Covid Information page

Guidance: We ALL need to follow guidance and best practise and assist Aikidoka making an informed decision as to whether you wish to accept the risk of practising albeit we will take precautions. You should read this page and links to decide your personal risk and whether you wish to participate:-

Central Government – England guidance :-

• Coronavirus NHS advice
• Grassroot sports participants & providers now is Reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19 COVID doesn't necessarily feature specifically in one's risk assessments

National Governing Body - British Aikido Board (BAB) - "Return to the Dojo" framework had been approved by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) like others in the Martial Arts Sector (April 2021). This involved different 'Phases' of allowable activity at different stages of the pandemic. Whilst restrictions on practising have now been lifted risks remain and need to be minminised this document remains important.

BAB Covid-19 Hub particularly Supplement 33 issued for 19th July 2021 lifting of restrictions said :-

• Full Contact Aikido can resume for both Adults and Juniors as of 19th July 2021.
• There is no limit on class size or who you can train with.
• The use of face covering is at the choice of the club leader, but is NOT a legal requirement.
• The use of the NHS Track and Trace QR code to register at your club is suggested, but is not a legal requirement.
• Some of your club members may be anxious about contact Aikido, The BAB suggests that you should be sensitive to this and you could refer to the BAB Return to the Dojo documentation Phase 2 & 3 for guidance. Although this is no longer a legal requirement as of the 19th July 2021.

Reverted to PLan A 19th January 2022 there was no change in the Guidance. Supplement 37 in December 2021 introduced Plan B which said:

• Full Contact Aikido is acceptable for Adults and Juniors.
• There is no limit on class size or who you can train with.
• The use of face covering is at the choice of the club leader, but is NOT a legal requirement.
• The use of the NHS Track and Trace QR code to register at your club is suggested, but is not a legal requirement.
• The use of the NHS COVID-19 App Passport to prove vaccination status or to request proof of a Negative Lateral Flow Test on the day of training is at the choice of the club leader.
• Some of your club members may be anxious about contact aikido , The BAB suggests that you should be sensitive to this and you could refer to the BAB Return to the Dojo documentation Phase 2 & 3 for guidance.

Based upon this information the BAB expects that in England, clubs will be still be able to train with full contact aikido. Therefore please ensure your BAB membership is current & valid as it includes your person to person and public liability insurance.

 

We intend to be cautious & sensible in our classes to minimise risks.

Sport England FAQ

Please recognise that everyone must accept a level of responsibility towards others and themselves.

Aikidoka will have differing risk factors, health and personal circumstances. It is your decision how you participate in any session (or part there of) and no adverse inference will be drawn. If you feel uncomfortable about not wearing a mask, having physical contact with others, shorter distance training - talk with your Instructor. If you are not comfortable with a particular contact activity you can instead practise solo or partnered weapon work.

Before coming to a class you should self-assess for symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19). These are:

• a high temperature (fever).
• a new continuous cough.
• a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell.

If you have one or more of these symptoms you should not attend any activity, even if your symptoms are mild. You should follow NHS guidance on "When to self-isolate and what to do"

If you, or anyone you live with, have one or more of these symptoms you should not come to class. We appreciate those that are fully vaccinated no longer need to self isolate but vaccinated people may be infectious - as we can operate with close contact we ask you not to train.

If you have been informed that you need to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace (or are required to self-isolate in relation to travel), you must do so and not attend class.

