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BACKGROUND: Explosive strength and change of direction speed (CODS) are relevant physical abilities in karate. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the characteristics of explosive strength and the 5-m linear sprint (5M) with CODS performance and ii) to examine the influential characteristics of explosive strength on CODS performance. METHODS: Eighteen cadet and junior karate athletes, eight females and ten males were evaluated. The physical abilities assessments included: squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5M and CODS. Also, pre-stretch percentage increase (PSA), eccentric utilization index (EUR) reactive strength index (RSI) were calculated. RESULTS: Superior performance (p < 0.05) was documented in SJ, CMJ and CODS in male vs. female. Also, significant correlations between CODS with SJ and CMJ (r = - 0.70 to - 0.80; R 2 = - 0.51 to - 0.73; p < 0.05, respectively) and correlations (r = - 0.14 to - 0.22; R 2 = 0.01 to 0.04; p > 0.05) between CODS with RSI, EUR and PSA. Multiple regression model documented that only SJ significantly influenced CODS performance in male ( R 2 = 60%; p = 0.009) and female ( R 2 = 71%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: CODS correlate with SJ and CMJ. In particular, SJ influence CODS independently of gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]