COVID-19: Transitioning to Phase 2!

Introduction

The last few months have certainly been interesting. First… I want to reassure our students that we’re not planning on going anywhere. The dojo is financially structured to survive a fairly long period of time under closure circumstances. When the COVID-19 shutdowns started, we were already ahead of our growth projections and we’re in pretty good shape right now. When the shutdowns first started, I heard a good bit of ridiculous discussion in various online forums about “Budo” and how staying open in the face of a potentially lethal virus represented the “true values of Budo”. This is nonsense. Our principal concern is always for the ongoing health and safety of our students, their families and the general public.

This being said, we’re following a staged approach to returning to normal operations. The approach consists of six-phases. Transitions between phases are triggered by a combination of both Local and State operational guidelines for gyms. This post describes our upcoming transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2. We also discuss our operational guidelines for Phase 2.

Where Are We Now?

We’re currently operating in Phase 1. Our dojo space is closed to in-person classes and all classes are being held online. We’ve had some success with keeping our students engaged in practice, and as students of Iwama-Ryu Aikido, we have a rich and well defined weapons curriculum that includes quite a bit of solo practice. We’ve also opened the aperture a bit, and started incorporating “Aiki Taiso” into our regular classes to provide some on-going tai sabaki, or body movement, training. This being said, I think I speak for everyone when I say that we’re all missing regular practice! A dojo is more than just a practice space, or a “school”… It’s a sacred space that should be used for the study of Budo. Liz and I miss having an active dojo!

Transitioning to Phase 2

The infection statistics in both El Paso County and greater Colorado currently indicate a downward trend with respect to new COVID-19 infections. On May 14th 2020, Governor Polis amended Public Health Order 20-28 and he specifically classifies outdoor exercise practice as an authorized “Necessary Activity”. Colorado residents are allowed to practice in groups of ten people or less, in public spaces, as long as social distancing of at least six feet is possible. Equipment sharing is specifically prohibited.

During the week of June 1st 2020, we’ll be transitioning training to Phase 2. We’ll be holding outdoor classes twice a week, and continuing with online Zoom classes on our regular schedule.

Rules for Phase 2

Outlined below are the rules for training during Phase 2. While some of the these rules are inconvenient, they are necessary to provide both a sense of security for both current students and potential new students.

Phase 2 Rules:

• All students will be required to sign a COVID-19 specific waiver.
• All students, upon arrival, will have their temperature taken using a no-contact thermometer. Anyone with a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed to practice. All temperature readings will be logged.
• Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 people. We will be able to teach up to 8 students at a time.
• Masks must be worn during practice. Masks with ventilation valves are not suitable. For people that may not have an appropriate mask, we’ll have re-usable triple-ply cloth masks available for 10.00 each.
• Personal weapons are required. With the exception of family members, sharing of equipment, including weapons, is prohibited. If you need to purchase weapons, please see the Resources section at the end of this post. Unfortunately this includes dojo weapons. We won’t be able to bring extra weapons. All students will need a bokken and a jo. All weapons must be sturdy and able to withstand paired practice. “Red Oak” weapons are prohibited as they have a tendency to break and potentially cause severe injury. Bokken with blunted “Iwama” kissaki (tip) are strongly recommended.

We reserve the right to both limit class sizes based on circumstances and to prohibit individuals from participating if these rules are violated.

What Are We Going To Practice

We are going to be exploring the rich Bukiwaza, or weapons, curriculum that is an inseparable aspect of Iwama-Ryu Aikido. Among other things, we’ll be practicing…

• Ken/Jo Suburi (of course)
• Jo and Ken Awase Practice
• 6/13/31-Jo Kata
• 13 Jo Awase/31 Kumi-Jo
• Kumitachi (+Henka and “combined” versions) – Paired Practice (Bokken/Bokken)
• Kumi-Jo (+Henka and “combined” versions) – Paired Practice (Jo/Jo)
• Ken-Tai-Jo (+Henka and “combined” versions) – Paired Practice (Ken/Jo)
• Riai – The relationship between Ken, Jo, and Taijutsu (We can’t do Taijutsu, but we can demonstrate Riai)

We are the only dojo in the Colorado Springs region with long-term study under direct students of Morihiro Saito Sensei.

Schedule and Location

We’re officially transitioning to Phase 2 during the week of June 1st 2020. In addition to our current Zoom based online classes, we’re going to be holding outdoor classes on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. We’re trying a new outdoor practice location that is within walking distance of the dojo. Before class, we’ll meet in the dojo parking lot, and walk over to the park together. We’re also planning on holding our once a month outdoor practice again at Palmer Park, and we may move some classes over to Palmer Park to provide a change of venue.

What’s Next?

It’s probably not too surprising that “Phase 3” is our next planned transition. While we’re still working out some of the details, we’re purchasing appropriate dojo cleaning supplies (a case of “blue stuff”) and revising our Risk Management Plan to address Phase 3 operations. The trigger for transition to Phase 3 is Colorado Governor Polis announcing that gyms can re-open. We’ll adjust our Phase 3 operation plan to address any specific guidelines that State and Local authorities provide.

If we experience a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in either Colorado or locally here in El Paso County, we may also have to transition back to Phase 1. The health and well being of our dojo community is our highest priority. We welcome any feedback and ideas!

Resources

The Kiyota Company @ (800) 783-2232

Kingfisher Woodworks