Para-karate was first introduced at the World Championships in Paris in 2012 and has since become an integral part of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Senior events, with competitions held every two years. In 2015, the WKF was recognized as a member organization by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) [1]. Para-karate provides athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete in the kata discipline, which emphasizes choreographed martial arts movements known as “forms.”
Kata involves executing a predetermined series of techniques, including strikes, blocks, stepping, kicks, and turns, all aimed at achieving technical perfection. Kata performance must adhere to traditional values, demonstrating strength, power, speed, grace, rhythm, and balance, while also being realistic in fighting terms [2]. Unlike able-bodied karate, para-karate focuses solely on kata, as the risk of injury from kumite (free fighting) is eliminated. This adaptation ensures that para-karate athletes can benefit from the sport’s physical and cognitive advantages while competing safely. Athletes in para-karate engage with the sport on various levels, from rehabilitation and health benefits to elite competition.
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Karate has demonstrated significant benefits for both physical and mental health, across various demographics, including children [3] and older adults [4]. Studies have shown improvements in brain function, psychomotor skills, and overall health among adults who practice karate regularly [5‐7], as well as enhanced executive function, academic achievement, and physical fitness in children aged 7 to 11 [8, 9]. For individuals with disabilities, adaptive training enhances physical capabilities and cognitive functioning [10]. Even athletes with Down syndrome have shown increased motor competence after brief exposure to karate training [11]. Similarly, studies in the related combat sport of Taekwondo have demonstrated positive effects. Kim (2021) [12] found that Taekwondo can enhance physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, highlighting its effectiveness as a mind-body exercise program for promoting overall health and well-being. Likewise, Carter (2016) [13] reported that Taekwondo can effectively increase strength in individuals with Down syndrome.
In line with IPC classification codes, WKF para-karate allows athletes to compete in three impairment categories: visual impairment, intellectual impairment, and physical impairment (wheelchair users), divided into four sport classes (Table 1). As of 2020, the WKF has collaborated with VIRTUS, aligning its classification for intellectually impaired athletes in para-karate competitions [14].
The K30 category unites athletes with varying abilities (as per WKF classification rules, there are 7 types of impairments: hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, limb deficiency, impaired passive range of motion, and impaired muscle power). Though these discrepancies, athletes are compensated with added extra score (factor system), which are allocated to the athlete by the classification panel. An athlete’s triumphs in the sport also hinge on type of impairment or whether they utilise a wheelchair as part of their daily life or solely for competition purposes (as a limb amputee, for example). Furthermore, the presence of the aforementioned 7 impairments, as well as potential additional disabilities, can also impact Kata selection. Athletes with higher levels of impairment could not perform kicks or jumps using a wheelchair. Athletes with tetraplegia, or very severe cerebral palsy could not manoeuvre the wheelchair as good as athletes with e.g., lower limb amputation.
Table 1
Overview of WKF Para-karate categories and sport classes
Category (Type of impairment) | Sport class |
|---|---|
Visual impairment | K10 |
Intellectual impairment | K21 (IQ < 75) |
K22 (IQ < 75 with additional significant impairment) | |
Physical impairment (Wheelchair users) | K30 |
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The para-karate competition format follows a group system (Fig. 1), with rounds progressively narrowing the field of competitors. Judging is based on seven criteria, including stance, technique, balance, speed, strength, and overall conformance to the kihon (fundamentals). While para-karate follows many of the same rules as able-bodied kata competitions, there are exceptions to accommodate athletes’ varying impairments. A compensation system provides additional scores to athletes with more severe impairments, ensuring fairness in competition. Furthermore, intellectually impaired athletes (K21, K22) are allowed to perform the same kata repeatedly throughout the competition, unlike athletes in other sport classes [15, 16]. In karate curriculum, katas are classified into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels to match a karateka’s skill progression. Beginner katas focus on basic stances and techniques, while intermediate katas introduce more complex sequences and coordination. Advanced katas, like Suparinpei and Unsu, involve intricate movements, rapid transitions, and require high levels of technical mastery and understanding of bunkai (meaning of the kata) [17‐20].
