COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING WITH ADDITIONAL LOAD ON MOTOR FITNESS AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATHLETES
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Nov 2, 2025
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Đorđe Hajder
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7399-2063
Bojan Bjelica
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5539-8210
Nikola Aksović
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5312-3456
Tatiana Dobrescu
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7397-7969
Saša Bubanj
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7548-3321
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7399-2063
Bojan Bjelica
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5539-8210
Nikola Aksović
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5312-3456
Tatiana Dobrescu
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7397-7969
Saša Bubanj
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7548-3321
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training on motor fitness and morphological characteristics of combat sports athletes — judokas and jiu-jitsu practitioners. The sample consisted of 40 participants (20 judokas and 20 jiu-jitsu athletes) who attended an eight-week experimental program with four training sessions per week. The resistance training program was performed at an intensity of 80% of each athlete’s individual maximum capacity. Motor fitness was assessed using tests for squats, sit-ups, standing long jump, forward bend on a bench, and the 10×5 m shuttle run, while morphological variables included measurements of body mass, arm, thigh, chest, and waist circumference. The results showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in most motor fitness tests in both groups, indicating a positive impact of the resistance training program. Jiu-jitsu athletes achieved better results in trunk strength and flexibility tests (sit-ups and forward bend), whereas judokas were superior in explosive strength and speed tests (squat, standing long jump, and 10×5 m shuttle run). Although some changes in morphological parameters were recorded, the differences between groups were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that resistance training has a positive effect on the motor abilities of combat sports athletes, although specific adaptations depend on the nature of each sport. The results provide a basis for designing targeted training programs in accordance with the demands of individual combat disciplines.
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Keywords
combat sports, judo, jiu-jitsu, motor abilities, morphological characteristics, resistance training
References
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37. Sertic, H. (2004). Basics of martial arts. Zagreb: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
38. Sertic, H., Segedi, I., & Žvan, M. (2007). Relations of certain anthropometric variables with the performance quality of throwing techniques in judo. Kinesiologia Slovenica, 13(1), 48-60.
39. Sertić, H., Segedi, I., Cvetkovič, Č., & Baić, M. (2008). Influence of a programmed judo training on changes of anthropological features in children attending sports schools. In 2nd international scientific conference of experts-researchers on Martial arts and Humanists (pp. 31-31).
40. Stachoń, A., Burdukiewicz, A., Pietraszewska, J., & Andrzejewska, J. (2015). A comparative analysis of male judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners based on motor performance and body build. Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts, 6(2), 53-58.
41. Steele, J., Fisher, J., McGuff, D., Bruce-Low, S., & Smith, D. (2012). Resistance training to momentary muscular failure improves cardiovascular fitness in humans: a review of acute physiological responses and chronic physiological adaptations. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 15(3), 53-80.
42. Sugden, JT (2021). Jiu-jitsu and society: male mental health on the mats. Sociology of Sport Journal, 38(3), 218-230.
43. Vidal Andreato, L., Franzói de Moraes, SM, Del Conti Esteves, JV, Regina de Araújo Pereira, R., Lopes de Moraes Gomes, T., Vidal Andreato, T., & Franchini, E. (2012). Physiological responses and rate of perceived exertion in Brazilian jiu- jitsu athletes. Kinesiology, 44(2), 173-181.
44. Wąsacz, W., Rydzik, Ł., Ouergui, I., Koteja, A., Ambroży, D., Ambroży, T., ... & Rzepko, M. (2022). Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8451.
45. Zovko, N. (2020). Judo (Doctoral dissertation). University of Pula, Faculty of Educational Sciences.
46. Žuvela, F., Glibić, M., & Maleš, B. (2007). The influence of additional athletic training on changes in the morphological characteristics of seven-year-old boys. In B. Maleš, Đ. Miletić, N. Rausavljević, & M. Kondrič (Eds.), Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference - Contemporary Kinesiology (pp. 258–261). Split: Faculty of Kinesiology; Mostar: Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Education; Ljubljana: Faculty of Sport.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition. Asian journal of sports medicine, 4(2), 137-143.
