Kanzen partnership with Abertay University
Sports scientists from Abertay University have working with Kanzen to enhance their performance & recovery.
Researchers from the Division of Sport and Exercise Sciences provided fitness training, technical analysis and data collection originally to support our squad ahead of the WUKF World Karate Championships in Scotland, but has now become a mainstay of preparation for our team.
Since March 2023, our top-level athletes have been engaging in a tailored programme at Abertay’s Human Performance Lab – the same facility used by world boxing champion Hannah Rankin.
Using sprint interval training techniques delivered on both leg and hand exercise bikes, the research team has significantly improved muscle explosivity, speed and power, while also enhancing ability to recover quickly and reoxygenate muscles.
Performance is being analysed in both the Kumite (sparring) and Kata (patterns) disciplines, with the Kanzen squad including both senior adult competitors and youth athletes.
This partnership has grown from strength to strength, allowing our athletes to have the competitive edge when it matters most.
Dr John Babraj (Head lecturer for Sports and Exercise Sciences at Abertay) said:
“From a research point of view, we are delighted to be working so closely with the dynamic Kanzen Karate dojo and the data we’ve gathered as part of the project will yield a knowledge base that can be used to develop the sport much more widely.
“Karate includes some very specific bounce movements which make it unique from other combat sports, so it’s been great to have a chance to break new ground in terms of developing an understanding of how the biomechanic demands affect individuals and how we can build training regimes to best effect.”
