthusiasm for the sport witnessed over recent decades (Martínez-Rodríguez et al., 2023). This trend underscores a burgeoning global interest in karate, reflective of its evolving cultural significance and wide- spread appeal (Slankamenac et al., 2021). Moreover, the inclusion of karate competition in the 2020 Tokyo Olym- pics serves as a pivotal validation of the sport's international recognition, cementing its status as a mainstream athletic pursuit with growing traction on the global stage (Molinaro et al., 2020).Kata and kumite represent the foundational el- ements underpinning the discipline of Karate, each present- ing distinct methodologies in both training regimens and competitive arenas (Molinaro et al., 2020;

Tokyo Olym- pics serves as a pivotal validation of the sport's international recognition, cementing its status as a mainstream athletic pursuit with growing traction on the global stage (Molinaro et al., 2020).Kata and kumite represent the foundational el- ements underpinning the discipline of Karate, each present- ing distinct methodologies in both training regimens and competitive arenas (Molinaro et al., 2020; Slankamenac et al., 2021). Kata emphasizes structured sequences of move- ments, simulating engagements with imaginary adversaries,

2024, Retos, 57, 340-345 © Copyright: Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF) ISSN: Edición impresa: 1579-1726. Edición Web: 1988-2041 (https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/retos/index) -341- Retos, número 57, 2024 (agosto) thereby reinforcing both the technical proficiency and phil- osophical underpinnings inherent to this martial discipline (Martinez-De-Quel et al., 2021). Conversely, kumite en- tails dynamic engagements between two practitioners, sim- ulating combat scenarios, with a focus on cultivating rapid reactions, strategic acumen, and adaptability to varying combat dynamics (Güler & Ramazanoglu, 2018). The up- dated regulations governing competitions render kumite more dynamic compared to kata. Consequently, the spe- cialization of elite karate practitioners should be tailored to encompass specific techniques accordingly (da Silva et al., 2020; Ně má & Ružbarský, 2023). Earlier studies have underscored the significance of body metrics such as arm length, stature, and muscularity in dictating an athlete's punching velocity across various combat disciplines. For instance, an investigation into taekwondo and pencak silat revealed that competitors with elongated arms typically exhibited a propensity for attaining heightened punch velocities in contrast to counterparts with shorter arm spans (Kim & Nam, 2021; Mejia et al., 2024; Sousa et al., 2024). Corresponding outcomes were also ob- served in other investigations, indicating that the propor- tion of body fat and muscle mass can impact the capacity for delivering strikes at considerable speeds (Lopez- Laval et al., 2019; Quinzi et al., 2022). Nevertheless, despite numerous studies delving into the correlation between anthropometry and punching speed across diverse martial arts disciplines (Liu et al., 2023; Lopez- Laval et al., 2019; Vuković et al., 2023), further comprehensive research specifically concentrated on karate remains imperative and offers substantial scope for deeper exploration. Certain studies indicate that additional factors including muscle mass, the ratio of arm length to body length, and flexibility could potentially exert significant in- fluence on punch speed. Therefore, the primary objective of this investigation is to comprehensively examine the in- terrelation between muscle mass, body fat percentage, and bone mass with punch velocity among elite Kumite karate athletes at elite levels in Indonesia. Materials and methods Participant This study enlisted 15 male elite-level

