Anaerobic Capacity and Mental Toughness of Junior Taekwondo Athletes: An Eight-Week Experimental Study

Taekwondo is a martial arts sport that is dominated by the use of anaerobic energy sources because it requires fast and strong movements. Apart from that, taekwondo athletes also need mental toughness because it requires them to fight on the mat under pressure. Therefore, taekwondo athletes must have good anaerobic capacity and mental toughness to display maximum performance. This study examines the effects of an eight-week taekwondo training program on the anaerobic capacity and mental toughness of junior taekwondo athletes. An experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group design was used in research involving 58 Banten junior taekwondo athletes (28 boys and 30 girls) aged 14-17 years, who were then divided into two groups. Measurements were carried out using the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) and Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI) twice, before and after treatment in the form of a taekwondo training program for eight weeks with a frequency of three sessions/week given to the subjects. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS Version 25 t-test. The results showed that the experimental group experienced a significant increase in anaerobic capacity and mental toughness, while the control group did not. Apart from that, it was also found that there was a substantial difference in influence between the experimental group and the control group. This research concluded that the eight-week taekwondo training program was able to increase the anaerobic capacity and mental toughness of junior taekwondo athletes. A training program that combines technical and physical taekwondo training can help junior taekwondo athletes achieve maximum performance.