Field-Based Neuromuscular and Functional Indicators Associated with Special Judo Fitness Test Performance in Young Judoka

Interpreting judo-specific fitness in young judoka requires practical field-based tests that reflect relevant neuromuscular and functional capacities. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the associations between field-based neuromuscular and functional indicators and Special Judo Fitness Test performance in young judoka. The sample comprised 36 judoka, including 27 male and 9 female athletes aged 15 to 22 years. Athletes were assessed during a beginning-of-season physical assessment session for body mass, stature, squat jump, countermovement jump, medicine ball throw without and with countermovement, judogi-grip dynamic pull-up, judogi-grip isometric pull-up, Y Balance Test score, and Special Judo Fitness Test performance. The SJFT total number of throws was treated as the primary outcome, whereas the SJFT index was treated as a secondary outcome. SJFT total was positively associated with squat jump (r = 0.670), countermovement jump (r = 0.637), judogi-grip dynamic pull-up (r = 0.514), judogi-grip isometric pull-up (r = 0.579), and Y Balance Test score (r = 0.501). Medicine ball throw performance was not significantly associated with SJFT total. An exploratory regression model including countermovement jump and judogi-grip isometric pull-up accounted for 46.7% of the variance in SJFT total performance after adjustment for model complexity (adjusted R2 = 0.467). These findings indicate that lower-limb power and judogi-grip pulling strength-endurance are relevant field-based indicators associated with SJFT performance in young judoka. Therefore, countermovement jump and judogi-grip isometric pull-up may support applied monitoring of physical capacities related to SJFT performance in developmental judo settings.