November 2020 - Update 2
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- Published: 26 November 2020 26 November 2020
- Last Updated: 27 November 2020 27 November 2020
Recent announcements from the Alberta provincial government and Alberta Health Services (AHS) have maintained restrictions related to group fitness put in place on November 13, while adding additional business and community-based rules. As such, please note that Sabean Karate remains closed and will not reopen until receiving instructions to do so from health authorities. Though these restrictions present challenges to everyone, we must remember that they have been put in place to safeguard the health of our community and protect and support our front-line and health-care workers.
The provincial government has suggested that some sports groups may want to seek an exemption from the group fitness rules. Please be aware that Sabean Karate is NOT seeking an exemption from the rules as the restrictions put in place by AHS and the government are meant to reduce the chances of transmitting COVID-19 in a group setting. While I recognize that we would rather be training together, currently, that is not advisable. Community health is more important than group training.
Remember that we can still train, even though we are not together. Like we did in the spring and summer, training can focus on the kihons and katas that each of us needs for our next grading level. Adding in the Ab Ripper exercises and push-ups once in a while is a good idea too.
I hope everyone stays well over the coming weeks. I enjoyed the indoor classes we held from October to mid-November and want to thank everyone for supporting the dojo when we were able to resume indoor classes. We had a great turnout for every class and even more importantly, all members took the safety, hand-washing and physical distancing requirements seriously. Should the rules related to group training change, we will update this page with any additional information.
I look forward to when we can resume training together, but in the meantime, take care of yourselves and your family!
Gary Sabean
Head Instructor
November 2020 - Update
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- Published: 12 November 2020 12 November 2020
- Last Updated: 26 November 2020 26 November 2020
November 12 Classes Going Ahead
All Classes Cancelled from November 13 to 27
As per Alberta Health Services and the Provincial Government of Alberta requirements, all indoor group fitness classes are cancelled from November 13 to 27. For our dojo, this means that the next scheduled class day would be Monday, November 30.
As Premier Kenney noted, we must seize the moment to combat the transmission of COVID-19. Please watch for additional updates to the suspension period.
Stay safe and don’t forget to practice at home!
Gary Sabean
Head Instructor
November 2020
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- Published: 09 November 2020 09 November 2020
- Last Updated: 26 November 2020 26 November 2020
Our indoor classes have been underway for just over one month now. We are all getting used to the new space and the new procedures for class entry. Thank you to everyone for following safety guidelines – we have had no problems with checking temperatures, taking attendance and mask wearing.
As a reminder, you must wear a mask in the entry way and while waiting for class to begin. You may continue to wear your mask during class at your own discretion; however, Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines do not require individuals to wear a mask while exercising. Parents – please remember that you are not allowed to sit in the dojo during class – that space is reserved only for karate participants.
Please be aware that we are following Alberta Health Services guidance – but as circumstances change with the number of COVID-19 cases in our city and province, we may need to make further changes to our karate training schedule, including suspending classes if directed to do by AHS.
Stay safe everyone!
Gary Sabean
Head Instructor
Safety Protocols for Indoor Training
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- Published: 28 September 2020 28 September 2020
- Last Updated: 29 September 2020 29 September 2020
Welcome back everyone! We are looking forward to a new training season with all of you. COVID-19 protocols add a bit of complexity to our training sessions, but if we all follow the guidelines, we can keep each other safe and focus our energy on karate training. The following is a list of protocols to ensure everyone’s safety:
- Before participating in the fall session of training, all members (or their guardians) must sign and submit an updated waiver form. The waiver can be downloaded here.
- To help us maintain physical distancing please enter the community centre via the main entrance. After classes please exit from the gymnasium doors.
- Masks are to be worn inside the community centre at all times. Masks may be removed only during training if desired.
- To avoid congestion in the washrooms, please come to class dressed in your Gi and be ready to train.
