DEVELOPMENT OF UPPER BODY STRENGTH IN SEOI-NAGE TECHNIQUE WITH REFERENCE TO KUZUSHI IN MALE INTERMEDIATE JUDO PLAYERS
R.M.D.L. Rajasingha1* and S. Othalawa2
1Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Diyagama, Sri Lanka, 2Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya
Session: Technical Session D
Abstract
Upper body strength is a key factor influencing throwing performance in judo, particularly in techniques such as Seoi-Nage, where balance-breaking (kuzushi), timing, and explosive force generation are crucial. The specific impact of upper body strength training on Seoi-Nage performance remains underexplored in the Sri Lankan judo context. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week upper body strength training program in enhancing Seoi-Nage performance with reference to kuzushi in intermediatelevel male judo players. Ten national-level judokas (N = 10; age > 30 years) were purposively assigned to two groups (IG = 5, CG = 5). Both groups continued regular judo training, while the treatment group received additional upper-body strength training three times per week, 2 hours per day for eight weeks. Pre- and post-tests measured 1RM Bench Press, Push-up Test, Medicine Ball Throw, and kuzushi performance via randori-based evaluation. Descriptive statistics and mixed-design ANOVA were used to analyze time, group, and interaction effects. A significant interaction was observed in 1RM Bench Press (p = 0.000), Push-up Test (! = 0.000), Medicine Ball Throw (p = 0.000), and kuzushi (p = 0.000). A significant main time effect was found in all variables (p = 0.000), and between-group analysis revealed a significant difference in kuzushi performance (p < 0.05) favoring the treatment group. These results suggest that the intervention led to meaningful improvements in upper body strength and Seoi-Nage performance both physiologically and technically. The results indicate that upper-body strength training may contribute to improving Seoi-Nage performance and could be considered as part of training routines for intermediate judokas.
Keywords: Judo, Kuzushi, performance, Seoi-Nage, strength training
DOI: 10.64752/LXNF2956