Introduction: Differences in morphological characteristics of judokas in various weight categories may serve as objective data to tailor their competitive activity and training. However, so far there have been very few studies of this kind. It was only found that heavyweight competitors were taller and had more body fat (Krstulovic et al., 2006; Franchini et al., 2011 et al.). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the morphological characteristics of upper limbs of Russian junior judokas belonging to various weight classes. Methods: Forty-four judokas (9 first rank athletes, 30 Candidate Masters of Sports and 5 Masters of Sports of Russia) took part in the study. The morphological characteristics of 27 judokas of lighter weight categories (under 60 and 66 kg) and 17 judokas of heavier weight categories (under 73 and 81 kg) were compared. The following measurements were taken: length of upper arm, forearm and hand, arm (relaxed) and forearm girth, hand breadth, triceps and forearm skinfold thickness. Weight-to-height ratio and upper arm, forearm and hand lengths relative to height were calculated. One-way analysis of variance was used to examine the statistical differences of data. Results: It was found that heavier judokas have significantly larger lengths of forearms and hands, hand breadth, arm and forearm girths, and triceps skinfold thicknesses (p<0.05-0.001). Non-significant differences in upper arm lengths and forearm skinfold thicknesses were found between the two groups (p>0.05). Judokas of heavier weight categories had larger height and weight-to-height ratio (p<0.01-0.001). Non-significant differences in upper arm and hand lengths relative to height were found between the investigated groups (p>0.05). However, forearm-to-height length ratio was significantly larger for heavier judokas (p<0.05). Discussion: Most of the differences in the lengths of body segments of judokas belonging to various weight classes may be explained by their difference in height. However, significantly larger forearm-to-height length ratio in heavier judokas has shown that there are big differences in proportions of upper limbs segments between the compared groups. This may be the reason for the specific techniques of their judo grips and counterwork. Significantly larger weight-to-height ratio in judokas of heavier weight categories may determine their `force` style, but also may be due to larger body fat percentage which is partly confirmed by significantly larger triceps skinfold thickness.
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