to body length, and flexibility could potentially exert significant in- fluence on punch speed. Therefore, the primary objective of this investigation is to comprehensively examine the in- terrelation between muscle mass, body fat percentage, and bone mass with punch velocity among elite Kumite karate athletes at elite levels in Indonesia. Materials and methods Participant This study enlisted 15 male elite-level karate athletes aged between 20 and 24 years, all originating from Indone- sia. These participants, on average, committed 21 hours per week to training and boasted 8 years of experience in the domain of sport karate. Additionally, the karate athletes un- der examination had actively engaged in numerous national and international tournaments. Anthropometric Measurement The evaluation conducted in this study utilized the Xia- omi Scale 2 (Alidadi et al., 2019) to measure body weight, assess muscle mass, determine body fat percentage, and evaluate bone mass. Meanwhile, a stadiometer was em- ployed to collect height data. Punch Speed Measurement Punch speed was assessed using the Hykso Punch Tracker (Omcirk et al., 2023), which provides a punch in- tensity score calculated from factors such as speed, type, and force exerted during the punch. Researchers employed this sensor by executing a straight punch movement akin to the kizami tsuki and gyaku tsuki punches in karate. Statistical Analysis Initially, the data underwent normality testing employ- ing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov method. Subsequently, the study's findings were subjected to descriptive analysis to comprehensively elucidate the respondents' characteristics. Following this, inferential statistical analysis was conducted utilizing the Spearman correlation test to examine the asso- ciation between the independent and dependent variables. A significance threshold of p<0.05 was employed, indicat- ing a statistically significant relationship between the varia- bles when the obtained p-value fell below this threshold. Results The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test verified that the data ob- tained for all variables in this investigation exhibited a nor- mal distribution. Table 1 presents the mean values for age, height, body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass. These values were recorded as 23.87 ± 3.20 years, 167.93 ± 7.26 centimetres, 64.51 ± 9.38 kilograms, 23.21 ±

Kolmogorov-Smirnov test verified that the data ob- tained for all variables in this investigation exhibited a nor- mal distribution. Table 1 presents the mean values for age, height, body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass. These values were recorded as 23.87 ± 3.20 years, 167.93 ± 7.26 centimetres, 64.51 ± 9.38 kilograms, 23.21 ± 1.95 kg/cm², 20.67 ± 7.33 percent, 75.18 ± 7.07 percent, and 2.67 ± 0.36 kilograms, respectively. Table 1. Participants Characteristics Variables Mean ± SD N 15 Age (years) 23.87 ± 3.20 height (cm) 167.93 ±7.26 BM (kg) 64.51 ± 9.38 BMI (kg/m2) 23.21 ± 1.95 body fat (%) 20.67 ± 7.33 muscle mass (%) 75.18 ± 7.07 bone mass (kg) 2.67 ± 0.36 Table 2 presents the correlation coefficients between left, right, and maximum speed and body fat percentage. The correlation coefficient between left speed and body fat percentage is 0.679. The ** symbol denotes that this cor- relation is statistically significant at a significance level of p = 0.005, indicating a robust positive relationship between left speed and body fat percentage. Similarly, the correla- tion coefficient between right speed and body fat percent- age is 0.609, with the * symbol indicating statistical signifi- cance at p = 0.016. This finding underscores a strong posi- tive association between right speed and body fat percent- age. Conversely, the correlation coefficient between maxi- mum speed and body fat percentage is -0.692. The ** sym- bol denotes statistical significance at p = 0.004. However, this correlation is negative, suggesting that higher maxi- mum speed is associated with lower body fat percentage.

2024, Retos, 57, 340-345 © Copyright: Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF) ISSN: Edición impresa: 1579-1726. Edición Web: 1988-2041 (https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/retos/index) -342- Retos, número 57, 2024 (agosto) Table 2. The relationship between left speed, right speed and maximum speed with body fat percentage Body fat P left velocity .679** 0.005 right velocity .609* 0.016 max velocity -.692** 0.004 Table 3 illustrates the correlation coefficients pertaining to muscle mass. The correlation between left speed and muscle mass was -0.687, with a notable p-value of 0.005, indicating a robust negative relationship between left speed and muscle mass. Similarly, the correlation coefficient be- tween right velocity and muscle mass was -0.616, with a significant p-value of 0.014, highlighting a strong negative association between right speed and muscle mass. Con- versely, the correlation coefficient between maximal speed and muscle mass was 0.701, with a significant p-value of 0.004, revealing a robust positive relationship between maximum speed and muscle mass. Table 3. The relationship between left speed, right speed and maximum speed with muscle mass Muscle mass P left velocity -.687 ** 0.005 right velocity -.616 * 0.014 max velocity .701 ** 0.004 Table 4 presents the correlation coefficients concerning bone mass. The correlation between left velocity and bone mass was -0.734, with a noteworthy p-value of 0.002, in- dicating a robust negative association between left velocity and bone mass. Likewise, the correlation coefficient be- tween right velocity and bone mass was -0.592, with a sig- nificant p-value of 0.020, revealing a negative relationship between right velocity and bone mass. Conversely, the cor- relation coefficient between maximal velocity and bone mass was 0.805, with an extremely significant p-value of 0.000, demonstrating a strong positive relationship be- tween maximal speed and bone mass. Table 4. The relationship between left speed, right speed and maximal speed with bone mass Bone mass P left velocity -.734 ** 0.002 right velocity -.592 * 0.020 max velocity .805 ** 0.000 Discussion Outstanding athletic accomplishments hinge on a multi- tude of factors. In this context, a comprehensive compre- hension of the distinctive characteristics inherent in elite athletes aligned

