This article is a continuation of the research on personality in combat sports in karate. The authors’ goal was to verify the relationship between personality and age of kyokushin karate practitioners. The male national team of Ukraine in karate kyokushin (N = 7) participated in the personality study with the use of the Big Five model. The NEO-FFI (NEO Five-Factor Inventory) Personality Questionnaire was applied as a research tool and the package of statistical methods IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 (IBM Polska, Warszawa, Poland) was used to compute the research results. The study showed that there were differences in the intensity of openness to experiences between individual samples only at the level of the statistical trend. Masters showed a higher level of openness to experiences in relation to juniors (p = 0.081) and seniors (p = 0.097). Also, a negative and strong correlation between the intensity of neuroticism and conscientiousness among the respondents was noted. A conclusion was drawn that, with age, karatekas probably manifest greater openness to experience, which is the result of their sports experience, high sports level and pro-health values of karate. On the other hand, good emotional adaptation of karatekas is strictly related to conscientiousness.

Background: The scientific frameworks for this study are the General Theory of Fighting Arts and the holistic Anthropology of Martial Arts. These theories provide definitions and conceptional framework for all combat sports and martial arts (CSMA). The problem and aim of this study were to explain the perception of success in international groups of children and teens practicing various fighting arts. Methods: The Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) was used for this study. 430 young martial artists from Poland, Ukraine, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea were surveyed. Statistical methods were used to examine, for example, the significance and strength of the relationship between the perception of success and the selected variables (i.e., type of practiced martial art, nationality, etc.). Results: The results obtained in this study indicate a moderate relationship between gender and age (R = 0.27-0.32, p < 0.05) and the perception of success (R = 0.21-0.54, p < 0.05), and the relationship between nationality (R = 0.13-0.38, p < 0.05) and the type of martial arts practiced and the perception of success is statistically significant (R = 0.26-0.32, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The relatively strong correlation between the perception of success and gender may suggest that in the era of globalization, significant cultural pattern unification is taking place. However, the limited scope of the research and the small size of the groups do not allow for unequivocal generalizations.

Purpose: to compare dynamic balance indicators using the Star Excursion Balance Test method in male athletes from Kyokushin karate, boxing, and WKF karate. Material and methods. The study was conducted at the Ivan Bobersky Lviv State University of Physical Culture at the Department of Fencing, Boxing, and National Martial Arts in the period November-December 2023. The collection of experimental material was attended by qualified male fighters aged 18-22 years, in the amount of 52 people, among whom there were 10 representatives of karate according to the WKF version (Masters of Sports of Ukraine - 4, candidates for Masters of Sports - 6), 23 representatives of boxing (Masters of Sports of Ukraine - 2, candidates for Masters of Sports - 6 and 15 athletes of the first sports category), 19 representatives of Kyokushinkai karate (according to the Japanese qualification belt system, holders of black belts 1-2 Dan - 11 men and 8 - qualifications not higher than 1 Kyu, according to the national qualification system, 5 Masters of Sports of Ukraine, 6 - candidates for Masters of Sports, and 8 athletes of the first sports category). Research methods: analysis of literary sources and materials from the Internet; measurement of basic anthropometric indicators of athletes (height, body weight, length of arms and legs); measurement of SEBT indicators; methods of mathematical statistics. Results: WKF karatekas have a slight advantage over Kyokushinkai karatekas in arm's length (78.8 cm vs. 76,3 cm) leg length (95,6 cm vs. 94,6 cm), and height (177,2 cm vs. 177,0 cm), and body weight (71,6 kg vs. 71,5 kg) are on average the same in both groups. WKF karatekas are slightly superior to boxers in height (177,2 cm vs. 176,8 cm), significantly in body weight (71,6 kg vs. 66,1 kg), and their arm and leg lengths are significantly greater (p<0,05) than boxers (78,8 cm vs. 74,0 cm, and 95,6 cm vs. 91,2 cm, respectively). Kyokushinkai karate athletes have a slight advantage over boxers in terms of arm and leg length in terms of anthropometric indicators, but with the same height, they are significantly (p<0,05) heavier than boxers in terms of body weight (71,6 kg versus 66,1 kg). A significant difference was found in the indicators of all SEBT positions of all four limbs in favor of Kyokushinkai karate athletes compared to WKF karate athletes. It is statistically significant (p<0,05) in positions 6, 7 of the left leg and position 7 of the right leg: there is a significant difference in favor of Kyokushinkai karate athletes in the indicators of the hands, and position 8 of the right hand differs significantly (p<0,05). Between WKF karatekas and boxers, a significant difference was found in the indicators of all positions of the left and right legs in favor of boxers, while it is statistically significant (p0,05) advantage of Kyokushinkai style karatekas over boxers was found in most SEBT positions of the left leg (1-6 and 8), and their right leg positions are also slightly better (p>0,05) in directions 1-5. In contrast, boxers have significantly higher indicators in positions 6, 7, and 8 of the right leg. Comparison of SEBT indicators of both hands in pairs in the same positions in boxers and Kyokushinkai karatekas revealed a certain symmetry with a slight difference of 1-2 cm. Conclusions. As a result of the work, it was established: that WKF karatekas, in the presence of anthropometric advantages, showed lower SEBT dynamic balance indicators than representatives of Kyokushinkai karate and boxing; with lower anthropometric indicators, Kyokushinkai karatekas showed better dynamic balance indicators in all SEBT positions, with significantly higher results in difficult test positions 6, 7, 8 than WKF karatekas; WKF karatekas have significantly lower SEBT indicators in position 7 when performing the test with their feet than boxers and Kyokushinkai karatekas; The indicators of positions 6, 7, 8 of the boxers' supporting right leg reflect the asymmetrical influence of the specifics of their fighting stance on the indicators of SEBT dynamic balance; there is symmetry in the SEBT indicators of the upper extremities in boxers and Kyokushinkai style karatekas. The SEBT indicators are to some extent influenced by the current training system in each of the types of martial arts presented in our study.

