I hope this message finds you well.
I
would like to provide an update into where we are with regards to the
Sidcup Dojo, Zoom classes and returning to full training. But first I
would like to update you on a change within the Association generally.
Due
to the death of my Mother, Sheila Thurlow Sensei as well as some other
personal issues, my partner (JJ) and I are moving from Bexleyheath down
to Brighton to live as of the 7th May. We need a fresh start and a
change of lifestyle. I am NOT giving up the association and not stopping
Karate. Once established in Brighton, I will be looking to set up a new
Honbu Dojo and will teach from there. With regards to Sidcup, the Dojo
will remain open and all classes will be taught by my dedicated and
experienced instructor team (Apri Sensei, Ed Sensei, Karl Sensei, Justin
Sensei and Neil Sensei), headed up by Christine Young Sensei 5th Dan,
who now assumes the role as Deputy Chief Instructor to myself. I will be
attending training sessions in Sidcup when I can and will also attend
gradings, courses and events as normal, and will be continuing with
the Associations Instructor Training Programme to ensure my teams
knowledge and skills are kept fresh, so I hope that my instructor team
sees you all in the Dojo very soon. I would also be very happy to see
you in my Brighton Dojo, once it is established and have fish and chips
on the beach after training! LOL.
So moving on
to the Sidcup Dojo (North Cray Neighbourhood Centre). At the current
time, the Dojo will re-open for physical training on Wednesday the 19th
May 2021. A new timetable is being drawn up and will be notified to all
students soon but there is likely to be a new class from 5.30pm to
6.15pm for the Shoto Tigers followed by a beginner/intermediate class at
6.30pm followed by a senior class at 7.45pm to 9pm. As it stands at the
moment, the 19th May will be the move into Stage 3 of the Governments
Covid plan and the current guidance of the English Karate Federation and
Sport England is that all Covid restrictions within clubs can be lifted
with the exception of mixing with other clubs and interclub
competition, making the Sidcup Dojo a 'Club Bubble'. It is however
likely that we will retain some additional measures at the Dojo for
peace of mind - More on this to follow closer to the time.
Once
the Wednesday class resumes in person, the Wednesday Zoom classes will
obviously finish. The Saturday Zoom classes will remain active and
attendance at these will be monitored. My instructor team is currently
looking at alternative venues for a Saturday class as the current venue
is not available. Once a Saturday venue is found, the Zoom classes on
Saturday will cease. We will let you know as soon as there is more on
this.
From a membership/licencing perspective,
if your licence is currently valid then this will continue until its
renewal date. If however your licence has expired then we will reissue
this from the first date back at training - May 19th, so please ensure
that you bring your licences with you to the class.
Well,
that's all from me for now- I really hope that we can see you back in
the Dojo in May and return to some kind or normality at training.
Yours in Karate as always.
Kevin
Dr Kevin Thurlow-Criss 7th Dan Kyoshi
SKKK Worldwide Chief Instructor
