Does the level of anxiety affect process of learning judo throws?

Background and study aim – Relation between anxiety and sport performance presents important topic in sport psychology. Studies prove that elevated anxiety may improve motor learning due to maximum allocation of all physical and mental resources in mastering a motor task. The main goal of this paper is to identify differences in anxiety and self-confidence before and after the process of learning a new motor task. Material and Methods - The level of anxiety during the learning process of 12 judo throwing techniques (side, leg, hand, sacrificial throws) was measured with a questionnaire CSAI-2C on 130 subjects. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the learning process. Results – The results of this study showed that throwing techniques can be classified into three groups: 1.) there is no decrease or increase of anxiety and self – confidence (Tsuri-goshi, Osoto-gari, Tai-otoshi, Ippon-seoi-nage, Morote-seoi-nage and Okuri-ashi-harai); 2.) increase of anxiety and decrease in self – confidence (Harai-goshi); 3.) decrease of anxiety and increase of self – confidence (Ouchi-gari, Koshi-guruma, Uki-waza, Soto-makikomi and Tomoe-nage). Conclusions - The obtained results indicate the need for a different approach in teaching of throwing techniques to maximize the effectiveness of the learning process. Teacher or coach will have the biggest role in managing this perception of difficulty with use of proper teaching methods. Teaching of techniques should be based on difficulty and not only based on group of techniques they belong to.