Development of karateka in Malta

Abstract

In Karate, children under 10 follow a syllabus practically identical to that of adults. This study explores whether in Malta Karate is following a Long Term Athlete Development program or not. Children of ages 5 to 14 years practising this sport participated in this study and were asked to express their opinion on competitions and lessons. Children who participate in competitions were also requested to contribute further by filling in the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), so that this would confirm the child's emotions. Coaches were also interviewed on the lessons, competition and also the children's examination system. This study collects information on the club training programmes and lesson content rather than on the coaches personal style of teaching, i.e. the coaches' attitude. Senior athletes were also interviewed to obtain information about Karate on a broad-spectrum. This study focuses on analysing the present system and providing suggestions so that positive modifications may be made to focus more on the children's development. Children's competition and syllabus are recommended to be altered to include Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed in order to provide the proper athlete development. It is recommended that children do not focus on a particular sport prior to the age of ten, since this would result in early athlete burn-out and retirement from Karate or even worse, from sports (Balyi, 2003).