Background. Direct preparation for competition, which takes into account the individual needs and moods of karate practitioners, is of significant importance for their form in the main event. To date, there have been few studies in this area relating to the mental sphere of competitors. Problem and aim. The aim of this article is to gain knowledge about the mood of Fudokan karate competitors in junior and senior groups during direct preparation for kata competition. Material and methods. Polish kata competitors from Fudokan karate (N=52) were examined, including juniors (n=24) and seniors (n=28). The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) was used. Significance was set at 0.05. Results. No differences were found in the vigour dimension between the junior and senior groups, but differences were found in the tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion dimensions. In addition, it was found that competitive experience is negatively correlated with the intensity of mood dimensions, with the exception of vigour, which is positively correlated. Conclusions. Juniors showed higher levels of tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion than seniors, while vigour levels were similar in both groups. In addition, the following relationship was found: the longer the competitive experience, the higher the vigour and the lower the tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion.
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