Almansba, Franchini and Sterkowicz Judo Specific Test Proposal (2007) Commentary

The present commentary is aimed to contribute to the improvement of the judo specific test proposal elaborated and validated by Almansba, Franchini and Sterkowicz (2007) 1) with the aim of evaluating specifically the physical fitness of competing judo practitioners, 2) wishing the test to be representative both qualitatively and quantitatively of the effort sustained by the practitioners. All alone, the test proposal, which utilizes rapid repetitions of one judo technique off-balancing and body positioning by the same practitioner (Uchi-komi) may be usable instead of three non-judo specific tests: the vertical jump test of Sargent (1921), the multistage fitness test of Léger et al. (1984) and the Australian shuttle run test described by Cazorla et al. (2004). However, the judo specific test proposal 1) specificity is still to be increased and must ideally turn into test individualization (using the proposal as a template), as in judo, trained individuals have favorite techniques they use in preference to others; 2) represents competing judo practitioners efforts quantitatively but not qualitatively (throws are represented, but neither hold downs, arm-locks, strangle holds nor chokeholds); 3) brings subjects to physiological exhaustion but psychological exhaustion emotional component is left out of account. Uchi-komi utilized by the test proposal could better be replaced by continual completions of variable judo techniques by the same practitioner (Kakari-geiko) which allow the practitioner who is attacking by means of judo techniques (Tori) to utilize linked up techniques. Nevertheless, to date, the test proposed for assessing the suitability of judo practitioners to meet competition demands is the most judo specific and the most economic.