First of all, we would like to reiterate our gratitude for all of your support over the last few months. We have all been through the ringer; introspection, depression, rage, tranquility, despair, hope, and countless other emotions have come in rapid succession and are often intermingled with each other. Hopefully our small community has been able to serve as an anchor for you through it all and that it can continue to do so. We train in Aikido not to revel in conflict, but to realize that even within conflict, both internal and external, there is always a possibility for union and reconciliation. We are very happy to walk this path with all of you.
As we continue our gradual move back to a more recognizable form of practice, we are pleased to inform you that classes in the dojo will resume on July 6th. For the time being, we will still be running a modified schedule in order to allow for the most training opportunities while we restrict attendance capacity. RSVP here.
Here are the details:
The dojo will be closed and no classes of any kind will be held from July 1-5th. The final streaming class will be Monday, June 30th @ 6pm.
Regular Classes
Our normal classes will be held under the following conditions: RSVP will be required in advance with a maximum class size of 6 students. Illinois' Phase 4 guidelines recommend that, before participating in group training like this, you receive a COVID-19 test before doing so. We strongly encourage you to do so. Tests are now available to everyone, whether you are displaying symptoms or not.
A list of free statewide testing facilities can be found here, with Harwood Heights being the closest free site for the City of Chicago (additional sites covered by insurance or for a small fee can be found throughout Chicago).
Solo Conditioning & Zazen
These classes will continue in their current format but will no longer be streamed. Drills, conditioning, and ukemi will be practiced without contact in your own separated space. We have also added some outdoor conditioning classes in the morning.
All hygiene protocols (frequent disinfection, staying away if you have recently felt sick, etc.) will remain in effect for all classes.
Weapons & Iaido
These classes will continue in their current outdoor format.
We will be closing our Telegram chat groups on July 11th; but please exchange contact info and stay in touch with each other!
Once again, we are extremely happy to have you as members and are greatly looking forward to seeing many of you again for the first time in months. Let's keep going together!
Sincerely,
Enmei & Chris