Analysis of the technical and tactical actions of Russian and Chinese highly‑qualified kickboxers in international competitions

The purpose of the study is to analyze the competitive activity of highly qualified Russian and Chinese male kickboxers in the K-1 discipline, in order to identify the features of their technical arsenal and tactical techniques, as well as to outline directions for improving the training of athletes. Research methods and organization. The bouts of leading Russian and Chinese male K-1 kickboxers (2024) were analyzed. Using video recordings of the fights, a strike-by-strike timekeeping was conducted with a count of the average number and effectiveness of punches, kicks, and knee strikes per round. Based on the obtained data, a comparative descriptive analysis of the structure of competitive activity and the frequency of application of the main technical and tactical actions was carried out. Research results and conclusions. It has been established that athletes from both countries predominantly use straight and side punches, whereas low strikes are applied significantly less frequently. Chinese kickboxers are characterized by greater effectiveness of straight punches, while Russian athletes demonstrate a higher total volume of hand strikes. The main portion of kicks consists of thigh kicks; Russian athletes deliver them more often with both legs, while Chinese athletes actively use the left roundhouse kick to the torso and a more diverse arsenal of kicks. Knee strikes are significantly more common among Russian kickboxers, predominantly with the right knee to the torso; Chinese athletes use them sporadically. The identified differences, determined by the characteristics of national training systems and the level of adaptation to K-1 rules, can serve as a model basis for improving the technical and tactical training of high-level kickboxers.