# The Impact of Karate and Yoga on Children's Physical Fitness: A 10-Week Intervention Study
## 1 Introduction  
Physical activity is a crucial element in the proper development of a child. The maintenance of this activity at an appropriate level can effectively reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases in children, such as excessive weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, or depression. An adequate level of physical activity not only supports physical development but also plays a key role in shaping the mental and emotional health of a young person [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Many studies have shown that regular physical activity in children not only benefits cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength but also enhances cognitive functions like memoryand attention span. Furthermore, active children are less likely to develop conditions like anxiety and attention disorders [6,7] Over the last twenty years, there has been a consistent trend of decreasing time devoted to physical activity among children. The World Health Organization has outlined guidelines for physical activity that should be met to ensure proper child development and reduce the complications of hypokinesia. Children and adolescents aged 5-17 should engage in an average of at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise daily throughout the week. High-intensity exercises, including those that strengthen muscles and bones, should be practiced at least three days a week. However, current reports indicate that these guidelines are not met by 78% of boys and 85% of girls [8]. The older the child, the less likely they are to meet the WHO recommendations. This is an alarming signal, highlighting the need to intensify efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and to increase the availability and attractiveness of physical activity options for children [9, 10, 11, 12]. The increased use of technology by children has led to a decrease in their physical activity. Children now find spending time watching online content or playing games on computers and mobile devices more appealing. The effects of this trend are already visible, as more and more children experience health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Thus, it is crucial to identify forms of physical activity that are both effective and engaging for the younger generation [13, 14, 15]. The literature highlights the numerous benefits of participating in additional physical activities. Active individuals tend to be fitter, suffer less frequently from lifestyle-related diseases, and maintain better mental stability and well-being. In recent years, yoga and karate have gained popularity as effective exercises that support both physical and mental development in children. Yoga, with its focus on flexibility, breathing, and balance, and karate, which promotes strength, coordination, and self-discipline, can serve as alternatives to more traditional forms of physical activity. Research on yoga highlights its significant benefits in improving balance and flexibility, reducing stress, and enhancing concentration. Similarly, studies on karate and other martial arts demonstrate their positive impact beyond physical fitness, including boosting self-confidence, reducing aggression, and building greater resilience to stress. Together, these activities provide a holistic approach to addressing the diverse challenges faced by children in this age group as they navigate the complexities of growth and development [16, 17, 18, 19]. This study aimed to assess how the physical fitness of school-aged children between 10 and 13 years old changes over 10 weeks when they participated in two training sessions weekly. Importantly, these general fitness classes incorporated elements of yoga and karate [20, 21, 22, 23]. The findings of this study may offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of karate and yoga as developmental activities for enhancing physical fitness in children, serving as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity among this age group.