The effects of high-intensity intermittent training incorporating ʻkakari-geiko' (HIITK) on the maximal oxygen uptake of male and female university kendo players were observed. The HIITK consisted of eight sets of 20-sec maximal exercise incorporating Tabata-style kakari-geiko (continuous attack practice) with a 10-sec rest between the sets. In Experiment 1, seven male kendo players performed the HIITK 3×/week for 6 weeks, and five other male kendo players on the same kendo team served as the control group not participating in the HIITK. The maximal oxygen uptake was measured during treadmill running before and after the training. For Experiment 2, the maximal oxygen uptake of 13 female kendo players was measured during treadmill running before and after 11 weeks of the HIITK performed 3×/week. In Experiment 1, the training group's maximal oxygen uptake was significantly increased (pre: 50.9±8.4 ml/kg/min, post: 54.1±8.0 ml/kg/min, p<0.05), whereas no change was observed in the control group (pre: 51.8±3.9 ml/kg/min, post: 52.6±3.6 ml/kg/min). In Experiment 2, the maximal oxygen uptake of the female kendo players was significantly increased after the training (pre: 42.1±2.9 ml/kg/min, post: 48.3±2.2 ml/kg/min, p<0.001). These results demonstrated that the HIITK improved the aerobic fitness of both male and female university kendo players.
