Analysis of gyaku tsuki in Karate: Injury risk and fitness implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64268/jospa.v1i1.10Keywords:
gyaku tsuki, biomechanics, injury prevention, physical fitnessAbstract
Background: Karate, a traditional martial art, involves various techniques that require a deep understanding of biomechanics to optimize performance and minimize injury risks. One such technique, gyaku tsuki (reverse punch), is frequently used in competitive kumite. However, limited biomechanical analysis focuses on this technique. Aims: This study aims to analyze the biomechanics of gyaku tsuki, identifying the key movement phases, potential injury risks, and the necessary physical fitness components. It also explores the implications of biomechanical optimization for performance and injury prevention. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed using video analysis of one elite karate athlete, BK, a specialist in the -55 kg kumite category. Data was collected from the official YouTube page of the athlete on October 29, 2021. The video was analyzed using Kinovea software for biomechanical motion analysis. Triangulation was performed by comparing the video analysis with interviews from the coach and direct observation of the athlete during competition. Results: The study identified critical factors such as proper foot alignment and body rotation that influence punch effectiveness. Incorrect foot positioning and misalignment of the knee during execution were found to increase injury risk. The analysis also highlighted the importance of physical fitness, particularly power, speed, and coordination, for executing an optimal gyaku tsuki. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for biomechanically informed training methods to improve performance and reduce injury risks. Training should focus on optimizing body alignment, strength, and flexibility to enhance the effectiveness of gyaku tsuki.
References
Adams, K., Kiefer ,Adam, Panchuk ,Derek, Hunter ,Adam, MacPherson ,Ryan, & and Spratford, W. (2020). From the field of play to the laboratory: Recreating the demands of competition with augmented reality simulated sport. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(5), 486–493. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019.1706872
Almas, K. Z., Lismadiana, L., Tomoliyus, T., Hariono, A., Danardono, D., Prabowo, T. A., & Hikmah, N. (2023). Contribution of Coordination, Balance, Flexibility, Arm Muscle Strength to The “Kizami-Gyaku Zuki” Punch: Analysis of Female Karate Athletes. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v10i4.5097
Beránek, V., Votápek ,Petr, & and Stastny, P. (2023). Force and velocity of impact during upper limb strikes in combat sports: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Biomechanics, 22(8), 921–939. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1778075
Blanco Ortega, A., Isidro Godoy, J., Szwedowicz Wasik, D. S., Martínez Rayón, E., Cortés García, C., Ramón Azcaray Rivera, H., & Gómez Becerra, F. A. (2022). Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: A Review in the Sports Combat Ambit Highlighting Wearable Sensors. Sensors, 22(13), Article 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22134905
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Doder, D., Radišić, L., Mujanović, R., & Mojsilović, Z. (2023). Impact of Morphological Characteristics and Motor Skills when Performing Gyaku tsuki. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Do Esporte, 29. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202329012021_0503
Ervilha, F. de M. F. R. B. W. V. F. da S. A. P. X. L. U. F. (2017). Biomechanical methods applied in martial arts studies. Biomechanical Methods Applied in Martial Arts Studies, 28(3), Article 3.
Ervilha, U. F., Fernandes ,Fernando de Moraes, Souza ,Camila Carvalho de, & and Hamill, J. (2020). Reaction time and muscle activation patterns in elite and novice athletes performing a taekwondo kick. Sports Biomechanics, 19(5), 665–677. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1515244
Franchini, E., Ouergui, I., & Chaabene, H. (2015). Physiological Characteristics of Karate Athletes and Karate-Specific Tasks. In H. Chaabene (Ed.), Karate Kumite: How to Optimize Performance. OMICS Group International.
Gallaher, D. M. (2013). 3D Analysis of Punching Technique: Reverse Vs. Lead. California State University.
