From the Chair
Recent events have started to change the landscape again for a return to normality, although extra measures have been put into place, training can continue as usual, and the association would recommend you follow some additional guidance. Although many clubs are now closed for the Christmas break at this time there is no change in guidance for combat sports but what can we expect in January?
As we will be only too aware the omicron spike is likely to occur in late December or January, clubs should be prepared should start to plan contingencies now based around several options.
1. Complete closure of all group and individual training, reverting to online lessons
2. Allowance for outdoor socially distanced training only in small groups
3. Continuation of indoor training but on an individual only basis
4. Continuation of indoor training on a group basis but with no contact
5. Possibility of adults being restricted but children being permitted contact training, in-line with many Return to Play policies.
6. Continuation of contact training ‘as is’ but with added COVID restrictions.
Any return to training should be on a common sense basis the association would recommend. The use of handwashing/sanitising and temp checks and would further recommend that Lateral flow tests are completed prior to attending training and these precautionary measures should continue during this period of uncertainty. The personal use of face coverings by members is of course welcome should they so wish.
BAA Club News
Since the re-introduction of local Dan gradings, there have been several club level promotions the results are as follows: –
Shogun Martial Arts School – Lee Adams
- Jack Wilson 2nd Dan
- Simon Baker 1st Dan
Ichiban Leeds – Bob Jones
- Emma Keyworth 1st Dan
- James Straton 1st Dan
- Ellie Hartshorne 1st Dan
- Johnathan Gilmore 1st Dan
Thanet Judokwai ( Aikido) – Dick Todd
- Chris Sole 3rd Dan
- Carl Reaney 3rd Dan
- Tyler Fankland 3rd Dan
- Robert Milward 2nd Dan
- Paul Green 2nd Dan
- Simon Davies 2nd Dan
- Paul Whitehead 2nd Dan
Shoshinkan Essex – Shaun Hoddy
- Rachel Dickinson 1st Dan
Winchester – Francis Burgess
- Claire Gould 3rd Dan
- Sonya Lloyd 2nd Dan
- Paul du Plessis-Smith 1st Dan
Congratulations to all those newly promoted Yudansha and of course to all those newly promoted Kyu grades at all these local gradings.
BAA Membership Officer
Work on the new database is going well, but unfortunately slower than expected, the database is being used now on a day-to-day basis as soon as all the bugs are ironed out a link will be added to the website and arrangements will be made for access for each club secretary to be able to manage their club, individual members will be able to renew online and access their personal data.
If you need any help with club or personal membership you can contact Matt Goodall by email at mo@britishaikidoassociation.co.uk or write to:
BAA Membership Officer
Ichiban Leeds
332a Meanwood Rd
Leeds
LS7 2JS
The Evolution of technology for training
When we started our first lockdown it was almost impossible to understand how many clubs were going to survive, the very nature of or chosen martial art meant that contact was key to be able to progress and to keep our skills sharpened, so it was no surprise that when the subject of remote training was broached there were several negative comments, there were however several clubs that started Zoom training sessions throughout 2020 and tailored training specifically for online content. These were largely successful and from discussions, students improved better than expected.
Looking across media, and the wider martial arts spectrum there are now a plethora of courses and training sessions available for the martial artists from across the globe, the reality is that this type of training will be with us for some time and it’s something we must embrace. I will be tasking the BAA to look at what best practises are out there and build programs and workflows that incorporate virtual training.
The BAA executive would like to wish all our members a happy Christmas and a Happy New year.