Lockdown: Updates from Sensei Nick Smith and the EKF

Below is an update from Steve Coupland, President of the EKF (English Karate Federation) about the lockdown laws being relaxed and what this means for karate.

As many will be aware the Government has announced a further relaxation of the lockdown rules.

From Monday 1st June we are now allowed to meet OUTSIDE in groups up to a maximum of 6 people. Significantly, we can now exercise OUTSIDE in groups of six people.

We had been allowed to give one to one coaching, but now we are able to coach up to five people. however please take the following into consideration.

• There is absolutely no contact training. Sessions will essentially be Kihon and kata..... no partner work of any kind!

• There should be no shared equipment, including any free standing strike/target pads. If these are used, then they must be cleaned/sterilised before being used by another person.

• If coaching includes a watching parent/guardian, then that person constitutes part of the group. For example if two kids show up with a parent each, then adding the coach would result in a group of five, allowing only one other participant
  

• All training MUST BE OUTSIDE
  

• All training MUST OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS.... that is 2 metre distance at all times from people from different households
  

• Check with your insurance that you appropriately covered
  

• Ensure all risk assessments, and Safe Guarding measures are in place.
  

It might be worth reminding people of government guidance around symptoms and actions that should be taken by individuals in those circumstances.

There has also been notice about a return to competitive sport. At this time, this applies to professional sport (which will have no spectators) and does not yet apply to Sport karate.

We urge all members to follow government guidance and strictly adhere to the rules. There is to be no indoor training, and our dojo doors should remain closed. For the time being, your dojo is outdoors.

As ever, stay safe and keep those around you safe.

Steve Coupland

EKF President

Due to the nature of this message, Sensei Nick Smith has asked for feedback on the potential for outdoor sessions for 5 students plus Sensei Nick equalling the 6 in his garden. As the EKF notes, there will be no contact whatsoever so it will be limited to linework and kata socially distanced. All as in the notification. Any parents who want to be present then they would constitute part of the 6 therefore a booking system is required. He is happy to provide this but will need feedback in order to move forward with it.