Gavagan, C. J., & Sayers, M. G. L. (2017). A biomechanical analysis of the roundhouse kicking technique of expert practitioners: A comparison between the martial arts disciplines of Muay Thai, Karate, and Taekwondo. PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0182645. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0182645
Goethel, M. F., Vilas-Boas, J. P., Machado, L., Ervilha, U. F., Moreira, P. V. S., Bendilatti, A. R., Hamill, J., Cardozo, A. C., & Gonçalves, M. (2023). Performance, Perceptual and Reaction Skills and Neuromuscular Control Indicators of High-Level Karate Athletes in the Execution of the Gyaku tsuki Punch. Biomechanics, 3(3), 415–424. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics3030034
Gurín, D., & Podmajerský, J. (2025). Relationship Between Core System, Strike Strength and Strike Speed in Combat Sports. Physiotherapy Review, 29(1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.5114/phr.2025.148701
Harris, D. J., Bird, J. M., Smart, P. A., Wilson, M. R., & Vine, S. J. (2020). A Framework for the Testing and Validation of Simulated Environments in Experimentation and Training. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00605
Ionete, G. L., Mereuta, E., Mereuta, C., Tudoran, M. S., & Ganea, D. (2011). Experimental Study on Kinematics of Gyaku-Tsuki Punch. University of Galati.
Payton, C. J., & Bartlett, R. M. (2008). Biomechanical Evaluation of Movement in Sport and Exercise. Routledge.
Kacprzak, J., Mosler, D., Tsos, A., & Wąsik, J. (2025). Biomechanics of Punching—The Impact of Effective Mass and Force Transfer on Strike Performance. Applied Sciences, 15(7), 4008. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15074008
Maqbool, A., Jamil, S., & Haq, M. Z. ul. (2024). Role of Strength Training on Body Composition and Karate Performance of School Children. Global Physical Education & Sports Sciences Review, VII(II), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.31703/gpessr.2024(VII-II).03
Martínez de Quel, Ó., Ara, I., Izquierdo, M., & Ayán, C. (2020). Does Physical Fitness Predict Future Karate Success? A Study in Young Female Karatekas. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(6), 868–873. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0435
Pal, S., Joginder, Y., Kalra, S., & Sindhu, B. (2020). Injury Profile in Karate Athletes- A Literature Review. Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(13). https://doi.org/10.31838/jcr.07.09.211
Panchal, R., Rizvi, M. R., Sharma, A., Ahmad, F., Hasan, S., Shaik, A. R., Seyam, M. K., Uddin, S., Ahamed, W. M., Iqbal, A., & Alghadir, A. H. (2025). Comparing the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ warm-up and conventional warm-up in enhancing cyclist performance and mitigating injury risk. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 9430. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91005-z
Rinaldi, M., Nasr ,Yasmen, Atef ,Ghada, Bini ,Fabiano, Varrecchia ,Tiwana, Conte ,Carmela, Chini ,Giorgia, Ranavolo ,Alberto, Draicchio ,Francesco, Pierelli ,Francesco, Amin ,Mokhtar, Marinozzi ,Franco, & and Serrao, M. (2018). Biomechanical characterization of the Junzuki karate punch: Indexes of performance. European Journal of Sport Science, 18(6), 796–805. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1455899
Stellingwerff, T., Burke, L. M., Caldwell, H. G., Gathercole, R. J., McNeil, C. J., Napier, C., Purcell, S. A., Boegman, S., Johnson, E., Hoar, S. D., Coates, A. M., Bennett, E. V., McKay, A. K. A., Heikura, Ida. A., Joyner, M. J., & Burr, J. F. (2025). Integrative Field-Based Health and Performance Research: A Narrative Review on Experimental Methods and Logistics to Conduct Competition and Training Camp Studies in Athletes. Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02227-0
VencesBrito, A. M., Rodrigues Ferreira, M. A., Cortes, N., Fernandes, O., & Pezarat-Correia, P. (2011). Kinematic and Electromyographic Analyses of a Karate Punch. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 21(6), 1023–1029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2011.09.007
Venkatraman, J., & Nasiriavanaki, M. (2019). Biomechanics of Kumite Style Gyaku tsuki in Karate. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.26717/BJSTR.2019.14.002550
Verheul, J., Nedergaard ,Niels J., Vanrenterghem ,Jos, & and Robinson, M. A. (2020). Measuring biomechanical loads in team sports – from lab to field. Science and Medicine in Football, 4(3), 246–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2019.1709654
Wang, J., Li, C., & Zhou, X. (2024). Decoding the court: Insights into basketball training and performance optimization through time-motion analysis. Education and Information Technologies, 29(18), 24459–24488. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12783-z
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Rozi, F., Nasir, M. Z. M., Hasan, S. N.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.