The Effectiveness Of Circuit Training On The Accuracy Of Mawashi Geri Kicks In Karate Athletes

Kicking accuracy is a crucial factor in successful striking techniques in karate, particularly in kumite, which demands high speed, precision, and movement control. However, preliminary observations of FORKI Sungai Penuh karate athletes revealed that the accuracy of Mawashi Geri kicks remains relatively low, especially during intensive training and match simulations. This situation highlights the need for training methods that effectively integrate physical conditioning and technique. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of circuit training in improving Mawashi Geri kick accuracy in FORKI Sungai Penuh karate athletes. The research method used was an experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 15 brown belt karate athletes selected using purposive sampling. The research instrument used a 30-second Mawashi Geri kick accuracy test targeting kicking pads. The circuit training program was implemented throughout the study period, incorporating several variations of exercises integrating strength, agility, coordination, and kicking technique. Data analysis was performed using a paired sample t-test with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the average pretest score of 6.73 increased to 12.20 in the posttest, representing a 5.47-point increase. The statistical test showed a t-value of 12.364 with a significance level of 0.000 (<0.05). These results indicate a significant improvement after circuit training. Therefore, it can be concluded that circuit training is effective in improving the accuracy of Mawashi Geri kicks in FORKI Sungai Penuh karate athletes