The Effect of Circuit Training on the Speed of Crescent Kicks among Tapak Suci Pencak Silat Athletes in Baureno District

Abstract

The crescent kick speed of Tapak Suci Martial art athletes in Baureno District is currently suboptimal; consequently, the kicks are often easily anticipated and caught by opponents during matches. This study aims to determine the effect of circuit training on improving the crescent kick speed of Tapak Suci Martial art athletes in Baureno District. The study employs a quantitative approach using an experimental method with a One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The population consists of active Tapak Suci Martial art athletes in Baureno District. The sample comprises 10 male athletes aged 14–17 years. The instrument used involves testing and measuring crescent kick speed over a 10-second duration. The treatment consists of a circuit training program conducted over four weeks (16 sessions), featuring a variety of exercises: sit-ups, back-ups, split jumps, ladder drills, jump rope, and shuttle runs. Data analysis utilizes parametric statistics—specifically the Paired Sample t-Test—processed via SPSS version 26, following a prerequisite normality test (Shapiro-Wilk method). The results indicate an increase in the mean kick speed from the pre-test to the post-test. The mean speed for right-leg kicks increased from 15.80 to 18.30, while the mean speed for left-leg kicks increased from 15.00 to 17.50. The Paired Sample t-Test results show a significance value (2-tailed) of 0.000 (p < 0.05) for both right and left kicks. Based on these results, it can be concluded that circuit training has a significant effect on improving the crescent kick speed of Tapak Suci martial art athletes in Baureno District. This training method is effective and is recommended for implementation by coaches to develop the athletes' physical conditioning components and kicking speed.