** If you feel generally unwell please don't come to class **

Please note:-

• Forms we need completed - for newcomers and returning members are sent out on request see "Application Forms".
• We are dealing with registration / paperwork for classes by email. So don't turn up unexpectedly expecting to join in on the day. We use to do this but not with Covid precautions.
• You need to be fully vaccinated. We need a COVID pass (Domestic) to check this
• Earlier in the day you need to undertake a lateral flow test before the class and show the results on your phone. This is either a text message or a email sent by registering your result with gov.uk.
• You should wear a clean Gi - normal casual clothing is fine for beginners but not tight fitting.
• Hakama should not be worn because it tends to be washed / cleaned infrequently.
• Bring a bag to hold your belongings such as water bottle, Sanitiser, wipes, masks, tissues, towel keys & phone etc. Will be useful to have a plastic bag into which used tissues could be put or the bin in the Hall. First Aid material that you brought to normal classes should be packed as well.
• Sanitiser breaks and water breaks during class will be given. As hygiene is important you may use Sanitiser more frequently and ensure wrists as well as hands are cleaned.
• We will encourage a light of touch and paced practise. Particularly if you have not been exercising during the pandemic or if you sweat a lot.
• Mat fees £4 per session. For students & those aren't in paid work £3   We may return to a monthly fee system when our second class reopens.
• Fees will not be taken at classes. You will pay by BACS in advance for 4 session fees. That sum will be counted against sessions you attend. You will need to top up when your balance becomes zero. If you stop coming to classes any credit can be refunded on request.
• Some members have continued to pay a monthly amount - the Club thanks you for supporting. Andrew emailed you acknowledging this and explained how the Club would recognise. (Oct 2021)
• Lending weapons needs care because of potential Covid transmission on surfaces. (Weapon work) Provided the weapon is cleaned with a stanitised wipe before loaning it out and the recipient cleans it similarly on returning it lending is permitted.

Additional information;-

• We understand ventilation at Altrincham Leisure Centre has been upgraded.
• We may need a booking system to limit numbers - but don't feel this is necessary at the moment.
• Whilst risk will be considered before a class - it will be continually reassessed during the class and the activity may be altered to mitigate any heightened perceived risk.
• We hope to open a second class on a evening later in 2022.

Arriving

• Do not attend a class if you or someone in your household has a new, persistent cough; a high temperature; or loses/has changes to their sense of taste or smell, even if these symptoms are mild.
• Do not attend a class if you or someone in your household has had a positive COVID-19 result, or if they have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or because of travel rules.
• Don't attend if you feel generally unwell.
• Do not attend till your paperwork has been sorted and you have been specifically invited to class (this includes members who have not already practised in 2021). We may phase taking newcomers but aren't at the moment.
• Social distancing of at least 2m should be applied where ever possible.
• Arrive at 16:00 to help sanitise the mat before we start at 16:15. Don't be late.
• Come ready changed if you can. However the Changing Rooms are open if you need to change.
• Ensure the club's Class register (Acts as track and trace form) is completed on your behalf. You will have your temperature taken and recorded. You should wear mask for this. Normal temperature is regarded as 36 / 37c. If you record close to 37.8c you will not be allowed to stay.
• Show your lateral flow test result (taken in the previous 12 hours) on your phone. Either a text message or email sent by registering your result with gov.uk  Having no proof of a negative result means you will not be allowed to train.
• Spectators, Parents & Carers who wish to enter the hall - need to have prior arranged this and will need a NHS Covid Pass produced in the last 36 hours.
• Comply with the decision of the club's COVID-19 Officer if they decide you should not train and turn you away.
• Use your Hand Sanitiser after signing in, during the class, and at the end of a class.
• Keep water bottles and all personal possessions in your own bag (See previous section).
• Only handle and use your own weapons - sanitising them before and after using wipes is the ideal. (Weapon work) Provided the weapon is cleaned with a stanitised wipe before loaning it out for the class and the recipient cleans it similarly on returning it lending is permitted.

We wish to take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of infection from the COVID-19 virus, during training sessions, individual members must recognise that an inherent risk remains for the potential to contract or pass on the virus.

Contact combat sport activities can resume full contact training and competitions for adults and children both indoors and outdoors from 19th July 2021.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) guidance is :

British Aikido Board as a governing body should maintain COVID-specific guidance for participants on how to participate safely in Aikido, which should be reviewed and updated as required to ensure that sport providers and participants are clear on the current advice and best practice. This guidance no longer needs to be reviewed by the government.

NGBs and sport providers should consider whether it is necessary to provide guidance on measures to reduce risk. For example, you could consider:

• Advising those in supporting roles to wear face coverings, where this is possible and practical.
• Advising participants to consider the number of different people they engage in full contact activity with.
• Advising coaches to limit the number of groups or facilities they work with.

We should consider the different ways people can participate, or for different types of activity. For example, if people do not wish to take part in full contact activity, it may be helpful to have a framework for the different ways of participating. The following framework may be helpful:

• Non-contact training: training individually, no activity with others, including with equipment (such as weapons).
• Weapons training: training with others, using weapons work (Weapon to Weapon, Weapon to hand).
• Contact training: contact training which includes some direct physical contact between participants.
• Full contact / competition.

