Kinematic comparison of the seoi-nage judo technique between elite and college athletes

• Published in: Sports biomechanics Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 238 - 250
• Main Authors: Ishii, Takanori, Ae, Michiyoshi, Suzuki, Yuta, Kobayashi, Yasuto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Ltd 01.06.2018
• Subjects: Biomechanical Phenomena - physiology; Cameras; Humans; Kinematics; Male; Martial arts; Martial Arts - physiology; Motor Skills - physiology; Movement - physiology; Posture - physiology; Shoulder - physiology; Student athletes; Time and Motion Studies; Velocity; Three-dimensional motion analysis; nage-waza; judo throwing technique; martial arts
• ISSN: 1476-3141; 1752-6116
• DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1284256

This study sought to identify biomechanical factors that determine fast and skilful execution of the seoi-nage (shoulder throw) technique by comparing kinematics between elite and college judo athletes. Three-dimensional motion data were captured using a VICON-MX system with 18 cameras operating at 250 Hz as three male elite and seven male college judo athletes performed seoi-nage. No significant difference was found in motion phase time of the turning phase between the two groups, indicating that motion phase time is not necessarily a factor contributing quickness in seoi-nage. The maximum relative velocity of the whole body centre of mass along the anterior-posterior direction was significantly greater in the elite athletes (2.74 ± 0.33 m/s) than in the college athletes (1.62 ± 0.47 m/s) during the turning phase (p = 0.023). The overall angular velocity of the body part lines, particularly the arm line, tended to be greater in the elite athletes (p = 0.068). The results imply that the velocity of the thrower relative to the opponent in the forward drive and turning motion reflects high skill seoi-nage. Coaches should recognise the relative forward velocity as a factor that may contribute to a successful seoi-nage when teaching the judo throw technique.