2. Błach, W., Wąsacz, W., Rydzik, Ł., & Ambroży, T. (2023). In search of motor efficiency in grappling sports: A comparative analysis of judo and Brazilian jiu– jitsu (BJJ) athletes. Proceedings Book, 99-108.
3. Bompa, T. (2005). Bompa, T. (2005). Comprehensive training for young winners. Gopal doo, Zagreb.
4. Bratić, M., Đurašković, R., & Ranđelović, J. (2002). Morphological and functional status of school children and children of judo players. In Proceedings of FIS Communications (pp. 30–33).
5. Bratić, M., Drid, P., Nurkić, M., & Obadov, S. (2006). The effects of specific preliminary exercises on the quality of knowledge and execution success of judo techniques. Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education and Sport, 4(2), 125-135.
6. Doder, L. R., Doder, D., Vidranski, T., & Duđak, L.(2021). Influence of Karate Training on Morphological Characteristics, Motor Abilities and Skills in Boys. Croatian Journal of Education: Hrvatski časopis za odgoj i obrazovanje, 23(2.), 545-568.
7. Drid, P., Bala, G., & Obadov, S. (2010). The differences in motor and cognitive abilities between the more and less successful 12-14 year old judokas. Archives of Budo, 6(2), 95-100.
8. Findak, V. (1995) Methodology of physical and health culture in preschool education, Zagreb: School book.
9. Findak, V. (1999). Methodology of physical and health culture. Zagreb: School book.
10. Franchini, E., Takito, M. Y., & Bertuzzi, R. D. M. (2005). Morphological, physiological and technical variables in high-level college judoists. Archives of Budo, 1(1), 1-7.
11. Franchini, E., Nunes, AV, Moraes, JM, & Del Vecchio, FB (2007). Physical fitness and anthropometrical profile of the Brazilian male judo team. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 26(2), 59-67.
12. Franchini, E., Takito, MY, Kiss, MAPDM, & Strerkowicz, S. (2005). Physical fitness and anthropometrical differences between elite and non-elite judo players. Biology of sports, 22(4), 315.
13. Gamilec, T. (2020). The difference in motor abilities of preschool children with regard to involvement in extra-kindergarten sports programs (Doctoral dissertation, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education, Chair of Kinesiology Education)
14. Heimer, S. (2018). Health kinesiology. Zagreb: Fitness School.
15. Ilić, V., Mudrić, M., Kasum, G., Ćirković, M., & Gavrilović, D. (2012). Morphological and motor characteristics of young judokas. Physical Culture, 66(2).
16. Janssen, I., & LeBlanc, AG (2010). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 1-16.
17. u-Jitsu European Union. (2015). Ju-jitsu as a sport.
18. Kosinac, Z. (2011). Morphological-motor and functional development of children ages 5 to 11. Split. Split School Sports Association.
19. Krstulović, S. (2004). The influence of programmed judo treatment on changes in some anthropological characteristics of seven-year-old boys and girls. (Master’s thesis, Faculty of Kinesiology). Zagreb: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
20. Kubo, J., Chishaki, T., Nakamura, N., Muramatsu, T., Yamamoto, Y., Ito, M., ... & Kukidome, T. (2006). Differences in fat-free mass and muscle thicknesses at various sites according to performance level among judo athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 20(3), 654-657.
21. Kuleš, B. (1990). The influence of the strength of the upper limb on the speed and frequency of movement. Kinesiology, 22(1.-2.), 49-53.
22. Leyk, D., Gorges, W., Ridder, D., Wunderlich, M., Rüther, T., Sievert, A., & Eßfeld, D. (2007). Hand-grip strength of young men, women and highly trained female athletes. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 99, 415-421.
23. Malacko, J. (1997). Situational modeling in sports training. Belgrade: Sports Academy.
24. Milanović, D. (2010). Theory and methodology of training. Zagreb: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
25. Milanović, D. (2013). Theory of training - Kinesiology of sports. Zagreb: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
26. Milanović, L. (2007). Training theory. Zagreb: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
27. Milošević, M. (2015). Effects of different karate disciplines on physiological, motor and morphological characteristics of top athletes (Doctoral dissertation). University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sports and Physical Education.