Fig. 1
Example of 8 groups (49–96 competitors) kata competition format [15]
A comprehensive analysis of kata selection has long been a standard practice in able-bodied karate, with trends well-documented across gender, age categories, and competition rounds [12, 13]. For instance, the kata Gojushiho sho has been the most frequently performed kata among young cadets (U14) and cadets (U16) [21]. In the past, during the era of the flag system in competition, it was also the most performed kata in the first rounds.
However, up to date, there is no literature regarding kata selection and performance in para-karate. While templates for analyzing kata performance have been developed for able-bodied athletes [22, 23], there is still limited understanding of how para-karate athletes select their katas based on impairment class and whether certain katas are better suited to specific impairments due to their technical or physiological demands. For example, Gojushiho sho consists of 136 techniques, including 44 fast and 12 slow upper-limb movements, 34 stances, 5 kicks, and 41 transitions (21 fast and 20 slow) [24]. It features no jumps or 360-degree rotations, and many of the techniques are repeated in different directions. This makes the kata of medium difficulty, and it is often chosen by young able-bodied top-level competitors or used in the early rounds of competition [25].
Studies such as those by Argajová et al. [24], which conducted time-motion analysis of frequently performed katas (Table 2), and Augustovičová, who performed physiological assessments (Table 3) [26], provide useful insights into the technical and physiological demands of these katas. These findings suggest that technical and physiological factors could play a crucial role in kata selection strategies for para-karate athletes.
Table 2
Technical analysis of the 5 most performed katas at the WKF top-level events
Gojushiho Sho | Chatanyara Kushanku | Suparinpai | Unsu | Anan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Block | 6 | 21 | 22 | 9 | 18 |
Punch | 24 | 10 | 18 | 12 | 14 |
Strike | 3 | 25 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
Pull-Grab-Throw | 11 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Upper limb fast techniques | 44 | 59 | 47 | 24 | 43 |
Block | 12 | 10 | 22 | 8 | 14 |
Punch | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
Strike | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pull-Grab-Throw | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
Upper limb slow techniques | 12 | 11 | 42 | 10 | 14 |
High | 1 | 7 | 32 | 6 | 6 |
Middle | 0 | 16 | 0 | 7 | 25 |
Low | 33 | 33 | 13 | 22 | 8 |
Number of stances | 34 | 56 | 45 | 35 | 39 |
High Kick | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Low kick | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Midle kick | 3 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
Number of kicks | 5 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
Jump | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
Rotation | 3 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 4 |
Same place | 0 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Shift | 7 | 12 | 2 | 11 | |
Step | 11 | 19 | 18 | 9 | 14 |
Number of fast transitions | 21 | 49 | 27 | 23 | 34 |
Rotation | 4 | 1 | 4 | 3 | |
Same place | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
Shift | 6 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
Step | 10 | 1 | 12 | 5 | 6 |
Number of slow transitions | 20 | 8 | 24 | 10 | 15 |
Total | 136 | 192 | 189 | 107 | 154 |
Table 3
Physiological response, time-motion analysis of the kata performance
Kata | Paiku | Gojushiho Sho | Nipaipo | Ch-K | Suparinpei | Heiku | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Duration [s] | 112 ± 9 | 143 ± 8 | 116 ± 12 | 147 ± 19 | 204 ± 13 | 105 ± 16 | 0.05 |
HRmax [bpm] | 180 ± 13.5 | 187 ± 8.2 | 185 ± 3.5 | 186 ± 6.4 | 185 ± 9.6 | 183 ± 5.3 | ns |
HRavg [bpm] | 160 ± 13.3 | 170 ± 11.2 | 166 ± 11.7 | 171 ± 9.9 | 166 ± 11.3 | 170 ± 12.7 | ns |
La [mmol.l− 1] | 4.5 ± 1.2 | 5.7 ± 1.2 | 4.8 ± 0.3 | 8.3 ± 2.9 | 4.9 ± 1.7 | 5.7 ± 0.8 | 0.05 |
Movement per second | 0,9 | 1,26 | 0,93 | ||||
Fast/slow ratio | 2.19 | 6.16 | 1,18 | ||||
Average score | 22.99 | 23.78 | 23,09 |
This study aims to address the current knowledge gap by providing a detailed analysis of the types and frequencies of katas performed by para-karate athletes in four consecutive World Championships (2016, 2018, 2021, 2023) and five European Championships (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023). By examining data from multiple high-level competitions, we seek to identify patterns in kata selection across different sport classes—visual impairment (K10), intellectual impairment (K21 and K22), and physical impairment (K30). Additionally, this study explores whether athletes in specific sport classes favour particular katas based on their technical composition, level of difficulty, or adaptability to the athletes’ functional abilities.