Reworded slightly for readability in the context of Aikido.

The BAB Return to the Dojo explains the  risk from COVID being air borne or on surfaces:

• Air borne well vented areas like our Leisure Centre help reduce the risk but so does how you do your moves / technique with partners.   Nearness and direction of heads and time in close proximity, speed are all variables in reducing or increasing risk. Hence please read the detailed guidance provided by the BAB at Page 11.

• Also read Guidance on Page 12 Surfaces -the Leisure Centre clean door handles and other areas and we sanitise the mat when we arrive. Even though we do that we should not prolong the time and / or frequency of putting your partner down on the mat. 

Do not prolong :-

• any move that brings you within close proximity - especially face to face.
• close body contact
• face-to-mat contact.

Mask wearing: advice has become clearer "Face coverings should not be worn when people are exercising (including dancing) or taking part in strenuous activity, unless this is advised by a medical practitioner."  This guidance applies when you are being active. So the other side of coin is a mask may still be needed when in close proximity and doing moves slowly. (ie your pulse rate is not raised) However if you are more distanced a mask might not be needed. 

The pace of classes will be measured. We will emphasise quality of the moves.

Sanitise hands and wrists when you change partners.

 

During full contact training droplet transmission is a higher risk area due to increased respiration and proximity of players to each other and direction of the head. Aikido is normally practised at arm's length and the duration of contact is normally less than 3 seconds before a technique is applied and released, the risk is much reduced. Time to do a move and speed are componments of risk as well. BAB Return to the Dojo Page 11

• Phase 0 Socially distance Aikido greater than 2 metres. Low risk.
• Phase 1 Low to Medium risk - Weapon based.
• Solo weapons more than 2 metres for longer than 15mins.
• Weapon to weapon less than 1 metre for less than 1min (Not face to face).
• Weapon to weapon less than 1 metre for less than 3sec (Face to face).
• Hand to weapon less than 1 metre for less than 3sec (Not face to face).
• Phase 2 Low to Medium risk - Weapon based.
• Weapon to weapon less than 1 metre for less than 1min (Not face to face).
• Weapon to weapon less than 1 metre for less than 3sec (Face to face).
• Hand to weapon less than 1 metre for less than 3sec (Not face to face).
• Phase 2 & 3 Medium risk - Hand to hand.
• Hand to hand training gripping less than 1 metre for less than 3sec (Face to face & Not Face to face).

BAB strategy for managing fomite transmission, with mats, weapons and surfaces cleaned between sessions to minimise the risk of cross contamination. (Page 12 - Return to the Dojo)

• Sanitise your weapons and your hands & wrists.
• Leave the Dojo respecting personal space and safe distancing.
• Wash your Gi regularly.
• Your feet have been in contact with mat - consider washing when you get home
• If you display any symptoms after training – isolate and get tested.
• If contacted by NHS, test positive, or have come into contact with those that have and you believe it might effect Club members contact Andrew.

We are running a Sunday class 16:00 for 16:15 to 17:45 We welcome Beginners over '16' & adults to this class.

We are not able to resume our 'under 16 year old' classes for the moment.

We offer adult beginners new to Aikido who are on our waiting list to 3 free Taster Sessions before any fees are due. (Those not new to Aikido are excluded from this offer for insurance reasons).

We need to sort forms and other documents with you in advance and will send you links to these via email. If you contact us:-

We prefer to receive completed signed forms electronically. Forms are provide in two formats PDF and Word.docx format. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, that is free, can assist with filling out forms. Or using the .docx and pasting in your signature. Or printing out the form and completing offline and then scanning as a PDF or taking a jpeg photos.

This paperwork need sorting first after which we will send you an invite to train with us. Do not turn up unexpectedly.

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After your trial of 3 free sessions we will ask you to pay Lancashire Aikikai membership, BAB Registration and mat fees, by BACS, if you want to continue training with us :-

Type	Fee	Concession	Remarks
Mat fee	£4	£3	i.e. When you practise. Pay by BACS 4 sessions in advance £16 (£12)
Lancashire Aikikai membership for 2022	£12	£6	Fee reduced based on proportion of year remaining
BAB registration Fee for 12 months	£7	£7	BAB is our national governing body - British Aikido Board

Notes: Concession are people who have fully retired, full time students, and those not in a job. BAB is the British Aikido Board the national governing body. Lancashire Aikikai (LA) is our parent Association.

