COVID-19
The martial art of Aikido teaches us to fully control our space by connecting to our center. While traditional Aikido martial arts practice is not necessarily compatible with social distancing, there are many other ways to learn the meaning and methods of Aikido kata. This page provides information about how we are adapting our classes and services to connect people to Aikido training as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Important information is highlighted in RED text. Additionally, you can download a PDF copy of our COVID-19 policies here. Our policies and procedures concerning student safety during this pandemic are subject to change based on the recommendations of the relevant scientific communities and current government regulations. Stay healthy and happy, and we look forward to training with you soon!
On this page you will find...
COVID-19 safety procedures for all activities
The following guidelines and procedures will be in effect for all students/participants in Arundel Aikikai activities:
- If you have any signs or symptoms of infection – or believe you may have had contact with anyone infected – stay home and/or self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.
- The instructor(s), students, and/or participants are must effectively wear appropriate masks at all times during in-person training activities. Masks must cover nose and mouth and must be made of material suitable to protect others from any droplets you may produce through any sneezing, coughing, breathing, and/or talking.
- Disposable/single-use masks will be made available for participants at all Arundel Aikikai activities including dojo classes, group seminars, and on-location private lessons. These masks are available for free to any Arundel Aikikai participants.
- The instructor(s), students, and/or participants should bring your own small towel or cloth for wiping any potential sweat or moisture without touching your face.
- The instructor(s), students, and/or participants required to wash hands or apply hand sanitizer according to CDC guidelines immediately before training activities begin, after training activities end, after any hand-washing required activity recommended by the CDC, and as frequently as needed throughout the training activities.
- Hand sanitizer will be made available for participants at all Arundel Aikikai activities including dojo classes, group seminars, and on-location private lessons. Hand sanitizer is made available at no extra cost, and Participants should utilize hand sanitizer before and after training.
- The instructor(s), students, and/or participants are required to observe social distancing guidelines at all times during training activities. This includes any relevant Federal, State, County, Facility, and/or organizational guidance and requirements.
- To facilitate social distancing, Arundel Aikikai will teach Aikido techniques exclusively through basics/solo-drills and weapons kihon and kata training as long as the pandemic threatens public health. Students/participants may use dojo-owned weapons but are encouraged to bring their own — or purchase their own — weapons (Bokken, Jo, and Tanto). Weapons can be purchased online from most martial arts vendors or you can purchase them through the dojo (with sufficient advance notice for order and delivery).
- Any general equipment or dojo-owned equipment will be cleaned and sanitized before and after each training. The instructor(s), students, and/or participants are responsible for disinfecting any equipment they used during each training. Any general equipment not the responsibility of a student or participant will be cleaned by the instructor(s).
- During the pandemic, Arundel Aikikai will not utilize its stored tatami mats due to infection concerns. Students wishing to practice tumbling/ukemi must purchase and bring their own mats/tatami on which to tumble. Students/participants will be required to clean these mats before setting up as well as after each practice concludes. Portable bi-fold and tri-fold mats are available for purchase online from most sporting supply stores as well as Amazon.com. You can also purchase tri-fold mats through the dojo (with sufficient advance notice for order and delivery).
COVID-19 safety procedures for SPCC activities
In addition to the procedures for all activities, the following procedures apply to classes and seminars at the Severna Park Community Center.
- All participating students must comply with all posted facility health and safety policies and procedures in addition to all Arundel Aikikai health and safety procedures.
- Be informed by visiting the Severna Park Community Center website to learn about their general policies and procedures for COVID-19 safety. In addition to these policies students participating in Arundel Aikikai activities at the Severna Park Community Center must fill out and submit a Severna Park Community Center COVID-19 waiver before participating in training. Download a PDF copy of the center’s waiver here.
- In-person dojo classes/events at the Severna Park Community Center are limited to 10 participants per class.
- To assist students in maintaining social distancing, room setup will include clearly labeled/marked areas/lanes to guide students through class exercises while maintaining social distance.
COVID-19 safety procedures for private lessons
In addition to the procedures for all activities, the following procedures apply to private lessons
- Training at a private student’s house is to be postponed for at least 14 days if anyone in the household has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone who has signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
- To facilitate social distancing and weapons curriculum, training should take place outside or under a large, open, well-ventilated space (such as a garage with doors opened, covered patio or porch, etc.)
COVID-19 pricing
Our mission is to connect our community with the benefits of martial arts training. Our official rates, like our mission, have not changed during the pandemic.
However, if you — like so many in all of our communities — have experienced financial hardship during this pandemic, price reductions are available.
If you have any questions about possible price reductions you are encouraged to contact us with this link or with the form below!
Online training opportunities
Arundel Aikikai offers a weekly online weapons class on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. This class looks at weapons kata and kihon for bokken and jo and teaches Aikido techniques through weapons movements.
This class is free of charge, with no payment required for participation. Donations of any amount are accepted
If you have questions about this Aikido weapons class you are encouraged to contact us with this link or with the form below!
COVID-19 Information and Best Practices
Visit the CDC website for information about COVID-19, social distancing, and hand washing.
Contact Us
As always, if you have any questions or concerns you are encouraged to contact us. We will be happy to connect you to answers!
You can find contact resources on our contact page by clicking the “Contact” button below.
You can also contact us directly from this page by submitting the Quick Contact form below.
We look forward to connecting you to answers, and hope we are able to join you on your martial arts journey!