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The findings of this study provide a baseline for developing an evidence-based classification system following Mann’s 5-step approach [27, 28]. This aims to close the gap in para-karate by accurately classifying athletes based on functional abilities, promoting fair competition. The study emphasizes the urgent need for a structured, evidence-based classification method specific to para-karate.
Methods
From the draw records of nine top-level events—four consecutive World Championships (2016, 2018, 2021, 2023) and five European Para-Karate Championships (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023) (see Table 4)—we collected data on all performed katas. For each performance, we extracted sport class, gender of an athlete and the name of the kata. A chi-square test and descriptive statistics were conducted by IBM SPSS 23 for Windows. The level of statistical significance was set to 0.05. A total of 906 kata were performed (567 in the male and 339 in the female category).
Table 4
Overview of performed katas per sport class and championship
Championships | Sport class | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
K10 | K21 & K22 | K30 | ||
EKF Novi Sad 2018 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 43 |
EKF Guadalajara 2019 | 17 | 24 | 26 | 67 |
EKF Porec 2021 | 18 | 27 | 39 | 84 |
EKF Gaziantep 2022 | 30 | 37 | 24 | 91 |
EKF Guadalajara 2023 | 25 | 57 | 24 | 106 |
WCH Linz 2016 | 12 | 27 | 24 | 63 |
WKF Dubai 2021 | 42 | 50 | 46 | 138 |
WCH Madrid 2018 | 36 | 52 | 36 | 124 |
WKF Budapest 2023 | 53 | 76 | 61 | 190 |
Total | 247 | 366 | 293 | 906 |
Results
Out of 102 katas in the official WKF kata list, top-level para-karate athletes used 462 different katas (61%) during the championships. The five most performed katas were Gojushiho Sho (19.9%), followed by Unsu (11.5%), Kanku Sho (9.5%), Suparinpai (6.7%), and Jion (6.2%). There is a significant relationship between sport class and choice of katas (p ≤ 0.05). Visually and physically impaired athletes prefer kata Unsu (16.6% and 15%), while intellectually impaired athletes prefer kata Gojushiho sho (30.3% of the katas used in particular sport class). The overview of the most performed katas in para-karate per sport class is in Table 5.
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Table 5
The most performed katas of top-level para-karate athletes per sport class
Kata | Sport class | Kata | Sport class | Kata | Sport class | Kata | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
K10 | K21 + K22 | K30 | |||||||||
N | % | N | % | N | % | N | % | ||||
UNSU | 41 | 16.6% | GOJUSHIHO SHO | 111 | 30.3% | UNSU | 44 | 15.0% | GOJUSHIHO SHO | 180 | 19.9% |
GOJUSHIHO SHO | 32 | 13.0% | SANSAI | 32 | 8.7% | KANKU SHO | 42 | 14.3% | UNSU | 104 | 11.5% |
KANKU SHO | 31 | 12.6% | SUPARINPEI | 30 | 8.2% | GOJUSHIHO SHO | 37 | 12.6% | KANKU SHO | 86 | 9.5% |
JION | 16 | 6.5% | CHATANYARA KUSHANKU | 27 | 7.4% | GOJUSHIHO DAI | 26 | 8.9% | SUPARINPEI | 61 | 6.7% |
SUPARINPEI | 15 | 6.1% | JION | 24 | 6.6% | SANSAI | 18 | 6.1% | JION | 56 | 6.2% |
BASSAI DAI | 15 | 6.1% | KUSANKU | 23 | 6.3% | KANKU DAI | 17 | 5.8% | SANSAI | 52 | 5.7% |
SOCHIN | 10 | 4.0% | UNSU | 19 | 5.2% | SUPARINPEI | 16 | 5.5% | CHATANYARA KUSHANKU | 41 | 4.5% |