Table 4. The relationship between left speed, right speed and maximal speed with bone mass Bone mass P left velocity -.734 ** 0.002 right velocity -.592 * 0.020 max velocity .805 ** 0.000 Discussion Outstanding athletic accomplishments hinge on a multi- tude of factors. In this context, a comprehensive compre- hension of the distinctive characteristics inherent in elite athletes aligned with their respective sports undoubtedly fa- cilitates success. In the present study, we endeavored to de- lineate anthropometric parameters and body composition. Furthermore, the primary objective of this investigation is to establish correlations between anthropometric measure- ments and body composition with the punching velocity ex- hibited by elite-level karate athletes representing Indonesia on the international stage. The mean stature and mass of the karate competitors under investigation were recorded as 167.5 cm and 64 kg, respectively. Our investigation reveals notable disparities in the anthropometric measurements of Indonesian athletes when compared to their counterparts from Serbia (174 cm and 69 kg) (Slankamenac et al., 2021), Italy (171 cm and 71.1 kg) (Quinzi et al., 2022), Brazil (170 cm and 67 kg) (Spigolon et al., 2018), and Iran (175 cm and 68 kg) (Arazi & Izadi, 2017) within the same category. Discrepancies in height and weight among karate ath- letes originating from Indonesia and those hailing from other nations stem from multifaceted determinants. Among these factors is the variability in genetics and ethnic attrib- utes prevalent within the athlete cohort of each respective country (Ashar et al., 2018; Brown et al., 2017; Squibb et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Each nation harbors a distinct array of variables encompassing genetics, dietary patterns, and levels of physical activity, all of which exert influence on the physical maturation and development of individuals (Alemdaroǧ lu et al., 2017; Baron et al., 2020; Bojkowski et al., 2022; Theodorou et al., 2017). Moreover, prior studies validate that environmental factors like climatic con- ditions, resource accessibility, and economic parameters can impact dietary patterns, levels of physical activity, and other variables influencing an individual's physical matura- tion and development (Bahri et al., 2021; Capling et al., 2021; Harris &

et al., 2017; Baron et al., 2020; Bojkowski et al., 2022; Theodorou et al., 2017). Moreover, prior studies validate that environmental factors like climatic con- ditions, resource accessibility, and economic parameters can impact dietary patterns, levels of physical activity, and other variables influencing an individual's physical matura- tion and development (Bahri et al., 2021; Capling et al., 2021; Harris & Raynor, 2017; Thomas et al., 2016). The results of our study indicate a positive correlation between body fat percentage and punching speed, suggest- ing that individuals with lower body fat percentages tend to exhibit higher punching speeds. Our findings are consistent with previous research demonstrating an association be- tween lower body fat percentage and improved athlete per- formance (Ashtary-Larky et al., 2018; Esco et al., 2018). Previous research has shown that athletes with lower body fat percentages tend to have advantages in terms of strength, speed and endurance, all of which are important factors in achieving optimal performance (Esco et al., 2018; Suarez-Arrones et al., 2019). However, the mean body fat percentage observed among the karate athletes under scrutiny amounted to 20%. Our findings reveal substantial disparities compared to the body fat percentages of karate athletes hailing from Poland (15%) (Ně má & Ružbarský, 2023), Brazil (13%) (Spigolon et al., 2018), and Iran (<15%) (Arazi & Izadi, 2017). We speculate that this striking difference in fat percentage is due to differences in training methods, dietary habits, and over- all physical preparation between Indonesian karate athletes compared to karate athletes from other countries. The results of our research show that the average muscle mass of the karate athletes we studied was 75%. Our results show striking differences in the muscle mass of karate ath- letes from Brazil (56%) (Spigolon et al., 2018), Serbia (89%) (Slankamenac et al., 2021), Poland (70%) (Ně má & Ružbarský, 2023) and Iran (<67%) (Arazi & Izadi, 2017). However, our research findings indicate a positive relation-

