Enhancing Karate Performance: Development and Validation of a Karate-Specific Change-of-Direction Test

Background: Change-of-direction (CoD) ability is critical in karate, yet sport-specific assessment tools are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a newly developed karate-specific CoD test for male and female athletes and to examine its relationships with other motor performance measures. Methods: Thirty-six experienced karatekas (20 men: age 20.8 ± 1.8 years, height 1.79 ± 0.05 m, body mass 73.1 ± 10.6 kg; 16 women: age 21.2 ± 1.7 years, height 1.67 ± 0.04 m, body mass 63.5 ± 8.9 kg), all national squad members, participated. Athletes performed the karate CoD test twice to assess test-retest reliability, and completed additional CoD tests (Y CoD, T-half), linear sprint tests, standing long jump, and Y-balance tests to evaluate criterion validity and associations with other motor abilities. Results: The karate CoD test demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.996), with similar consistency in men and women. Criterion validity was supported by a meaningful correlation with the Y CoD test, but not with the T-half test. Associations with linear sprinting and lower-limb power (standing long jump) were weak or inconsistent, indicating that karate-specific CoD performance is distinct from general physical capacities. Conclusions: The karate CoD test shows good reliability and validity for assessing planned change-of-direction ability in elite karate athletes. Its use should be limited to pre-planned movements and complemented with other tests (e.g., reactive agility, sprinting, jumping, strength) for a fuller performance assessment.