Observational Analysis of Lateral Preference in Kumite Initiation: A Starting Point in the Longitudinal Programming of Formative Karate.

We used observational methodology to analyze lateral conditioning in the technical-tactical performance of high level 8-9-year-old karatekas, specifically in relation to the guard action that supports the technical action and the body segment with which it is performed. We designed an observation instrument to analyze lateral preference in the technical-tactical actions that take place during the . We relied on LINCE software for data registration, and we found good inter-observer reliability, calculated with Cohen's Kappa coefficient.