CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE O COMPORTAMENTO DE COMPETIDORES DE JUDÔ E JIU-JITSU PARA RÁPIDA PERDA DE PESO PRÉ-COMPETIÇÃO

Abstract

Judo and jiu-jitsu are two types of martial art whose techniques are based on self-defense and have a specific moral code. In martial art modalities, competitors are classified according to age and weight, in addiction to technical grades of the modality being practiced. Because of this ranking, it can be often seen that there are competitors who seek to manipulate these variables. The maneuver most frequently used and cited by athletes is body weight reduction in periods preceding championships so that they can fight shorter and lighter opponents. This study aimed to investigate weight loss methods used by judo and jiujitsu competitors and their discourse to justify their conduct. Study participants were males of various degrees of judo and jiu-jitsu. Data were collected by applying a questionnaire with specific open and closed questions on eating habits, training and competitions, as well as anthropometric measurements. The sample consisted of six jiu-jitsu athletes and four judokas, with a mean age of 23.1 years, and all in full time training for more than 12 months. Only one athlete reported that he was not familiar whatsoever with techniques for rapid weight loss; five declared they performed some type of maneuver to manipulate their weight and four athletes replied that they were familiar with the methods only. According to the comments that exemplified the opinions of the athletes about such practices, the "Collective subject discourse" was compiled, which resulted in two aspects: one in favor of the maneuver (judo) and another with reservations (jiu-jitsu). Methods for rapid weight loss used by athletes today have been a regular practice for decades and their deleterious effects are mentioned in the literature. In general, athletes have knowledge of the negative effects of these practices, but they do not break the habit. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]