Upcoming Events
July 6th: Dojang Re-Opens
July 25th: Color Belt Testing
August 15th & 16th: 2020 Black Belt Testing
July 25th: Color Belt Testing
August 15th & 16th: 2020 Black Belt Testing
News
Dear Taekwondo Families,
Thank you for the very helpful feedback you have provided over the last week. I have taken notes of everyone’s preferences and I have adjusted the monthly tuition autopay for those families who have informed me of a need to remain unenrolled as we move towards a safe and responsible re-opening. Attached is a schedule of classes that will be offered through the end of July. Please review. Here are some thoughts and further details on the class sessions:
Hybrid Format: Half of the VTA student body has expressed a preference to continue training online as the coronavirus pandemic plays out. That option is not going to disappear as I re-open the dojang. Rather I am moving forward with offerings in both formats to accommodate as many students as possible. Classes will be offered in a virtual format through Zoom on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. These Zoom sessions will be different than those of the last several weeks. The sessions will be longer and more formal. I would like to encourage participants to try and appear in their doboks so we can begin recreating some of our routines.
Class Groupings: On Wednesday evenings Master Bob Maves will resume his poomsae class. Many students are already familiar with his class and I am excited to see it return. On Monday classes at the dojang and on Tuesday Virtual Sessions the groups will be divided by skill set. As we maintain social-distancing it is less imperative that students are grouped by age/size/maturity since most students will be working in their own space with a high degree of independence. The point of demarcation will be Blue Belt; students with a blue belt or higher will participate in the Intermediate/Advanced session. However, during the Virtual and In-person sessions offered on Thursday and Friday the classes will be separated by age to promote healthy socialization. Saturday morning sessions will be available for anyone who wishes to log in.
Belt Testing: I will offer belt testing to students who are ready during the month of July. I have reserved July 25th for this activity. I am considering conducting the belt test outside in my yard at home. More details will become available regarding the belt testing as I get a more clear picture of who will be ready to promote.
Dojang Classes: Last Friday Clark County applied for Phase 3 of the Washington State re-opening plan. Even if we are granted this relaxation of restrictions, VTA is still going to err on the side of safety with respect to classes for our community. The following rules will be in place at the dojang:
Class Size: The target size for each class is about five participants. If it appears that we are having any overcrowding I will adjust the schedule to open up more practice times. I am going to try and avoid a rigid schedule of assigned classes for the time being, but that might become necessary if overcrowding is a recurring problem.
Training Camps: I will be wrapping up the month of June with some more camps similar to what I offered last week. Those who wish to participate in these camps are encouraged to contact me and reserve a spot for participation. The camps are a great opportunity to get back on the mats and they have been invaluable for me in determining how classes can be structured during the coronavirus pandemic. Reservation for spots in these camps is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Feel free to call immediately!
Truecoach: During our period of distance training many students have taken advantage of this app designed to connect coaches and athletes. It has been used to customize home training sessions to assist with individual goals and as a platform for sharing tutorial videos for home practice. The free trial on Truecoach is now over. Students who wish to begin or continue having access to Truecoach will need pay a monthly service fee of $20 that is added into their tuition.
Finally, I want to say “THANK YOU” for everyone who has stuck with VTA through this unprecedented event. I always knew we were a strong community, but I have been truly humbled by the scope and degree of support, effort, and willingness for problem solving that has been on display. I hope to see everyone soon!
Scott Browning
Vancouver Taekwondo Academy
Thank you for the very helpful feedback you have provided over the last week. I have taken notes of everyone’s preferences and I have adjusted the monthly tuition autopay for those families who have informed me of a need to remain unenrolled as we move towards a safe and responsible re-opening. Attached is a schedule of classes that will be offered through the end of July. Please review. Here are some thoughts and further details on the class sessions:
Hybrid Format: Half of the VTA student body has expressed a preference to continue training online as the coronavirus pandemic plays out. That option is not going to disappear as I re-open the dojang. Rather I am moving forward with offerings in both formats to accommodate as many students as possible. Classes will be offered in a virtual format through Zoom on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. These Zoom sessions will be different than those of the last several weeks. The sessions will be longer and more formal. I would like to encourage participants to try and appear in their doboks so we can begin recreating some of our routines.
Class Groupings: On Wednesday evenings Master Bob Maves will resume his poomsae class. Many students are already familiar with his class and I am excited to see it return. On Monday classes at the dojang and on Tuesday Virtual Sessions the groups will be divided by skill set. As we maintain social-distancing it is less imperative that students are grouped by age/size/maturity since most students will be working in their own space with a high degree of independence. The point of demarcation will be Blue Belt; students with a blue belt or higher will participate in the Intermediate/Advanced session. However, during the Virtual and In-person sessions offered on Thursday and Friday the classes will be separated by age to promote healthy socialization. Saturday morning sessions will be available for anyone who wishes to log in.
Belt Testing: I will offer belt testing to students who are ready during the month of July. I have reserved July 25th for this activity. I am considering conducting the belt test outside in my yard at home. More details will become available regarding the belt testing as I get a more clear picture of who will be ready to promote.
Dojang Classes: Last Friday Clark County applied for Phase 3 of the Washington State re-opening plan. Even if we are granted this relaxation of restrictions, VTA is still going to err on the side of safety with respect to classes for our community. The following rules will be in place at the dojang:
- Two doors open at all time. No AC.
- All students must wash hands upon arrival.
- During their first session back, each student needs to sign a Coronavirus waiver.
- All Students must wear a mask at all times indoors. Class will be structured with frequent breaks so students can step outside for fresh air.
- Please stay home if you are or have been feeling sick. I promise I will find a way to keep you from falling behind on your taekwondo goals.
- All Students must remain two meters (each mat tile is one square meter) apart
- No more than one spectator per student can be allowed inside the dojang.
Class Size: The target size for each class is about five participants. If it appears that we are having any overcrowding I will adjust the schedule to open up more practice times. I am going to try and avoid a rigid schedule of assigned classes for the time being, but that might become necessary if overcrowding is a recurring problem.
Training Camps: I will be wrapping up the month of June with some more camps similar to what I offered last week. Those who wish to participate in these camps are encouraged to contact me and reserve a spot for participation. The camps are a great opportunity to get back on the mats and they have been invaluable for me in determining how classes can be structured during the coronavirus pandemic. Reservation for spots in these camps is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Feel free to call immediately!
Truecoach: During our period of distance training many students have taken advantage of this app designed to connect coaches and athletes. It has been used to customize home training sessions to assist with individual goals and as a platform for sharing tutorial videos for home practice. The free trial on Truecoach is now over. Students who wish to begin or continue having access to Truecoach will need pay a monthly service fee of $20 that is added into their tuition.
Finally, I want to say “THANK YOU” for everyone who has stuck with VTA through this unprecedented event. I always knew we were a strong community, but I have been truly humbled by the scope and degree of support, effort, and willingness for problem solving that has been on display. I hope to see everyone soon!
Scott Browning
Vancouver Taekwondo Academy
