Analysis of Kata Performances in Top Level Events: Athletic and Technical Score

BACKGROUND: The World Karate Federation introduced for a very first-time the new scoring system consisting of technical and athletic score, applied from 2019 in kata competitions. PROBLEM AND AIM: The aim of our study was to identify differences in performances of top-level karatekas comparing mean: a) scores between genders, b) score differences across categories and c) rounds, d) scores required to pass to next round, e) to win medal match across categories under new scoring system applied in most important karate kata events. METHODS: We obtained 2478 individual kata point lists performances of 2021 Karate 1 events. RESULTS: Male competitors received significantly higher average athletic and total scores than female competitors (p<.001 resp. (p<.036). Athletes in older age categories scored higher than those in younger ones (p<.05 – p<.01) and the same applies to the medallists (p<.001). Scores also increased significantly from round to round (p<.001). In 2021, the average score required to win a medal match was 25.51 ± 1.03. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight score differences based on gender, age category, and competition round. These findings can help athletes assess their current performance level in comparison to top-level competitors.