Physiologic profile of tae kwon do black belts

The purpose of this study was to develop a physiologic profile of 14 male Tae Kwon Do black belts whose exclusive mode of regular exercise was Tae Kwon Do training (2 to 3 days per week). Measures included the cardiorespiratory variables at rest and at maximal exercise of heart rate, oxygen consumption, blood pressure, and lung volumes; anthropometric measures included percent body fat as determined by hydrodensitometry. Other measures were flexibility, strength, and muscular endurance. The results of this study suggest that the practice of Tae Kwon Do places little emphasis on the development of cardiovascular fitness and strength but much emphasis on the development of flexibility, which may decrease the chance of injury. The highly specific training for speed, flexibility, coordination, power, and balance, however, may account for the low cardiovascular and strength capabilities when compared with other athletes. It is suggested that participants in Tae Kwon Do training who desire an aerobic benefit should supplement practice time with a specific endurance aerobic activity.