The juji-gatame technique can be used in the special judo fitness test to evaluate fitness condition in grappling fighters: A crossover trial

BACKGROUND: The special judo fitness test (SJFT) is a widely used tool for assessing physical fitness in grappling athletes. However, its conventional format, centered on the ippon-seoi-nage throwing technique, may not adequately evaluate athletes specializing in ground-fighting techniques. Incorporating a ground-based technique, such as juji-gatame (JG), could enhance the test's applicability for diverse grappling disciplines. To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of using the JG instead of the ippon-seoi-nage in the SJFT to assess physical fitness in grappling athletes. METHODS: A randomized crossover trial was conducted with 150 male grappling athletes, including 94 juniors (13.4 ± 2.3 years; categorized by Tanner stages: 17 prepubertal, 48 pubertal, and 28 postpubertal) and 56 adults (30.3 ± 9.7 years). Participants performed both the conventional SJFT (using ippon-seoi-nage) and the adapted SJFT-JG (using juji-gatame) in a randomized order, with a 24-hour washout period between tests. Performance was assessed using the SJFT index and reliability metrics. Seven days later, a retest was conducted for both versions of the SJFT, again with a 24-hour interval between tests. It is important to note that the adapted version of the SJFT was performed using a training dummy. RESULTS: The SJFT-JG demonstrated strong absolute (ICC = 0.99, LoA = -8.7; 7.8) and relative reliability (ICC = 0.98, LoA = -0.18; 0.16). No significant differences were observed in SJFT index scores between the 2 versions (P >.05), indicating physiological equivalence. CONCLUSION: JG can be reliably integrated into the SJFT as an alternative to ippon-seoi-nage, broadening the test's applicability for grappling athletes, particularly those emphasizing ground techniques. This adaptation provides a practical and valid method for evaluating physical fitness across diverse grappling styles.