2024, Retos, 57, 340-345 © Copyright: Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF) ISSN: Edición impresa: 1579-1726. Edición Web: 1988-2041 (https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/retos/index) -343- Retos, número 57, 2024 (agosto) ship between muscle mass and punch speed in karate ath- letes. This illustrates that the greater the muscle mass an athlete has, the faster the punch speed he can produce. Our results corroborate earlier research indicating a relationship between muscle mass and performance, particularly in terms of punch velocity (Lopez- Laval et al., 2019; Vuković et al., 2023). These findings validate the significant contri- bution of muscle mass in influencing an athlete's capacity to execute efficient and swift punching actions in the context of karate or or martial arts in general (Liu et al., 2023; Quinzi et al., 2022). . Our research findings indicate that the mean muscle bone mass among the karate athletes under study was 2.67 kg. These results align with prior studies reporting bone masses among elite karate athletes in Brazil ranging from 2 to 3.5 kg (Almeida-Neto et al., 2023). Additionally, other research reveals that karate athletes in Europe exhibit a bone mass of approximately 2.5 kg, while those in Asia demonstrate a bone mass of around 2.8 kg (Bridge et al., 2014; Chaabene et al., 2018) The association between bone mass and speed remains relatively unexplored, preventing us from making definitive assertions regarding the correlation between bone mass and punching speed. Nonetheless, existing research suggests that engaging in martial arts activities may potentially en- hance bone mineral density (Almeida-Neto et al., 2023). This augmentation of bone mineral density and alterations in body composition could potentially bolster an athlete's performance and resilience during both training and com- petitive endeavors, thereby potentially lowering the risk of injuries (Chaabene et al., 2018). Given the correlation identified between body compo- sition, specifically fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass, with punch speed in this investigation, these findings reinforce the recommendation for ongoing body composi- tion assessment to enhance the physical and technical profi- ciency of karate athletes, particularly concerning punch speed. A body composition characterized by higher muscle mass

(Chaabene et al., 2018). Given the correlation identified between body compo- sition, specifically fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass, with punch speed in this investigation, these findings reinforce the recommendation for ongoing body composi- tion assessment to enhance the physical and technical profi- ciency of karate athletes, particularly concerning punch speed. A body composition characterized by higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentage exhibits a positive cor- relation in sports emphasizing explosive power and strength (Spigolon et al., 2018), particularly evident in karate where body weight plays a pivotal role. As indicated by our results, the monitoring of anthropometric variables can provide val- uable insights into implementing strategies aimed at opti- mizing body composition and tailoring training regimens to enhance athletes' readiness for competition, strength, and overall performance. The limitations of this study should be acknowledged to contextualize the findings. Firstly, the relatively modest sample size utilized in this research may constrain the gen- eralizability of the results to broader populations of karate practitioners. A larger and more diverse sample would offer greater representation across various skill levels, ages, and training backgrounds within the karate community, thus enhancing the validity and applicability of the findings. Sec- ondly, The accuracy and precision of measurement tech- niques used to assess variables such as body composition and punch speed may vary, potentially introducing measure- ment error and affecting the reliability of the results. Conclusion The results of this investigation revealed a positive cor- relation between body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass with punch speed among karate athletes. Ath- letes exhibiting lower muscle mass and higher body fat tended to demonstrate slower punching speeds. Conse- quently, the assessment of body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass emerges as a valuable tool for improv- ing the technical aspects of training, particularly in enhanc- ing punch speed for karate practitioners. Such evaluations can improve the development of tailored training protocols aimed at optimizing the physical attributes essential for ka- rate performance. References Alemdaroǧ lu, U., Köklü, Y., & Koz, M. (2017). The acute ef- fect of different stretching methods on sprint