A CASE STUDY OF CAI APPLIED TO UKEMI PRACTICE IN JUDO

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to present materials which can be applied to illustrate the utilization of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in ‘ukemi’ practice in Judo, and includes various ways of teaching kinesiology and biomechanics. METHODS: Subjects consisted of ten students at Hokuriku University in Japan. Each subject participated by performing in a fundamental ukemi practice program for three weeks (twice a week). In this study, instead of a paper textbook, newly developed software for use with a personal computer was applied to teaching ukemi skills. All movements of ukemi performance were recorded by video camera and then analyzed. RESULTS: Students could understand the forms and classifications of ukemi through the program. The use of the personal computer makes the image of ukemi skills very clear and easy to understand. On video, students can see not only their mistakes, but also monitor their positive progress. The students gained confidence gradually, but the video method was unable to show them the timing and the amount of the strength needed to execute various ukemi. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it is concluded that the utilization of the personal computer and video could improve performance and perfect students’ skills in understanding various types of ukemi, and that CAI had the capability of increasing students’ desire to improve their skills.