Journal of Physical Education and Sport ® (JPES), Vol. 24 (issue 8), Art 217, pp. 1953 - 1963, August 2024
online ISSN: 2247 - 806X; p-ISSN: 2247 – 8051; ISSN - L = 2247 - 8051 © JPES

Original Article
Analysis of physical fitness, body composition, and structure of polish national
Ju-jitsu team members in relation to performance in competitions
TADEUSZ AMBROŻY1, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK2*, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI3, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY4,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA5
1,2
Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Physical Education, 31-571 Kraków, POLAND;
3
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz-Modrzejewski Kraków University, 30-705 , Kraków,
POLAND;
4
University of Rzeszów, POLAND
5
Department of Sport Science Faculty of Social Sciences, Vincent Pol University in Lublin, 20-816 Lublin,
POLAND;
Published online: August 31, 2024
Accepted for publication : August 15, 2024
DOI:10.7752/jpes.2024.08217
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of body composition and physical fitness on theperformance of athletes in the Polish National Ju-Jitsu Team and their effects on performance in competitive
bouts. The focus was on understanding the relationship between physical and physiological parameters and theathletes' effectiveness during three phases of a ju-jitsu fight: standing, transition, and ground fighting. Methods:
The study involved 10 national team athletes who were assessed for body composition, physical fitness, andtechnical-tactical skills. Various fitness tests, body composition measurements, and statistical analyses were
employed to determine correlations between these factors and performance in each fight phase. Results: The
findings indicated no significant correlations between body composition and performance in the first and second
phases of the fight. However, significant correlations were observed in the third phase (ground fighting), where
specific body composition parameters were linked to better performance. The study highlighted the importanceof specialized training, particularly in endurance, speed, and strength maintenance, to prevent fatigue during
fights. Conclusions: The results suggest that tailored training programs focused on the identified areas of
improvement could enhance overall competition performance. While body composition did not correlate withperformance in all fight phases, its impact in the third phase underscores the need for further research. Thesefindings are crucial for optimizing training strategies for ju-jitsu athletes. Coaches should prioritize thedevelopment of special fitness, especially during the transition phase, and ensure comprehensive strengthpreparation to improve athletes' performance in competitions.
Keywords: ju-jitsu, physical fitness, body structure, martial arts, tactical skills
Introduction
Comprehensive physical fitness, as well as proper body structure and proportions, play a crucial role inju-jitsu fights. Questions regarding the relationship between indicators such as efficiency, activity, andeffectiveness with the athlete's level of fitness are often considered by coaches when planning and organizing thetraining process. Selecting training methods without determining these relationships can impact the athlete's
performance(Ambroży et al., 2021a; Ambroży T et al., 2014; Andrade et al., 2019; Manolachi et al., 2023;
Staller, 2013).
The motor requirements for ju-jitsu athletes include both comprehensive and specialized motor
preparation(Marques Junior, 2020). Comprehensive preparation involves developing all fundamental elements ofan athlete's motor skills, referred to as general physical preparation (GPP)(Ambroży et al., 2017; Andrade et al.,2019; Kędra et al., 2023; Zaggelidis et al., 2019). GPP serves as the foundation for an athlete's development,
upon which specialized physical preparation (SPP)(James, 2014; Sterkowicz-Przybycień K, Ambroży T, Jasiński
M, 2014) and proper preparation for specific competitions are built. During the GPP phase, athletes work on
developing strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility, which, once they reach an adequate level, should serve as
the basis for teaching, refining, and developing technical skills according to the specifics of the sport (Adam M.,
Tabakov S., Blach L., Smaruj, 2013; Galan D. & Rata G., 2016; Staller, 2013; Terry, 2006). Depending on theweight category, body type, body proportions, and limb length may influence the techniques used in the fight.
An optimal level of muscle mass with minimal fat is also desirable(Mala et al., 2019; Podstawski et al., 2017;
Sterkowicz-Przybycień et al., 2014).
Sports combat in ju-jitsu (Figure 1) is characterized by high variability in technical-tacticalactions(Ambroży et al., 2021b) and the level and nature of exertion(Ambroży et al., 2023; Kędra et al., 2023;Wąsacz & Pociecha, 2021; Zaggelidis et al., 2019), which requires athletes to adapt to high training loads and----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1953
Corresponding Author: ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, E-mail: lukasz.rydzik@awf.krakow.pl

TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------coaches to use optimal evaluation tools to assess physical fitness levels. Ju-jitsu is an intermittent sport withpredominantly anaerobic exertion (Ambroży T. et al., 2007), where dynamic and maximal strength, coordination,
especially in terms of reaction time and speed changes, and appropriate aerobic efficiency play a keyrole(Ambroży T., 2008; Ferreira Marinho et al., 2016). To maintain high performance during combat and avoid
fatigue, it is essential to maintain an adequate level of muscular energy, which allows for generating the required
strength. These factors depend on aerobic capacity, which underlies all endurance-related movements(Blagrove,2022; Halson, 2014; Ronikier A., 2001). Additionally, there is a relationship between endurance and bodycomposition(Heydenreich et al., 2017; Sidney et al., 1977).

Figure 1. Schematic view of ju-jitsu fighting(Ambroży et al., 2017)
To effectively develop an athlete's potential, it is necessary to monitor their progress through the use of
appropriate fitness tests and body composition assessments(Szopa J. et al., 2000; Thornton et al., 2019). The
timing of these evaluations within the training cycle is also important, as it can allow for adjustments to training
plans, indirectly affecting their outcomes(Brown et al., 2023; Dos’Santos et al., 2019; Sozański, 1999). In thecase of this study, tests and measurements were conducted before the main competitions, enabling trials to be
performed at maximum intensity in a group of athletes optimally prepared for competition.
The results of the conducted studies can provide valuable practical implications for athletes andcoaches. Implementing the findings can help optimize the physical fitness levels and control the body mass andcomposition of ju-jitsu athletes, which can ultimately lead to greater sports success.
The aim of the study is to analyze the level of physical fitness, body structure, and composition ofPolish National Team members in relation to the course of ju-jitsu sports combat, assessed using technical andtactical indicators.
Materials and Methods
Participants The analysis of body composition and fitness levels was conducted on a group of 10
members of the Polish National Team, where the average height of the examined athletes was 181.2 cm, theaverage age was 28 years (27.7), and the training experience was 19 years (18.8). Additionally, the athlete’s
degree of mastery was taken into account (Table 1).
Table 1. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
10 professional ju-jitsu athletes
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Membership in the Polish National Team in Ju-Jitsu
Athletes who are not members of the Polish National Teamin ju-jitsu are excluded from the study
Participants must be between the ages of 25-35
Athletes with current injuries, chronic illnesses, or other
health issues that may affect the study results are excluded
Participants must have at least 15 years of training Individuals with less than 15 years of training experience inexperience in ju-jitsu
ju-jitsu are not eligible for the study
Participants must provide written consent to participate in ndividuals who do not provide written consent to participate
the study and for their personal data to be processed for in the study and for their personal data to be processed areresearch purposes
excludedParticipants must have regularly participated in training and Individuals who have not regularly participated in training
sports competitions over the past two years
and sports competitions over the past two years are excluded
from the study

