Hey everyone! Lots of progress, and we’re going to continue our progressive system of opening more based on the conditions on the ground and guidance from professionals. Whatcom County is in Phase 3 of re-opening, and that allows us to run more classes, more often. You can see our schedule starting May 1 here, with classes 7 days a week.
The short version: We’re expanding to allow 20 people in each mat room (50% capacity), opening up an Intro to BJJ session, and allowing vaccinated people to train with other vaccinated people outside their training pods. We’re also keeping the takedown classes, adding a new drills class, and expanding 6 a.m. classes to four days a week. For all the details, read on, or check out our full COVID protocol here!
Also, you know about Classic BJJ, right? Our sister school is opening in Lynden on June 1, underneath the leadership of Prof. Mauro Oliveira.
As y’all know, we will never compromise on health, safety and hygiene practices. But the indicators, both legal and health, are looking better! Keep doing the small, smart things (masks, distancing) that help out, and those that are able, show up for the vaccine (I’m fully vaccinated, and the other instructors are either vaccinated or in the process).
Masks are still required in the academy. Under state and county guidance, we’re going to 50 percent capacity indoors. That means instead of 20 people in the academy total, we’re allowed 20 in each mat room, with overflow capacity in the fishbowl. Having a 4400 square foot facility helps.
This will allow us to run concurrent classes, with Intro to BJJ in one room and regular classes in another. We’re adding some exciting new classes, too.
Up until now, we’ve had you register for classes before coming in. You can still do that — in fact, you can download the ZenPlanner member app to do it from home — but since we have less concern about over-filling the building now, feel free to just show up for class if you haven’t registered.
When you come to class, you’ll still check in on ZenPlanner. You can either do that on the ZenPlanner member app, or we’ll have a tablet up from where you can check in. We’re training in pods of five, but if you’re fully vaccinate you’ll be able to move outside your pod. I’ve been consulting with medical experts on this, including doctors with backgrounds in jiujitsu. As of now, if you are fully vaccinated — meaning you’ve had your second shot — you’re able to train with any other fully vaccinated person. You’ll still sign in for classes like normal, but once you’re there, vaccinated on vaccinated grappling is a thing.
This is also based on your personal level of comfort. Just like nobody can force anyone to roll with them generally, let’s respect each other’s level of comfort with risk. Jiu-jitsu is about consent!
TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 1
Our two-year anniversary is May first! On that day, Saturday, we’ll have a special free seminar that you won’t want to miss. Bring both gi and no-gi gear, and be prepared to hang out from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. or so.
I’ve promised not to spoil the surprise, but it’ll be worth it, for sure.
NEW CLASSES
As far as regular classes go: We’re going to 4 days a week of 6 a.m. classes, with those classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday will be a regular jiu-jitsu class with me, Jeff.
On Tuesdays at 6.m., Jesse Johns will lead us in “Drill Team,” which is a drilling-focused conditioning class. It’ll get you in shape by practicing fundamental drills — as Jesse described the class to me, “bring your gi and be prepared to sweat.”
We will continue to offer takedown classes with Kegan Mulholland, with one of those during the week, and one of those on the weekend.
We also heard those of you who voted in the poll — we’re offering a 6 p.m. class four nights a week, every weeknight but Monday, and two 7 p.m. classes a week, on Monday and Friday. If the 7 p.m. classes work better for your schedule, you can of course hit those — but also feel free to join the 6 p.m. classes late.
NEXT INTRO TO BJJ WILL BE JUNE 1: ALSO, WOMEN/NB SELF DEFENSE RETURNS
We’ve filled two new Intro sessions that will start May 1, and have a waiting list for our next Intro session, which will begin on June 1. We’ve now sold out of ELEVEN STRAIGHT INTRO TO BJJ SESSIONS. Thanks so much to everyone for their support! If you know someone who wants to get on the waiting list for June, have them email me, or if they want more information, it’s all here!
Also, be nice to the new folks. Everybody has a first day — it’s all of our jobs that make sure it’s not their last day.
On June 1, we will also feature the return of Self Defense For Women and Non-Binary Folks! We’re structuring that a bit differently this time. It’ll be a Saturday class, and 10 of the class slots we will reserve for new students (the way we do Intro to BJJ), but 10 of the class spots will also be reserved for existing academy students (that is, y’all). So if you’re a woman or non-binary person training here, you’re welcome to show up for Self Defense Saturday as well.
The class will focus on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu standing self defense techniques, as well as self defense techniques from the ground (i.e., jiu-jitsu, but with a special focus on real-world scenarios with strikes).
This is the curriculum we used for this class before. We will probably modify this, but the core of it will remain the same. As always, I welcome your feedback on what’s useful!
BLUE BELT TESTING ON JUNE 27
Our next testing opportunity for belt promotion will be June 27. Folks with white belts, study and drill the blue belt curriculum, train hard, and … know that we might just have a special guest that day. I’ll reach out to folks individually about testing.
It’s going to be great to recognize folks for their hard work and discipline during a tough time!
One can never answer EVERY question folks have, so I invite you to reach out if I haven’t! Hope all’s well and see you on the mats.