The Effect of Resistance Band and Push-Up Training on the Speed of Gyaku Tsuki Strikes in Karate Athletes Aged 9–17 Years

Abstract

Background: This research was motivated by the low speed of gyaku tzuki strikes by karate athletes and the suboptimal training methods used. Aims: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of resistance band training and push-ups on improving the speed of gyaku tzuki strikes by karate athletes aged 9–17 years at the Kulim Dojo in Pekanbaru. Methods: This study used a quantitative approach with an experimental method and a one-group pre-test post-test design. The study sample consisted of 20 athletes selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument used in this study was the gyaku tzuki punch speed test to measure an athlete's ability to perform rapid punches within 30 seconds. The number of valid and properly executed punches was recorded as the athletes’ punch speed score. Data analysis was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, Levene's homogeneity test, and the paired-samples t-test. Results: The homogeneity test showed that the data were homogeneous (Sig. = 0.305 > 0.05). The paired sample t-test results indicated a significant improvement in gyaku tzuki punch speed after the training intervention, with the mean score increasing from 35.05 to 37.60 (Sig. = 0.000 < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that resistance band and push-up training significantly improved the punch speed of karate athletes. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that both training methods are effective in increasing the speed of gyaku tzuki punches in karate athletes.

Keywords: Resistance Bands, Push-ups, Punching Speed, Gyaku Tzuki, Karate.