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TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The research material for evaluating the course of the fight consisted of multimedia recordings of sports
fights that took place during the Senior World Ju-Jitsu Championships (fighting formula) on November 25th and26th, 2016, in Wrocław. The competition was conducted in accordance with the regulations of the International
Ju-Jitsu Federation (JJIF).
Measurement of body structure and general and special Physical Fitness
Body mass was measured using a Tanita BC-601 body composition monitor (Tanita, Tokyo, Japan),whereas the body height was measured using a SECA 2017 body height meter (Seca, Hamburg, Germany).
The physical fitness measurements were conducted using general and specific fitness tests previously
utilized with ju-jitsu athletes(Ambroży et al., 2017, 2021a; Brooks et al., 2005; Nowak M & Ambroży T, 2015;
Sterkowicz & Ambroży T., 1992; Wąsacz et al., 2022). The trials were carried out in October during the athletes'
stay at a sports camp prior to the 2016 World Championships:
1. Classic squat with a barbell. External resistance equal to the body weight of the exerciser. The result is thenumber of squats performed.
2. Classic squat with a barbell with maximum external resistance (the best possible result of the exerciser in kg).
3. Classic bench press with a barbell with external resistance equal to the body weight of the exerciser. The result
is the number of bench presses performed.
4. Classic bench press with a barbell with maximum external resistance (the best possible result of the exerciser
in kg).
5. Special Throwing Ability Test (TSSR).
Before starting the test, a warm-up should be performed, which includes 5 minutes of jogging (moderateintensity), several repetitions of the Ippon Seoi Nage throw at a slow pace to get accustomed to the distance andexercise partners.
The test consists of three effort periods (A = 15s, B and C = 30s each) separated by 10-second breaks.
In each period/series of throws, the thrower (tori) is evaluated based on the maximum number of Ippon Seoi
Nage throws performed on two partners (uke A and B; standing on the mat 6 meters apart). The test scheme ispresented in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Diagram of the Special Throwing Ability Test (TSSR)
Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT)(Drid et al., 2012)
Both uke A and B should have similar body weight and height as tori (the one being tested).
Immediately after the end of period C and after 1 minute, the heart rate is measured.
Required equipment: adhesive tape to mark the 6 m distance on the mat for uke and the starting point
for the thrower, a stopwatch to measure time, and a protocol to record the results. The exertion response wasrecorded using a heart rate monitor S-610i (Polar, Finland).
Measuring the Indicators of Technical and Tactical Training
Analysis of bouts was performed based on digital recordings of tournament fights of the athletes in2016. Three fights of each athlete were analyzed . The recordings were made using three cameras (Sony HDRCX115, Manufacturer, Tokyo, Japan). The video editing program Movavi Video Editor 14 was used to process
the images. The setting of the cameras allowed for continuous observation of the fighting athletes, judges, andthe scoreboard. A single spreadsheet was developed as a primary research tool. The data from the spreadsheets
were entered into Excel software. Then, the values of indices of technical and tactical skills were calculated for
all three stages of the bout. The formulas for calculating the indices were developed and based on the formulas
used for judo, ju-jitsu and kickboxing(Adam et al., 2012; Ambroży et al., 2021b; Rydzik & Ambroży, 2021).
The technical and tactical profile in Ju-jitsu allows coaches to develop a training plan and an
appropriate strategy for the athlete. The indicators of technical and tactical training were computed using thefollowing formulas.
1.

Effectiveness of the attack in the first part of the fight.
EaF1 =
n1 – number of attacks assessed with waza-ari points (1 point)n2 - number of attacks assessed with ippon points (2 points)
1, 2 – point values of successful attacks
N – total number of observed fights----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1955
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TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Effectiveness of attack in the second part of the fight.
EaF2 =
n1 – number of attacks assessed with waza-ari points (1 point)n2 - number of attacks assessed with ippon points (2 points)
1, 2 – point values of successful attacks
N – total number of observed fights
3. Effectiveness of attack in the third part of the fight.
EaF3 =
n1 – number of attacks assessed with waza-ari points (1 point)n2 - number of attacks assessed with ippon points (2 points)
n3 – number of attacks assessed with ippon points (3 points)
1, 2, 3 – point values of successful attacks
N – total number of observed fights
4. Attack efficiency in the first part of the fight.
AeF1 =
x 100
5.

Attack efficiency in the second part of the fight.
AeF2 =
x 100

6.

Attack efficiency in the third part of the fight.
AeF3 =
x 100

7.

Attack activity in the first part of the fight.
AaF1=

a
n

a – sum of attacks
8.

n – – total number of fights by the athlete
Attack activity in the second part of the fight.
AaF2=

9.

a
n

a – sum of attacks
n – – total number of fights by the athlete
Attack activity in the third part of the fight.
AaF3=