28. Mišigoj-Duraković, M. (2008). Kinanthropology, Biological aspects of physical exercise. Zagreb: Zelina doo.
29. Øvretveit, K. (2018). Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32, 997–1004.
30. Pietraszewska, J., Burdukiewicz, A., Stachoń, A., Andrzejewska, J., Stefaniak, T., & Witkowski, K. (2014). Body Build and the Level of Development of Muscle Strength Among Male Jiu-Jitsu Competitors and Strength-Trained Adults. Human Movement, 15, 134-140.
31. Prskalo, I. (2004). Basics of kinesiology, textbook for students in teacher training schools. Petrinja: TeacherTraining College.
32. Prskalo, I. & Sporiš, G. (2016). Kinesiology. Zagreb: School book.
33. Refereeing rules of the International Judo Federation. Edition 2014- 2016. IJF Lausanne Office. 1007 Lausanne SWITZERLAND. Avenue FrédéricCésar-de- La-Harpe 49. Switzerland
34. Savić, Z., Ranđelović, N., Stojanović, N., Stanković, V., & Šiljak, V. (2018). The sports industry and achieving top sports results. Facta Universitatis, Series: Physical Education and Sport, 15(3), 513-522.
35. Sekulić, D., & Metikoš, D. (2007). Basics of transformation procedures in kinesiology: introduction to basic kinesiology transformations. University of Split: Split.
36. Sekulić, D., Metikoš. D (2007). Introduction to the basics of kinesiology transformation. Split: University of Split.
37. Sertic, H. (2004). Basics of martial arts. Zagreb: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
38. Sertic, H., Segedi, I., & Žvan, M. (2007). Relations of certain anthropometric variables with the performance quality of throwing techniques in judo. Kinesiologia Slovenica, 13(1), 48-60.
39. Sertić, H., Segedi, I., Cvetkovič, Č., & Baić, M. (2008). Influence of a programmed judo training on changes of anthropological features in children attending sports schools. In 2nd international scientific conference of experts-researchers on Martial arts and Humanists (pp. 31-31).
40. Stachoń, A., Burdukiewicz, A., Pietraszewska, J., & Andrzejewska, J. (2015). A comparative analysis of male judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners based on motor performance and body build. Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts, 6(2), 53-58.
41. Steele, J., Fisher, J., McGuff, D., Bruce-Low, S., & Smith, D. (2012). Resistance training to momentary muscular failure improves cardiovascular fitness in humans: a review of acute physiological responses and chronic physiological adaptations. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 15(3), 53-80.
42. Sugden, JT (2021). Jiu-jitsu and society: male mental health on the mats. Sociology of Sport Journal, 38(3), 218-230.
43. Vidal Andreato, L., Franzói de Moraes, SM, Del Conti Esteves, JV, Regina de Araújo Pereira, R., Lopes de Moraes Gomes, T., Vidal Andreato, T., & Franchini, E. (2012). Physiological responses and rate of perceived exertion in Brazilian jiu- jitsu athletes. Kinesiology, 44(2), 173-181.
44. Wąsacz, W., Rydzik, Ł., Ouergui, I., Koteja, A., Ambroży, D., Ambroży, T., ... & Rzepko, M. (2022). Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8451.
45. Zovko, N. (2020). Judo (Doctoral dissertation). University of Pula, Faculty of Educational Sciences.
46. Žuvela, F., Glibić, M., & Maleš, B. (2007). The influence of additional athletic training on changes in the morphological characteristics of seven-year-old boys. In B. Maleš, Đ. Miletić, N. Rausavljević, & M. Kondrič (Eds.), Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference - Contemporary Kinesiology (pp. 258–261). Split: Faculty of Kinesiology; Mostar: Faculty of Natural Science, Mathematics and Education; Ljubljana: Faculty of Sport.
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Hajder, Đorđe, Bjelica, B., Aksović, N., Dobrescu, T., & Bubanj, S. (2025). COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING WITH ADDITIONAL LOAD ON MOTOR FITNESS AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATHLETES. Physical Education and Sport Through The Centuries, 12(2), 123–141. https://doi.org/10.5937/spes2502123H
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