Training during Covid-19

Tallahassee Karate Club has chosen to take precautions during the Covid-19 threat.  We have moved our twice weekly, at the dojo format, to a virtual training session.

It looks like many dojo are doing the same thing.

We have had 3 virtual classes, so far. I did the first one from my back porch, using Facebook messenger.  There were some challenges.  The internet connection wasn’t great. I don’t have a ton of bandwidth at my house and I was a ways away from my WiFi router.  Mosquitoes were present. Still, we made it work as best we could.  Space was limited so we did standing and moving basics, Naihanchi and Passai.

I moved to the garage for Training #2.  This was a challenge, as I needed to clean up enough to clear a spot big enough to do kata. We also switched to Zoom for the 2nd training.  I also set up my iPad so I could see everyone while they trained, and used my phone as the camera. This was much more successful than the first training, I think.  Zoom did present me with a message that said my session would be limited to 40 minutes, but it seemed to let us continue for an hour.  Once again, we focused on basics, Naihanchi and Passai.  I tested out the space before class and it appears I can do most of the other kata if I modify the stepping, a little.

Training #3 presented challenges with Zoom, so we ended up back on FaceBook messenger.  Still, it wasn't a bad training .

One of the best things about this virtual training is the ability for some of our former students, who have moved away, to join in and participate in training.  This allows them to reconnect with the class, and the Kata.

As we continue with this format, I hope it will get easier, and better, and the flow will feel as much like the regular dojo experience, as possible.

I really hope the pandemic runs its course quickly, but in the meantime, Tallahassee Karate Club will continue with Virtual Training.