a
n

a – sum of attacks
n – – total number of fights by the athlete
Bioethics Committee and Funding
Prior to participation in the tests, the participants were informed about the research procedures, whichwere in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki WMADH (2000). The participant’s
written consent was the inclusion criterion. The research was approved by the Bioethics Committee at theRegional Medical Chamber (No. 42/ KBL/OIL/2015 dated April 15, 2015).
The implementation and analysis of the research, as well as the publication fee, were carried out as partof the project "The impact of plyometric training on the level of physical fitness, physiological indicators, andmuscle damage in basketball players," No. 362/BS/INoS/2024. The study was also funded under the Ministry of
Science and Higher Education’s “Regional Excellence Initiative” program for 2024-2027 (project no.
RID/SP/0027/2024/01) in the amount of PLN 4 053 904,00.
Statistical Analysis
The statistical analysis of the collected data was conducted using the Statistica v.13.1 software from
Statsoft (Tibco). Basic descriptive statistics were calculated, including the mean, median, minimum andmaximum values, the first and third quartiles, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. Spearman’s Rankcorrelation was employed to assess relationships, and the choice of the test was made after checking the
distribution of variables with the Shapiro-Wilk test. A significance level of p<0.05 was adopted for statisticallysignificant differences.
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TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Results
Table 2 presents the descriptive statistics of the body composition of the athletes from the Polish
National Team.
Table 2. Basic descriptive statistics of the body composition of the athletes from the Polish National Team
Body mass - kg
Percentage of body fat - %Muscle mass - kg
Bone mass - kg
Body Mass Index - BMI
Daily Caloric Intake - DCI (kcal)
Metabolic age in years
Body water percentage - %Abdominal fat level

Me
84.1
9.4
71.9
3.8
25.2
4625.0
14.0
67.7
2.5

83.5
9.8
72.1
3.8
25.0
4661.6
16.2
66.6
2.5

Min
61.6
5.6
60.1
3.2
21.4
3800.0
12.0
61.9
1.0

Max
109.4
16.4
87
4.4
29.1
5788
25
69.4
4

Q1
74
5.9
66.3
3.5
22.6
4284
12
65.3
1

Q3
93.4
11.5
77.7
4
27
5122
22
68.2
4

SD
14.3
3.8
8.4
0.4
2.7
608.0
5.3
2.6
1.4

Vz
17.2
38.7
11.7
9.5
10.8
13.0
32.9
3.8
57.3

-Arithmetic mean, Me- Median, Min-Minimum value, Max- Maximum value, Q1- Lower quartile, Q3-Upper
quartile, SD-Standard deviation, Vz- Coefficient of variation
The study results indicate that the average muscle strength level of the lower limbs, verified through asquat with a barbell, was estimated at 147 kg. Meanwhile, muscular endurance, measured by the number ofclassic squats with a barbell with an external resistance equal to the exerciser's body weight, averaged 21.5
repetitions. The chest muscle strength was at a level of 116.5 kg, while the shoulder girdle and back muscle
strength was at 14.8 pull-ups with an overhand grip on a bar (Table 3).
Table 3. Basic Descriptive Statistics of Strength Tests of the Polish National TeamClassic squat with maximum external load(squat record) - kg
Classic squat with external load equal to bodyweight - n
Bench press with maximum external load(bench press record) - kg
Bench press with external load equal to bodyweight - n
Pull-ups with overhand grip - n

Me

Min

Max

Q1

Q3

SD

Vz

147

150

100

180

120

180

30.93

21.04

21.5

21.5

18

26

20

23

2.42

11.23

116.5

110

90

145

105

140

18.72

16.06

9.3

9.5

7

12

8

10

1.57

16.85

14.8

15.5

10

18

13

17

2.66

17.96

The number of throws performed in the Special Throwing Skill Test (TSSR) was 6.4±0.52 in the firstseries, 10.1±0.74 in the second series, and 8.9±0.32 in the third series. The total number of throws performed in
the test ranged from 24 to 27 (Table 4, Figure.3).
Table 4. Basic Descriptive Statistics of the Number of Throws in the TSSR Test
Me

Min

Max

Q1

Q3

SD

Vz

Number of throws in series A (15s) - n

6.4

6

6

7

6

7

0.52

8.07

Number of throws in series B (30s) - n

10.1

10

9

11

10

11

0.74

7.31

Number of throws in series C (30s) - n

8.9

9

8

9

9

9

0.32

3.55

TOTAL number of throws for each athlete - n

25.4

25

24

27

24

27

1.26

4.98

As shown in Table 5, the arithmetic mean of the resting heart rate for the Polish National Team athletes
was 100.1 bpm. After completing the task, it was 190.6 bpm, and after one minute of rest, it was 153.8 bpm.
Additionally, using the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test, it was examined whether there were statistically significant
differences in the heart rate levels at rest, immediately after completing the task, and after one minute of rest
following the task. The study indicated that the differences in heart rate levels were statistically significant p<α(p=0.0000). The highest values were observed in the heart rate immediately after completing the task, 190.6
bpm, and the lowest in the resting heart rate before the task, 100.1 bpm.
Table 5. Basic Descriptive Statistics of Heart Rate Values in the TSSR Test
Me