Purpose: to test and compare the indicators of dynamic balance by the method of star excursion balance test in sportsmen of different qualification in Kyokushin karate. Material and methods. The results of the research were obtained at the Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Boberskyi at the department of «Fencing, boxing and national martial arts» in the period October-November 2023. Qualified male Kyokushin karate fighters aged 18-22 years old in the amount of 21 people took part in the collection of experimental material, among which there were 13 representatives with a level of training 1-2 Dan, and 8 representatives with a level (student belts) not higher than 1 Kyu. Among the participants of the research there are champions and prize-winners of national and international competitions in Kyokushin karate. Methods of the research: the analysis of literary sources and materials from the Internet; measurement of basic anthropometrical indicators of sportsmen (height, weight, length of arms and legs); measurement of indicators of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT); methods of mathematical statistics (calculation of statistical indicators of the arithmetic mean (Mean), standard deviation of the arithmetic mean (Std.Dev.), comparison of results by the statistical method Mann-Whitney U-test with the help of the standard package Statistica-7). Results: the advantage of anthropometrical indicators of group № 2 over group № 1 was established: 8 sportsmen with a level of fitness up to 1 Kyu have on average a little higher height, more body weight, longer arms and legs than 13 athletes with a level of 1-2 Dan. Highly skilled Kyokushin karate athletes with 1-2 Dan level of training outperform athletes with up to 1 Kyu level of training in most SEBT positions. The dominating advantage on average group indicators of SEBT of sportsmen of Kyokushin karate with a level of preparation 1-2 Dan over sportsmen with a level of preparation not higher than 1 Kyu testifies to regularity, and not accident of the received results. Conclusions. On the basis of objectively received indicators of Star Excursion Balance Test and anthropometrical data, it is possible to conclude that sportsmen of Kyokushin karate with a level of fitness 1-2 Dan at smaller anthropometrical indicators (height, weight, length of arms and legs) show better indicators of SEBT, than sportsmen with a level of fitness up to 1 Kyu. The Star Excursion Balance Test indicators reflect the amplitude characteristics of athletes' movements along with dynamic balance and are related to the skill level of athletes. Keywords: Kyokushin karate, qualification, single combat, Star Excursion Balance Test, dynamic balance.