ENPI | 9 | 3.6% | NISEISHI | 14 | 3.8% | JION | 16 | 5.5% | GOJUSHIHO DAI | 38 | 4.2% |
GOJUSHIHO DAI | 8 | 3.2% | KANKU SHO | 13 | 3.6% | CHATANYARA KUSHANKU | 13 | 4.4% | BASSAI DAI | 36 | 4.0% |
ANAN | 8 | 3.2% | BASSAI DAI | 12 | 3.3% | BASSAI DAI | 9 | 3.1% | KUSANKU | 25 | 2.8% |
OHAN DAI | 6 | 2.4% | ENPI | 8 | 2.2% | GANKAKU | 7 | 2.4% | ENPI | 23 | 2.5% |
PAIKU | 6 | 2.4% | SEIENCHIN | 8 | 2.2% | ENPI | 6 | 2.0% | KANKU DAI | 20 | 2.2% |
GANKAKU | 5 | 2.0% | GOJUSHIHO DAI | 4 | 1.1% | SOCHIN | 5 | 1.7% | SOCHIN | 17 | 1.9% |
KURURUNFA | 5 | 2.0% | KANKU DAI | 3 | 0.8% | ANAN DAI | 4 | 1.4% | NISEISHI | 15 | 1.7% |
SHISOCHIN | 5 | 2.0% | KOUSOUKUN DAI | 3 | 0.8% | GOJU SHIHO DAI | 4 | 1.4% | GANKAKU | 12 | 1.3% |
Others | 35 | 14.17% | Others | 35 | 9.6% | Others | 29 | 9.9% | Others | 140 | 15.5% |
Discussion
Recent round by round analysis of all performed katas during European and World Karate Championships confirms narrower repertoire of used katas of the able-bodied counterparts. For example, in the seasons 2019 (30%) [21], and 2021 (32%) [29] of officially listed katas by able-bodied athletes were performed while 61% of them by para-karate athletes.
When we consider all sports classes together, the kata Gojushiho Sho is the most frequently performed kata by para-karate athletes. It has a medium number of 56 upper limb techniques, 34 stances, only 5 kicks and 41 transitions (only 20 fast) resulting in total of 136 techniques. What is interesting, we know from previous research, this kata has also low ratio of 0.9 movements per second, and fast to slow movement ratio 2.19. It is therefore easier to remember and execute compared to other popular katas among able-bodied athletes. For instance, Chatanyara Kushanku with total of 192 techniques with 70 upper limb techniques (59 fast) and 56 stances and 49 fast transitions in similar time has higher ratio of 1.26 movements per second and fast to slow movement ratio 6.16 which makes it barely comparable [18, 19]. Gojushiho Sho is a most frequent choice among disabled karatekas, which is not surprising. It is so probably due to lower physical and cognitive difficulty with fair arrangement of techniques, that makes this kata very popular, from which can para-athletes across sports classes benefit and show their qualities as well.
More, for comparison, in the 2021 season, kata Gojushiho sho was the popular choice of healthy athletes when it comes to executing their routines [25]. It was the most performed kata by young cadets (U14) and cadets (U16) too [21]and in the past during the era of the flag system of the competition, Gojushiho Sho was the most performed kata in the 1st round of the competitions of 2019 [25, 30].
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Intellectually impaired sport classes (K21 and K22)
Gojushiho Sho was the most performed kata in II sport classes. Popularity is understandable when considering the kata’s emphasis on stances and upper limb techniques [20], primarily punches, along with its balanced ratio of fast and slow transitions [24], and the absence of jumps. Such a composition makes Gojushiho Sho not only physically appropriate but, more importantly, intellectually accessible for these athletes. The kata presents a suitable level of cognitive demand that allows athletes to perform effectively without becoming overwhelmed.
