Nippon Budokan Hall hosted Japan's first major karate tournament since the COVID-19 outbreak ©WKF

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic karate venue, the Nippon Budokan Hall, has hosted the sport's first major event in Japan since the coronavirus outbreak in March.

Due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, precautions and measures were put in place for the Kanto Region Karate Tournament.

More than 500 athletes and 60 teams competed as a competition was held for the first time since the renovation of the famous arena, the spiritual home of Japanese martial arts and a legacy venue from the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.

As well as karate, the Nippon Budokan is also due to host judo at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Due to the pandemic, the Games have been pushed back by a year to 2021.

Athletes at the event were required to wear face shields to prevent the spread of the virus ©WKF
Athletes at the event were required to wear face shields to prevent the spread of the virus ©WKF

The competition was limited to the male and female team kumite and kata categories.

Procedures were applied to ensure the safety of the participants, with kumite competitors required to wear a special mouth shield and face guard during their bouts, to limit the transmission of particles through the air.

It is estimated that the face guard, known as "Menho", prevents 98 per cent of the contaminants in the air.

The tournament was held behind closed doors and only registered team and staff members, and limited guests, were allowed to attend.

Face masks were required to be worn and social distancing was enforced both inside and outside the venue.

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies were cancelled to prevent unnecessary crowds.