Purpose: to compare the Star Excursion Balance Test performance of male representatives of karate, fencing, and hopak hand-to-hand combat. Material and methods. The study was conducted at the Ivan Bobersky Lviv State University of Physical Culture at the Department of Fencing, Boxing and National Martial Arts in the period November-December 2023. Qualified male athletes aged 18-22 in the number of 31 participated in the collection of experimental material, including there were 10 representatives of karate according to the WKF version, 12 representatives of fencing, 9 representatives of hopak hand-to-hand combat. Research methods: analysis of literary sources and materials from the Internet; pedagogical research; measurement of basic anthropometric indicators of athletes (height, body weight, length of arms and legs); measurement of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT); methods of mathematical statistics. A comparison of the anthropometric indicators of karate fighters, fencers and hopak hand-to-hand combatants did not reveal any statistically significant differences between them. At the same time, swordsmen have slightly longer legs (98,4 cm) at the same height than hopak (96,3 cm) and karate (95,6 cm). Karate fighters with a relatively smaller height (177,2 cm) have relatively longer arms (78,8 cm) than swordsmen (179,5 cm and 75,9 cm, respectively) and representatives of hopak hand-to-hand combat (179,4 cm and 78,8 cm respectively). On average, the shortest arms in this study were found in fencers. In fencers, significantly better (Р<0,05) SEBT indicators of legs were found, compared to similar results of representatives of hand-to-hand combat hopak (positions 1, 2 of the left, and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of both legs) and karate (positions 1, 2, 4 of the left, and 5, 6, 7 of both legs). This can be explained by the specifics of training in this type of single combat. Fencers with relatively shorter arms demonstrate the same, and in some positions, relatively better SEBT results of the belt of the upper limbs, compared to representatives of karate (positions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 - left, 2, 4, 7, 8 - right) and hopak arm wrestling (positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 – left, 2, 3, 4, 7 – right). Karate fighters have a slight advantage in SEBT indicators of the upper belt (positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 - left) and lower limbs (positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - both legs), compared to the results of hopak hand-to-hand combatants, with somewhat smaller anthropometric indicators. Conclusions. The results of the work showed better indicators of SEBT in fencers, compared to representatives of karate version of WKF and hopak hand-to-hand combat. This is especially observed in SEBT indicators of the lower extremities. This fact is explained by the specificity of many years of training in fencing, where the result depends precisely on the development of the athletes' lower limbs. At the same time, SEBT indicators of the upper limbs in fencers do not have the same bright manifestation. Karate fighters have some advantage in the SEBT indicators of the upper and lower limb belt, compared to the SEBT indicators of hopak hand-to-hand combatants. Given the above, we can conclude that long-term training in a particular type of martial arts has its own imprint on anthropometric and SEBT indicators.

Background: The effectiveness of physical exercise in treating cardiorespiratory diseases is well established. Systematic training can lead to changes in morphofunctional markers; however, the degree of effectiveness varies based on the type of exercise, the intensity of the activity, as well as the age, gender, and overall health of the individual. The purpose of the research: To determine and to develop the impact of fitness activities and specialized breathing exercises on the morphofunctional state of female students with cardiorespiratory diseases. Materials and Methods: The study involved 53 female students from Lviv University of Trade and Economics, aged 18 to 19, who had cardiorespiratory diseases. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (nEG=25) and the control group (nCG=28). The control group followed the traditional physical education (PE) program designed for students in special medical groups. This program included physical therapy classes, recreational walking, running, and gymnastics. The experimental group participated in individualized fitness programs that combined basic aerobics with breathing exercises for oriental martial arts. The primary markers for assessment included anthropometric measurements, indicators of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, levels of physical development, and self-evaluations of psycho-emotional wellbeing. The experimental group was engaged in performance of the developed individualized fitness programs using basic aerobics combined with sets of breathing exercises for oriental martial arts. The main markers were anthropometric ones, those of the cardiovascular and respiratory system, physical development and self-assessment of the psycho-emotional state. Results: The results indicate that the experimental program significantly improves various health markers, including body mass index, circumferential measurements, thoracic excursion, heart rate, blood pressure, Robinson index, lung vital capacity, respiratory rate, vital index, and recovery time following a functional test. Conclusion: The recorded and statistically analyzed results indicate that a basic aerobics program combined with specific breathing exercises for oriental martial arts is effective. This program improves the studied markers and contributes to positive changes in the morphofunctional profile. These changes are significant for enhancing the health status of female students with cardiorespiratory diseases.