Lancashire Aikikai membership fee for 2022 and BAB registration are paid together which is £19 (Concession £13)

If you are a past member we need to make sure you have a current BAB Registration (blue slip)

The BAB, British Aikido Board our national governing body, adopted a 5 phase system to resuming Aikido in relation to Covid19 in April 2021:-

   Phase X - No training
   Phase 0 – (non-contact, socially distanced training)
   Phase 1 – (return to equipment training)
   Phase 2 – (return to contact training)
   Phase 3 – (return to competition and events)

The detail can be found on the BAB's website "Return to the Dojo".

The BAB however issued new guidance - Supplement 33 on 13th July 2021 in anticipation of removal of restrictions Stage 4 of the Road map by the government

• Full Contact Aikido can resume for both Adults and Juniors as of 19th July 2021.
• There is no limit on class size or who you can train with.
• The use of face covering is at the choice of the club leader, but is NOT a legal requirement.
• The use of the NHS Track and Trace QR code to register at your club is suggested, but is not a legal requirement.
• Some of your club members may be anxious about contact aikido , The BAB suggests that you should be sensitive to this and you could refer to the BAB Return to the Dojo documentation Phase 2 & 3 for guidance. Although this is no longer a legal requirement as of the 19th July 2021.

Supplement 37 was issued for Plan B December 2021

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Non-contact activities, maintaining at least 2 metre distance, (Phase 0) such as:-

• Stretching Exercises.
• Weapon Kata.
• Solo training.
• Weapons are not shared.
• Weapon to weapons is not permitted.

Contact training with weapons (Phase 1). Socially distanced training should be maintained for all participants and introduces extra guidance.

They can:-

• Train with others and do not have to maintain 2 metre social distance. This is solely for the use of training with weapons.
• During this phase 1 there should be no direct personal contact or contact with clothing.
• It is recommended but not mandatory that masks and gloves should worn by Aikidoka when practising weapon to weapon. (We will adopt masks but not gloves but as a result Sanitiser for hands, wrists and wiping weapons becomes more important)
• Hand to weapon is permitted as long as there is no direct personal contact or contact to clothing.

Contact training (Phase 2 & 3).

Physical contact between participants.

• Weapon to Weapon, Hand to Weapon and Hand to Hand is permitted.
• But the guidance to minimise transmission requires very limited exposure when very close of less than 3 seconds.
• When less close or not facing time increases.
• We consider this will be gauged and learnt through practising different defences from varied attacks. (Section 5) but close coaching at snail place will need to be avoided. Partners assisting each other will need to take care.

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Trafford Aikido - was required from April 2021 to 18th July 2021 to put the following in place before starting our outdoor classes. It's included as a reference - as some material is still appropriate.:-

• Has undertaken a risk assessment in respect of Covid and also checked and updated its normal risk assessment sharing it with the Coaching Team. Any remedial action required is to be implemented before any return to training. (See BAB templates Appendix 3 and 4)
• Before the first training session clubs must also confirm their compliance, at all times, with Government and BAB Guidelines on health and hygiene and safe distancing, by completing and returning the 7 COVID Club Declaration Form to the BAB Secretary.
• Has appointed a COVID-19 Officer < 5 - Guidance for Club COVID-19 Officer Attachment> - Andrew the Club Leader and Chairman has assumed that role to ensure guidance are adhered to.
• Will ensure our Coaching team, who are taking classes, have read the BAB guidance for First Aiders and members are aware as well. < 8 - Guidance for Club First Aiders Attachment 8>
• Will have regard to 1. Guidance for Associations and Clubs.
• Received from members completed opt-in forms <9> recognising the risk that Covid poses to those wanting to practise :-
  
  • This is a practise being adopted across the sporting sector.
  • The form needs to be returned to Andrew before attending their first class. (at least 24 hours before).
  • The form has been expanded to ensure your current mobile phone & email address are up-to-date in our records.
  • The Club will check that they hold 2021 Lancashire Aikikai membership and the blue slip is in date.
• The Club will make reference to any local restrictions, the combat contact framework and the government step stages of the road map to ensure changes are noted that would affect the training session and that Aikidoka are told of these before a class starts.