Min

Max

Q1

Q3

SD

Vz

Resting heart rate before the test - beats·min-1

100.1

99.5

95

106

97

104

4.01 4.01

Heart rate immediately after the test - beats·min-1

190.6

191

185

195

187

194

3.41 1.79

Heart rate after 1 minute of rest following the test - beats·min-1

153.8

154

151

156

152

155

1.75 1.14

Statistical analysis shows that the differences in the number of throws in the examined series are
statistically significant, p<α (p=0.0000). The highest average number of throws is in series B (10.1), and thelowest is in series A (6.4); this is because the trial time in series A is 15 seconds, while in series B, it is 30
seconds (Figure 3).
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TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 3. Average Number of Throws in Series A, B, and C
Using the correlation coefficient, it was checked whether there are relationships between bodycomposition and the efficiency of athletes in combat. The research shows that body composition does not affectefficiency in phases I and II, as well as the average efficiency throughout the fight. Dependencies are present
only in phase III. All significant dependencies are positive, meaning directly proportional; as the analyzed
indicator increases, the attack efficiency in phase III also increases (Table 6).
Table 6. Correlation and test probability between body composition and efficiency in phases I, II, andIII, as well as the average efficiency across the three phases
Ae
Ae
Ae
Average
Body Composition of the Polish National Team Members PHASE I PHASE II PHASE III Ae
Body Mass

Body Fat Percentage

Muscle Tissue Level

Bone Mass

BMI

0.216

-0.06620.65790.4522p=.549p=.856

p=.039p=.1890.24720.03890.6046

0.4678p=.491

p=.915

p=.064

p=.1730.2042-0.1471

0.60680.3803p=.571

p=.685

p=.063p=.2780.2511-0.1484

0.54780.3482p=.484

p=.682p=.101

p=.3240.2359-0.10040.65040.4357

p=.512

p=.783

p=.042

p=.2080.2096-0.14960.57

0.3554

p=.561

p=.680p=.085p=.3140.09090.17080.6246

0.5114p=.803

p=.637

p=.054

p=.131-0.2079-0.0359-0.4763-0.3731

p=.564

p=.922

p=.164

p=.2880.1061

0.187

0.72970.5920p=.771p=.605

p=.017

p=.071

Muscle Tissue Mass

0.2339p=.515

0.0933
p=.7980.605
p=.0640.4895p=.151

Percentage of Fat Tissue-0.0571
p=.8750.3961p=.2570.6885
p=.0280.6269p=.052

DCI (Daily Caloric Intake)

Metabolic Age

Percentage of Water in the Body

Abdominal Fat Level in the Abdominal Cavity*** p< 0,001 There is a very high statistically significant correlation** p< 0,01 There is a high statistically significant correlation* p< 0,05 There is a statistically significant correlation
Ae I - Efficiency of the attack in the first part of the fight. Ae II - Efficiency of the attack in the second part of the fight.. Ae III- Efficiency of the attack in the third part of the fight. Average Ae – Average efficiency of the attack

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TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Using correlation analysis, it was examined whether there are relationships between body structure andcomposition and the activity levels of the athletes. The research indicates that there are no relationships between
the studied indicators (Table 7).
Table 7. Correlation and test probability between body composition and athletes' activity in phases I, II, and III,
as well as the average activity across the three phases
Body Composition of the Polish National Team Members
Body Mass

Body Fat Percentage

Muscle Tissue Level

Bone MassBMI

DCI (Daily Caloric Intake)

