The Effect of Functional Training on Special Fitness, Power, and Muscle Endurance of Judo Athletes in the Train-to-Train Stage

Judo is a martial art that requires good physical strength abilities and is by its nature. However, observations in the field still rarely apply strength training models other than weight training using strength machines. Specifically, athletes should be given a more specific and varied training model at the train-to-train stage, because it still has significant benefits. This study aims to test a modern training model called functional training on the specific fitness, power, and muscle endurance of Judo athletes at the train-to-train stage. This study used an experimental method by providing a functional training program to 32 judo athletes within six weeks. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used in this study. The Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), the Medicine Ball Test (MBT), and the 1-minute Push Up Test (PUT) were used as instruments that were conducted twice by the subjects. This study used the Shapiro-Wilk and t-tests as data analysis methods. The study's findings indicate that while there is no discernible gain in muscle endurance, functional training exercises enhance fitness, particularly Judo power. This study concluded that athletes using functional training strategies showed significant improvements in strength and judo but no significant improvements in muscular endurance. Finding methods to help judo fighters improve their muscular endurance in the train-to-train stage of their careers will require further research.