- Please wait outside the gymnasium until an instructor comes to collect you and bring you into the dojo.
- Prior to class we will be taking everyone’s temperature and will ask everyone to sanitize. If your temperature is 38°C or higher, you will not be able to participate and must leave the community centre. Parents – please do not leave the community centre until you know that your child is able to participate!
- We have allotted a five-minute interval between classes to minimize congestion in the entryway of the community centre. As a result, it is of utmost importance that you arrive on time as we will be doing our very best to keep these intervals punctual. Please note that there will be no entry to the dojo once classes have begun – so do not be late! Again, parents – do not leave the community centre until you know that your child is able to participate!
- Parents/spectators are not allowed inside the training area. Only those participating in the class are allowed in the dojo space.
Remember – to participate in class, you (or you, answering for your child) must be able to say NO to the following questions before every class!
- Do you or anyone in your household have any symptoms including a fever greater than 38°C, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose?
- Have you or anyone in your household travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days?
- Have you or anyone in your household been in close unprotected contact in the last 14 days with someone who is being investigated or confirmed to have a case of COVID-19?
September 2020
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- Published: 28 August 2020 28 August 2020
- Last Updated: 02 October 2020 02 October 2020
Outdoor Training
As with almost every other aspect of life, we are all finding ways to adapt in the time of COVID-19. Our optional fun runs at Baker Park have been well-attended throughout the summer – and will continue until September 29, weather (and sunset!) permitting.
Indoor Training
We are pleased to welcome everyone back to indoor training, beginning Thursday, October 1. However please take note of the important changes to our processes:
- Classes will be held on Monday and Thursday nights. Friday night classes are still under consideration.
- We are operating in a new location: Montgomery Community Association at 5003 16th Avenue NW.
- Note that we will be sharing the gym space with Sensei Stanley’s Shotokan karate club. Classes will remain separate and the number of participants in the gym will not exceed safety guidelines.
- Class times on Mondays and Thursdays are as follows:
- 6:30 to 7:10 (all belts)
- 7:15 to 7:55 (all belts)
- 8:00 to 9:30 (adult class, ages 14 and up)
While bathrooms/change-rooms are available, we request that participants arrive in their Gis to minimize contact in the bathroom/changeroom. As per City of Calgary Face Coverings Bylaw, please wear a mask into the dojo and while you wait for class to begin. Safely store your mask during class as you are not required to wear a mask during athletic/fitness activities. Bring your own, prefilled water bottle as water fountains are not available.
Classes will not include physical contact and will focus on fitness, individual techniques, kihons and katas as well as line drills when appropriate.
As with any activity, please stay home if you are felling unwell, if you have travelled outside the country, if you have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if someone in your household has COVID-19. Please wash your Gi and any training equipment regularly and wash/sanitize your hands before and after training.
If you have any questions about our fall training sessions, including protocol, fees, etc., please contact me.
Note that all participants (or their guardians) must sign and hand in a waiver BEFORE participating in indoor training. The waiver can be downloaded here.
Take care everyone. Be nice to each other and wash your hands!
Gary Sabean
Head Instructor
How to be a Good Karate Parent
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- Published: 08 March 2014 08 March 2014
- Last Updated: 26 June 2016 26 June 2016
From Karate by Jesse http://www.karatebyjesse.com
Note: I came across the following article and thought our dojo parents might enjoy it. I know I did!
Gary Sabean
Imagine the horror:
- You’ve been driving your kids to Karate class, tournaments and camps for years.
- You’ve spent boatloads of money on uniforms, belts, gradings and equipment.
- You’ve invested hundreds of hours to relentlessly push your kids to the limit.
Then one day…
BANG! They quit. Just like that. You’re heartbroken. Flabbergasted. Why?! You try to talk to them. You try to convince them to continue. You tell them they’ve come too far to quit now – give it another shot, kiddo! But nothing works. When a child makes her mind up, there’s not much you can do really.