Metabolic Age

Percentage of Water in the Body

Abdominal Fat Level in the Abdominal Cavity

Muscle Tissue Mass

Percentage of Fat Tissue

Aa
Aa
Aa
PHASE I PHASE II PHASE III Average Aa
0.0502-0.20130.37880.0456

p=.890p=.577p=.280p=.900-0.3039-0.34260.3409-0.3106

p=.393

p=.332

p=.335p=.3820.1339-0.02460.356

0.1487p=.712

p=.946p=.313

p=.682

0.05320.1376

0.24560.0887p=.884p=.705p=.494p=.807-0.0563-0.1690.316-0.0545

p=.877p=.641p=.374

p=.8810.1209-0.08610.41070.1316

p=.739p=.813

p=.238p=.7170.00930.0475-0.0903

0.0085

p=.980p=.896p=.804

p=.9810.37620.3682-0.32070.3837p=.284

p=.295p=.366p=.274-0.2214-0.19230.1488-0.2252

p=.539p=.595p=.682

p=.532-0.3521-0.40390.3176-0.3667

p=.318p=.247p=.371p=.297-0.3791-0.52280.1229-0.4243

p=.280p=.121p=.735p=.222

Aa I - Activity of the attack in the first part of the fight. Aa II - Activity of the attack in the second part of the fight..
Aa III - Activity of the attack in the third part of the fight. Average Aa – Average Activity of the attack

The study indicates that body composition does not affect effectiveness in phases I and II, nor the
average effectiveness throughout the entire fight. Significant relationships were found between specific bodycomposition parameters and phase III of the fight. Most of these relationships are positive and directly
proportional; as the analyzed indicator increases, the effectiveness of the attack in phase III also increases. These
are significant relationships when correlation coefficients range from 0.64 to 0.75. Only in the case of thepercentage of body water is the relationship negative. The relationship is inversely proportional, meaning that asbody water increases, effectiveness in phase III decreases. This relationship is significant (Table 8).
Table 8. Correlation between body composition and attack effectiveness in phases I, II, and III, as well as theaverage effectiveness across the three phases
Body Composition of the Polish National Team Members
Body Mass

Body Fat Percentage

Muscle Tissue Level

Bone MassBMI

DCI (Daily Caloric Intake)

Ea
Ea
Ea
PHASE I PHASE II PHASE III Average Ea
0.32710.04920.73460.475

p=.356

p=.893

p=.016

p=.1650.0417-0.01610.71460.2129p=.909p=.965

p=.020p=.5550.40690.05870.6846

0.5322

p=.243p=.872

p=.029p=.1130.39690.10920.65730.5286

p=.256

p=.764

p=.039p=.1160.2355-0.02460.64010.3564

p=.512

p=.946

p=.046p=.3120.40310.03850.69250.5262

p=.248p=.916

p=.026

p=.118----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1959
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TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Body Composition of the Polish National Team Members
Metabolic Age

