Brooklyn Aikido Dojo Reopens
In the Dojo Volume 2 Issue 7
By Josh Paul Sensei, AOSB head instructor
On Monday, July 20, 2020, NYC entered the fourth phase of its phased reopening. It was the last part of New York State to do so, and did so with some deviations from the original phase IV plan. Indoor dining, as well indoor recreation and arts (i.e., aikido, movie theaters, and malls), because of the tremendous spread of COVID-19 in states that reopened too soon and those that never closed completely, have yet to return to the city. However, the Bronx and Prospect Park Zoos and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens are reopening (July 20 and August 7, respectively), outdoor sports are returning, and outdoor gatherings are once again allowable. The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced plans to reopen on August 29.
While this news is positive, it is important to bear in mind that reopening is a delicate and uncertain process. Cases of COVID-19 are currently increasing in more than 40 states (that’s 80% of the country), and 18 of these states have been designated as so-called red zones. Mortality rates are on the rise in these regions. COVID-19 remains a real and present threat.
With these and many other factors in mind, we are pleased to announce AOSB’s phased reopening strategy. This is a tentative plan that will be modified and adjusted as needed. Our goal is to return to full, real-life practice in the dojo this autumn, although we readily acknowledge that science may stand in the way.
Phase I: August 2020, Online and outdoor classes
Ira attempting to convert the living room into a playground. Quarantine has been tough on everybody.
Starting Tuesday, July 28, we will offer a combination of online and outdoor, real-life classes. The curriculum will focus on conditioning and flexibility, and solo and paired weapons practice. There will be a mid-month break to evaluate the safety of in-person practice. At that time, if the city-wide rate of new cases and transmission remains constant or declines, and we remain collectively healthy, we will add a second outdoor class to the schedule.
Initially, we will be substituting the Tuesday evening adult Zoom class for a Tuesday evening outdoor practice. This class is for adult and teen students of all ranks. We may also be welcoming new students to these practices. This class schedule (follow link for the detailed schedule) will remain in effect until September 5, 2020 (Labor Day Weekend).
Coming soon! The official AOSB face mask. Look good, stay safe, and support the dojo. Only $10.
Following Labor Day, if the statistics continue to trend in a positive direction, and pending the approval of local and state authorities, we will begin moving some classes into the dojo while continuing to offer outdoor and online classes. Our plan is to provide at least one dojo and one virtual class for our children’s (ages 4-6), youth (ages 7-11), and teen (ages 12-15) programs each week. Adults will continue with outdoor and virtual classes through September.
To ensure the safety of outdoor practice, attendees must follow several easy safety protocols:
Stay home if sick
Wear a mask
Notify the dojo-cho (Josh Sensei) if you fall ill
Sanitize any shared or borrowed equipment
Just saying.
Location and additional details about the outdoor practice will be sent separately. Our indoor safety protocols will be published when we can actually conduct indoor classes. In the meantime, wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain social distance, and be proud of being a New Yorker. Adhering to social distancing and other safety protocols seemed impossible for NYC when first announced. However, it turns out, these protocols are only possible in a city that is already accustomed to a little personal discomfort (the daily norm) and can appreciate a little more personal space.
AOSB COVID-19 SCHOLARSHIPS and tuition assistance
The pandemic has caused economic hardship throughout the country and within our dojo community. We are pleased to be able to offer scholarships and tuition assistance to students who are committed to their practice, but unable to currently afford tuition because of COVID-19-related job and income loss. Anybody who was a dojo member in March 2020 and had to discontinue their membership because of COVID-19 is eligible. Please contact us directly (and privately) to discuss the details.