During these unprecedented times, martial arts instructors have to think about their short term futures, after the lockdowns are gradually eased, and we return to teaching.

But, first, what is the definition of “short term future” in the context of these times? For me, the “short term future” is from the present to the production and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. Most scientists estimate that it will be 12 to 18 months before a vaccine arrives. We shall see.

Until then, there will be no herd immunity and the virus will still circulate, at varying levels of intensity, until it abates due to herd immunity or a vaccine. This means that lockdowns will be prolonged.

Since many martial arts involve partner practice, martial arts instructors need to think about two things (1) the health and safety of their students; and (2) potential liability. Yes, unfortunately, you have to consider liability.

It may all be dependent on how much Ontario ramps up testing. Indeed, as of this writing, Ontario just announced plans to purchase 1,000,000 testing kits of a rapid portable testing device that can provide results in less than an hour.

Will it be made available to everyone or only those with symptoms? Since there has been concern about asymptomatic carriers, it would be wise for Ontario to mass test.

In any case, I am pondering the following post lockdown questions:

  • When will the lockdown end?
  • When will classes start?
  • From a liability perspective, should I ask whether the students have been tested for COVID-19?
  • How much partner practice should we do?
  • How much solo drills/forms should we focus on?
  • Should there be a limit on class sizes?
  • Should I conduct classes while not knowing what the students’ COVID status is?
  • Should instructors and students wear masks and gloves?
  • Will insurance companies change their liability policies with respect to COVID?
  • Finally, when a vaccine comes along, should I require proof of vaccination as a condition of training?

I don’t have hard answers, particularly for liability related issues. There is a lot of uncertainty around these issues and may present novel legal questions.

Until a vaccine arrives, it is reasonable to assume uncertainty in the martial arts and fitness industry around these questions.

Since the martial arts industry in Ontario is not deemed an “essential business,” it may be awhile we have classes again. I highly doubt that, when the time comes, that Ontario will just flip the switch and everything will open all at once. I suspect that it will be a gradual reopening with the fitness and martial arts industry at the back of the line.

On the other hand, this will give martial instructors time to consider and seek out answers to the above questions. This may come up in a future post.

Until a vaccine arrives, there is another question that instructors and owners must face: whether existing students will come back and whether they can attract new students. One of the extraordinary aspects of the lockdowns taking place worldwide is how citizens have complied. Polls have indicated that they are doing so to protect vulnerable friends and family in their social networks. If this is the case, martial arts instructors may face difficulty in getting their students back. In other words, “hesitancy” may be a huge problem for martial arts schools and instructors.

Aside from the safety/health factor for many students, another factor may prevent students from coming back. The pandemic has had devastating economic consequences with millions losing their jobs and many more facing an uncertain future. There is no doubt that the martial arts/fitness industry will feel the economic impact as well. Adapt or die.

To martial arts instructors, do you have any questions to add to that list?

In the meantime, here is my favorite video from last week:

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