Abstract
The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of practicing judo elements in PE classes on the improvement of kinanthropological characteristics (morphological characteristics, motor and functional abilities) of students between the ages of 8 and 9, who were enrolled in the program. Material and methods.:The research included 22 (10 male and 12 female) students from grade 2a, who formed the experimental group, and 23 (11 male and 12 female) students from grade 2b, who made up the control group of the Pehlin Elementary School in Rijeka in the academic year 2018/2019. During the research, the initial measurement was made at the beginning of the program and the final measurement after three and a half months. Results: The results obtained through comparison between the experimental and control group in the final measurement indicate statistically significant differences between the two groups in the following tests: standing long jump (p = 0.01); sit-ups (p = 0.03); 3-minute run (p = 0.04).Conclusion: Although the students of the experimental group statistically progressed in three motor abilities (explosive leg strength, flexibility, and the speed of alternative movements) and functional abilities
Keywords: children, judo, kinanthropological characteristics, differences