Percentage of Water in the Body

Abdominal Fat Level in the Abdominal Cavity

Muscle Tissue Mass
Percentage of Fat Tissue

Ea
Ea
Ea
PHASE I PHASE II PHASE III Average Ea-0.01450.17510.20320.0806

p=.968p=.629p=.573

p=.8250.02490.0514-0.7036-0.1453

p=.946

p=.888p=.023

p=.689-0.126

0.10810.58020.0658p=.729p=.766

p=.079p=.857-0.0149-0.00240.73970.1745

p=.968p=.995

p=.014

p=.630-0.3428
p=.3320.0162
p=.9650.4607
p=.180-0.1702
p=.638Ea I - Effectiveness of the attack in the first part of the fight. Ea II - Effectiveness of the attack in thesecond part of the fight.. Ea III - Effectiveness of the attack in the third part of the fight. Average Ea – Average
effectiveness of the attack
Discussion
This analysis focused on the physical fitness levels of the Polish National Team athletes, as well as theirbody composition and structure, in relation to the course of ju-jitsu fighting. A fight in this formula consists ofthree stages: the first stage where athletes start with kicks and punches, the second stage which begins after acapture and includes throws and takedowns to the ground, and the third and final stage where athletes on the
ground use joint locks on the arms and legs, or holds and chokes(Ambroży et al., 2017).
The analysis shows that the general physical fitness (mainly assessed through strength tests) of elite jujitsu athletes, in terms of leg strength (squats), is lower than that of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
athletes(Wąsacz et al., 2022) and comparable to other ju-jitsu athletes(Ambroży T et al., 2014). In terms ofshoulder girdle strength (pull-ups), the tested athletes achieved better results than Muay Thai representatives but
significantly worse than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes(Wąsacz et al., 2022). In the bench press test (chest muscle
strength), they scored lower than representatives of both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Wąsacz et al., 2022).
Compared to non-national team ju-jitsu athletes, the tested athletes scored better in both shoulder girdle andchest strength(Ambroży T et al., 2014). These results may indicate significant deficiencies in strength training
among the tested athletes, suggesting that improvements in this type of training could enhance the performancecapabilities of the Polish National Team in ju-jitsu.
The TSSR test conducted during the research allows for determining the proficiency level of the ippon
seoi nage throw technique (which is the most popular and effective throw in ju-jitsu (Chwała W. et al., 2013)), as
well as the specific fitness in terms of speed and endurance required in the second phase of the fight(Sterkowicz,
1995; Sterkowicz, S.; Zuchowicz, A.; Kubica, 1999).
Comparing the results of the tested athletes to judo athletes indicates that in terms of the number ofthrows performed, with a result of 25.4±1.26, they were weaker than the tested adult judo athletes, who scored27.0±2.0 – 28.4±2.0(Drid et al., 2012). Additionally, in terms of fatigue level (heart rate after the test 190.6±3.4)
and speed of recovery (heart rate after one minute of rest 153.8±1.75), they also performed worse (heart rate
ranging from 180.1±10.0 to 186±11.0 and from 151.9±18.1 to 165±13)(Drid et al., 2012). Although, in terms ofrecovery level, they achieved average values compared to the tested judokas. These results indicate room for
improvement in the specialized training of throws as well as in the levels of specific endurance and speed within
the Polish National Team in sport ju-jitsu. Focusing on these parameters during training could further enhancetheir proficiency, which should translate into better competition results.
Investigating the relationships between body composition and technical-tactical training indicators, it
was observed that there were no significant relationships in most cases. Significant relationships were found only
between specific parameters of body composition, efficiency, and effectiveness of the attack in the third phase of
the fight. This indicates that body composition may be important during ground fighting. Similar conclusions arealso presented by other authors(Almeda et al., 2023; Evans et al., 2022).
Limitations of the Study
As with most studies, the design of the present work is subject to certain limitations. The analysis
included only athletes competing at the elite level of sports competitions. In the future, comparing athletes withdifferent levels of advancement may lead to more comprehensive comparisons. Another limitation was the lackof current data on the specificity and sensitivity of the fitness tests used. To take into account themultidimensional context, it is recommended to conduct evaluation studies for specific motor tests in the field of
ju-jitsu.
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TADEUSZ AMBROŻY, ŁUKASZ RYDZIK, KRZYSZTOF KASICKI, ZBIGNIEW MAŁODOBRY,ANDRZEJ KĘDRA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conclusions
Our research indicates areas for improvement in the training of the Polish National Ju-Jitsu Team,
specifically in the realm of special fitness and strength preparation.
No correlations were found between body composition and athlete activity, nor between efficiency and attack
effectiveness in the first and second phases of the fight. However, correlations were identified between certain
body composition parameters and efficiency and attack effectiveness in the third phase of the fight.
The analyses conducted suggest the need for further research in this area to better understand the relationships
between various body composition parameters and the performance outcomes achieved by ju-jitsu athletes.
Ultimately, the knowledge gained could help optimize training programs, thereby enhancing the efficiency,
activity, and effectiveness of athletes during matches.
Practical Implication
In sports training, particular attention should be paid to developing special fitness, especially in relation
to the second phase of the fight, as well as comprehensive strength preparation.
Funding: The study was funded under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education’s “Regional 430
Excellence Initiative” program for 2024-2027 (project no. RID/SP/0027/2024/01) in the amount of 431 PLN 4
053 904,00 and the project "The impact of plyometric training on the level of physical fitness, physiologicalindicators, and muscle damage in basketball players," No. 362/BS/INoS/2024
Institutional Review Board Statement: The research was approved by the Bioethics Committee at theRegional Medical Chamber (No. 42/ KBL/OIL/2015 dated April 15, 2015)
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available upon request from theConflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest
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