Phase 3 Starts Next Week. Here’s What That Means.

Posted on by jeff.shaw

Spring is here, and with it, some changes: We’ve had tons of questions about when we’ll open to the public again, and what Phase 3 means for us. I’m pleased to be able to supply some answers! Those are below. But first …

We have some folks testing for belts on April 3! Here’s the Facebook event. I’ll be reaching out this week and next to folks that are testing and their partners, and then we’ll know how many in-person observers we can have. We will also stream the event starting at 10 a.m. on April 3 at bit.ly/BellinghamBJJ and Youtube.com/DirtyWhiteBelt for those that can’t make it. I’m excited and I hope y’all are too!


Okay, here’s the big news. I really appreciate everyone’s patience, positive attitudes, commitment and dedication while we get through this. With vaccines on the way (and in some cases, here!), we’re able to loosen some of the restrictions. Although the state goes to Phase 3 on March 22, we are going to wait until April 1 — because we always want to be more careful and responsible than we’re required to be. These practices are current as of today, but could change if the state updates its Phase 3 guidance.


Here’s what will change next month:

  • 20 people (10 pairs of students) will be allowed in each class starting April 1. This is for sure. People can register for classes or sign up for membership in ZenPlanner.
  • We’ve had lots of interest in a new Intro to BJJ section, so we’re planning our next one to start on MAY 3. Registration for that will be capped at 20 people, and will open by the end of next week. I’ll send around another e-mail as soon as registration is open!
  • Folks currently training: Our monogamous training groups will expand to pods of five (unless state/county regulations prevent this) on April 1. People will still be working in pairs during classes, but folks will be allowed to train with other folks in their pod. Some folks are organizing pods now, and if you need a partner/pod, feel free to reach out.
  • Any student from a pod will be able to register a pair for a class. Only one student needs to register, and that gets a pair of students into the class. If two pairs of students from a pod ALL want to attend a class, have two students register. For example, if Jeff, Jesse, Kendall, Derek and Matt are in a pod, Jeff can register for a class and bring any of the other four with him. If Jeff registers for Jeff and Jesse, then Kendall can also register and bring either Derek or Matt.

    The intent of this is to expand training opportunities while still limiting exposure, and to keep track of who is in class with them for notification purposes in case someone gets sick. Again, THE POD PLAN COULD CHANGE if updated guidance is issued by health officials, but that’s what we’re planning for.
  • Masks will still be required inside until further notice. We’ll keep you posted, and we’ll also keep you posted on outdoor classes, which we hope to do more of this spring and summer.

Have I MENTIONED how much I appreciate y’all? Well, I do. I’m really looking forward to the day when we have 30 classes a week again, with classes taught by me, Prof. Mauro, Kendall, Colby, Pat — and now Kegan (takedowns) plus a drilling class that is the brainchild of our own Jesse. We’ll get there. It’s coming.

Keep doing the smart, safe things that’ll help us get through this pandemic, and there will be nothing but blue skies ahead. Metaphorically. See y’all soon!