The Influence of the Practiced Karate Style on the Dexterity and Strength of the Hand

Abstract

Background: The need for a strong grip in ‘ground’ martial arts is undisputed, but it is not obvious in karate. It may be expected that in the case of advanced karate fighters where dynamic combat movements dominate, the level of speed skills will be high. However, does the karate style affect the Ditrich rod dexterity and the strength of the players’ handshake? Methods: 39 participants were analyzed, all of whom were elite karate fighters—21 in the Kyokushin style (age: 31.4 ± 6.3; body weight: 77.2 ± 18.2 kg) and 18 in the Shotokan style (age: 23.3 ± 11.8 years; body weight: 70.9 ± 14.2 kg). They performed the following: a test of reaction speed and dexterity with a Ditrich rod, and a hand grip strength test with a dynamometer. Results: The data shows that there is no difference in the Ditrich rod test for both the left and right hand among the analyzed Kyokushin and Shotokan fighters. Significant differences were recorded in the grip strength of both hands (p < 0.05). There is a positive correlation between the strength of the grip on both hands (r = 0.593; p < 0.05). Discussion: Kyokushin-style karate players have a higher grip strength than those trained in the Shotokan style. Perhaps this is due to differences in the preparation for fights. The analysis showed no statistical significance in the Ditrich rod test. It is probable that the level of dexterity in karate is independent of the training canon.