In contrast, advanced katas such as Chatanyara Kushanku, Unsu, and Suparinpei present considerable challenges for intellectually impaired athletes due to their length, complexity, and high technical demands and the karateka must have first mastered the basic kata [17, 20, 31]: These katas involve long sequences with rapid directional changes and intricate coordination between hand and foot movements. For athletes with intellectual impairments, these sequences can be overwhelming. Difficulties with memory retention and attention make it challenging to remember and accurately execute the precise order of movements. The advanced coordination required for these katas involves synchronizing upper and lower body movements, maintaining balance, and generating power. Intellectual impairments often affect motor planning and fine motor skills, making it difficult for athletes to perform complex techniques like high kicks, spins, or jumps with precision. The sudden changes in speed, intensity, and posture in these katas can lead to sensory overload, particularly for athletes who have co-occurring sensory processing difficulties. This can result in anxiety or stress, hindering their ability to focus and execute movements fluidly, thereby impacting performance.
Additionally, athletes with Down syndrome could suffer with other additional impairment, Down’s syndrome lag behind their intellectually disabled peers in many areas of motor coordination [32] and postural stability [33]. In the study of Camacho [34], 25.5% of participants had physical disabilities, 44% obesity, 18.3% sensorial disability, 6.3% had serious health problems, and 4.9% had sleep disorders. It may be less challenging for these athletes to practise for the competition katas with a small number of elements and simpler ones. Development in the sport of para-karate forces athletes and their coaches learn and perform more challenging katas which does not always lead to success [35].
Visually impaired sport class K10
Visually impaired athletes often prefer katas such as Unsu, Gojushiho Sho, and Kanku Sho, with Unsu being the most frequently performed. Unsu contains 34 upper limb techniques, 35 stances, 5 kicks, and 33 transitions, totaling 107 techniques—one of the lowest counts among advanced katas. The kata’s relatively straightforward embusen (pattern of movement) and fewer complex directional changes help minimize the risk of disorientation, making it easier for visually impaired athletes to navigate the limited space of the tatami. Additionally, the moderate pace and absence of overly complex steps reduce learning difficulties, as athletes can focus on balance and orientation rather than managing fast shifts. This strategic choice allows visually impaired athletes to maintain stability, ensuring a safer and more controlled performance during competitions.
Physically impaired sport class K30
Athletes in the wheelchair category (K30) frequently perform katas such as Unsu (15%), Kanku Sho (14.3%), Gojushiho Sho (12.6%), Gojushiho Dai (8.9%), and Sansai (6.1%). Unsu is the most popular kata for this category, as it is for visually impaired athletes, due to its lower number of techniques (as mentioned earlier), making it a preferred choice among K30 athletes. For instance, the widely performed Suparinpei has 89 upper limb techniques, 51 transitions, and a longer duration, which may be too demanding. In contrast, Unsu features a limited number of transitions, particularly fewer rapid shifts and complex movements, reducing the need for extensive wheelchair maneuvering and conserving energy during the execution of upper limb techniques, which can be physically exhausting. The shorter duration and moderate complexity of Unsu allow for dynamic yet controlled performances, making it a strategic selection for wheelchair athletes.
Interestingly, some athletes in this category also select katas like Gankaku, which involve balance techniques such as simulated sidekicks while balancing on the rear wheels. This kata showcases wheelchair mobility and balance—key factors in para-karate evaluation criteria—and can earn high scores when performed successfully. Furthermore, it is possible that more able athletes choose katas incorporating jumps and kicks (like those found in Unsu) to demonstrate their athletic capabilities and earn additional points from referees, as these elements highlight their physical abilities and technical skill.
Practical implications for coaches
Based on our findings, coaches working with visually impaired athletes are advised to prioritize katas with linear embusen patterns and minimal rapid transitions, such as Unsu, to reduce the risk of spatial disorientation on the tatami. Shorter katas with fewer movement requirements are also recommended to enhance spatial control and execution precision.
For intellectually impaired athletes, training programs should focus on the consistent practice of a single, balanced kata like Gojushiho Sho, which offers an ideal ratio of fast and slow movements. This approach minimizes cognitive load and promotes performance stability. Gradually introducing and repeating a limited number of katas is recommended to build procedural memory and increase confidence.
For physically impaired athletes (K30 class wheelchair users), coaches should select katas that require lower upper-limb exertion and involve minimal directional changes to effectively manage energy levels and minimize the physical demands of wheelchair maneuvering. Emphasizing katas that showcase dynamic upper-body techniques without extensive mobility requirements will better align with competition evaluation criteria and optimize scoring potential.
