The Japan Karatedo Federation has revised its guidelines to allow the use of kiai shouts in the kumite sparring discipline if competitors wear a protective face shield as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The shield completely covers the wearer's mouth and is attached to a head guard similar to those worn by boxers and mixed martial arts fighters.

"I hope it becomes a model for fighting sports which have been struggling to hold events. It can also be useful as a reference for infection countermeasures at the Tokyo Olympics," said Yoshihiro Sasakawa, vice president of the federation.