Performance of novice’s judokas in physical field tests after a block of unloaded muscle strengthening

Objective: In Judo, many beginners participate to competitions without being in good physical condition despite the risks involved. The objective of this study was to measure the changes in physical performance induced by an unloaded muscle strengthening (MS) program in novice judoka. Method: 24 male judoka students, all at maximum blue belt level (21.8 ± 2.1 years; 171.7 ± 7.9 cm; 70.1 ± 8.6 kg), were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG), undergoing a 6-week block of MS, while the control (CG), which followed the usual technical training. The subjects’ performance on counter movement jump, Yo-Yo IRT2 and Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) were measured before, three weeks after and just at the end of the training period. Results: After 6 weeks, the SJFT index decreased by 14.7% (p = 0.004), while the O2max, reactivity index and left hand grip strength increased by 2.3% (p = 0.01), 12.14% (p = 0.01) and 8.32% (p = 0.006) respectively in the EG group. In the CG group, non-significant differences were observed in all performances. Conclusion: The MS program enhanced the general and specific physical performance of novice judokas over a period of six week. In order to facilitate access to high performance, it should be systematically integrated into the physical preparation of young beginner judokas.