This study emphasizes the importance of understanding how different impairment types influence kata selection in para-karate. It underscores that tailored training interventions, which address the specific physiological and functional challenges faced by para-athletes, are crucial for optimizing performance outcomes.
Implications for enhancing the para-karate classification system
Using Mann’s 5-step process for the research [27, 28] as a foundation, the development of a classification system for para-karate should not only categorize athletes based on physical and functional criteria but also consider how these impairments specifically impact key technical and tactical aspects of kata performance. By analyzing the katas preferred by athletes with different impairments (e.g., Unsu for visually impaired and wheelchair users, Gojushiho Sho for intellectually impaired athletes), we can identify the critical performance determinants unique to each impairment class. This knowledge is essential for designing a classification system that accurately reflects the specific demands of kata and ensures fair classification and competition.
With a detailed understanding of the most frequently practiced katas for each impairment category, the next step is to develop classification criteria that align closely with these technical and physiological demands, opening opportunities for future research to design tests that accurately evaluate the skills most relevant to para-karate performance—such as balance, spatial awareness, coordination, endurance, and adaptability to rapid movement transitions. An evidence-based classification system ensures a fair and transparent process where athletes are evaluated not merely by impairment type but by how these impairments affect their performance of specific kata components. By grounding the classification system in the technical and physiological requirements specific to para-karate and validating it through athletes’ kata preferences and performance data, the system becomes not only more relevant and fair but also scientifically rigorous. This approach guarantees that the classification criteria are directly aligned with the actual demands faced by athletes in competition.
Limitations of the study
This study focused on a specific population of high-level para-karate athletes with qualifying impairments competing under the WKF Paralympic style. While the findings offer valuable insights into this group, some limitations restrict how broadly we can apply these conclusions:
Sample
The study only included top-tier athletes. This means the results may not be representative of lower-performing para-karate athletes competing at national or regional levels, nor can they be automatically applied to athletes with more severe impairments. Additionally, the research solely examined athletes competing under the WKF Paralympic style, so it cannot be generalized to other para-karate styles or competitions under different organizations.
Data
The study design did not collect information on two potentially influential factors: training quality and volume, as well as the specific details of the athletes’ impairments. Training intensity and structure could play a role in kata selection, and a deeper understanding of the athletes’ impairments might provide further insights into their performance. Training quality can influence an athlete’s ability to adapt their skills to more challenging katas. High-quality training programs that incorporate drills for memory enhancement, balance, and coordination could enable athletes to attempt more advanced katas. Athletes with higher training volume (more frequent and longer practice sessions) may have greater familiarity and proficiency with a broader range of katas, potentially expanding their kata choices beyond the most frequently performed ones. Conversely, athletes with lower training volume may stick to simpler or familiar katas like Gojushiho Sho to minimize cognitive and physical demands.
Due to these limitations, the generalizability of the study’s findings is restricted. Future research should consider incorporating a wider range of athletes, competition styles, and potentially explore the impact of training and impairment specifics on kata selection in para-karate.
Conclusions
The choice of kata in para-karate depends significantly on the type and severity of the athlete’s impairment. Top-level para-karate athletes used 62 katas (61%) out of the 102 available during championships, with Gojushiho Sho being the most popular (20%). The selection pattern is similar to that of non-impaired athletes, but there is a significant relationship between sport class and kata choice for competition. Visually and physically impaired athletes predominantly choose Unsu, while intellectually impaired athletes favor Gojushiho Sho. Intellectually impaired athletes and their coaches tend to select this challenging kata for its lower fast-to-slow movement ratio, aiming to optimize performance and increase their chances of success.
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia (UK5/2023) “Model of sport specific classification of top-level para-karate athletes”.
Consent for publication
This study utilized draw records of athletes, originally obtained from a publicly accessible database. To protect the privacy of the individuals, all data was anonymized, ensuring that no personal identifiers remained within the dataset. As the data was both anonymized and publicly available, ethical approval was not required for this study. The anonymization process adhered to relevant guidelines, includinghe General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679, ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of the individuals involved. The data was fully anonymized, preventing any possibility of individual identification.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
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