Hello everyone,
Sensei Matt, Sensei Chris and myself wanted to give you all some information regarding the restart of our Judo program next week. I’ll try and summarize our thoughts in bullet form, so you can get an idea of what to expect when Judo starts up next week. These are tentative plans and details could change at any time. We still don’t really know how many people to expect, so these details are tentative and based on some assumptions that classes will be smaller, and vaccinations will be for students ages 12 and up.
When Will Judo Start Again?
– Our plan is to get everyone back on the mats next Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
– We will do in-person registrations and payments in a safe area (possibly outside or in the hallway). This is TBD.
– There will be protocols for Hyde Creek, including the need for vaccination passports (where applicable), hand sanitization, and the use of a single entrance and exit.
– There will be no entry from the side door next to the Dojo.
– We do not believe people will be allowed in the hallway for purposes other than entering and leaving the dojo.
– Please check the website soon for our updated fee structure.
What Should We Expect in our Dojo?
– All students, ages 12 and up, must have at least one vaccination shot. At this time, Children under the age of 12 are exempt.
– All instructors, coaches, and volunteers will be vaccinated and will wear masks.
– All judoka must wear masks at all times.
– All spectators, if any, must be seated and wear masks at all times. Our goal is to allow a small number of spectators, if we’re allowed, who will be socially distanced.
– We plan on having 4 separate classes, 3 for kids and one for adults. The tentative times (without knowing how many people will register) will be 6PM, 7PM, 8PM and 9PM (adults).
– Classes will not be the full hour to give us enough time for cleanup tasks.
– There will be a limit to the number of registrants in each class. Currently, we are aiming for 50% capacity.
– The idea is, based on the numbers, to have the 6PM class for kids 6-9, 7PM class for kids 9-11, 8PM class for vaccinated kids 12 and up, and 9PM for adults and high level judoka.
– We need to have the classes balanced, so will distribute children in the first 2 classes appropriately. Please be understanding if we change the time to correctly distribute spacing.
– Our plan is for Vaccinated judoka to be in separate classes from the unvaccinated students.
What Will Training Look Like?
– With all judoka wearing masks, it is obvious that we will be training at a reduced capacity. We wish to provide all students with an environment where they can feel safe.
– There will be no full-contact sparring. There will be no vigorous physical activity that could be affected by our reduced oxygen intake.
– We will focus on breakfalls, hold downs, grip strength, calisthenics, overall fitness, etc. until further notice. While it won’t be the judo we all remember before Covid, this is what we can do for now.
Recommended Zoom Session for All Students and Parents Next Week
– We will be hosting a Zoom Session for all students and parents to go over a lot of these points, including providing clarifications, status updates and other information that may have changed or come to us over the next week.
– We highly recommend you attend this Zoom Session on Monday, September 13, 2021.
– We’d like to see at least one person from each household to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Thank you for reading through this and talk to you all on Monday!
Sensei John
The Port Coquitlam Judo Club.