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Bogu kumite (literally armored sparring) is freestyle sparring that uses face masks (usually a modified kendo mask) along with gloves and chest protectors for the safety of the combatants.
This allows the practice of full-power punches and kicks while protecting the combatants from serious harm.
In the 1930s, freestyle sparring (jiyu kumite) became popular in Japan. Sparring was supposedly non-contact, but injuries were common. This led some practitioners to use protective gear (bogu) adapted from kendo.
In the 1950s, Shigeru Nakamura pioneered the use of bogu in Okinawa. This caused considerable friction with the All Japan Karate Federation, Okinawa Branch, which promoted sport oriented sparring that did not employ bogu. Proponents of sport-oriented sparring believe that skilled martial artists should have enough control to avoid injuring other combatants.
Mr. Nakamura believed in the employment of realistic, full-power strikes in kumite. Points are awarded for blows that would have caused serious damage without the protective gear. Even with the gear, knockouts are not uncommon.
Taika Seiyu Oyata won a major bogu kumite tournament held in Japan in 1967
References:
Sells, John. Unante The Secrets Of Karate 2nd Edition. John Sells and W. M. Hawley Library, 2000
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