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I know that it’s been a while since I posted. I don’t have much in the way of excuses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have transitioned from group classes to private lessons in the past couple of months.

As we all know, we are living through extraordinarily unprecedented times. Unfortunately, as we head deeper into November and the winter, the COVID-19 case numbers are rising. Ontario just recorded its 6th consecutive day of 1,000+ new confirmed cases, and no end appears to be in sight. Three out of the last four days have seen new records being set.

There is good news: Pfizer announced that preliminary data from their COVID-19 vaccine appears to be 90% effective. It will be interesting to see if that trend continues. In any case, it will be quite a while before it gets FDA approval. Then there are the logistics of ramping up the production of this vaccine. Billions of doses will have to be produced which will take some time. Then comes the distribution of this vaccine. Given all that, I would not expect things to settle for another year.

So, exercise common sense about COVID-19, keep wearing your masks, and practice social distancing.

All of this has had an impact on my teaching. Over the summer and as Ontario moved into Phase 2, I read quite a bit about what the experts expected for the fall. Virtually of them warned of a COVID-19 surge in Europe, the States, and in Canada in the fall. Their predictions have come true and the worst is yet to come.

At the end of August, I decided against group classes and shifted entirely to private classes. That way, I have more control over the business. Private lessons allow my students to continue their training without fear of disruption.

Screenshot of a training session between Brian and Dref.
Working on counter for counter variations!

There is another reason. I just love teaching one-on-one, and I derive more satisfaction from teaching private lessons than from group classes.

I can tailor each private lesson to a student’s skill level. On the other hand, group FMA classes are a bit challenging. I find it difficult to meet everyone’s needs in every class.

Screenshot of Caiden and I during a private lesson.
I love working with Caiden, a talented student!

Because my wife and I live with her 89-year-old mother, I must be extra careful when teaching private lessons. Likewise, my students may want to be careful as well. To protect everyone, all private students must adhere to the following protocols that I outlined in an email to them:

  • Masks: required. Preferably an N95 mask if possible.
  • Goggles: most of you have worn goggles in class. 
  • Pace: we will go at a moderate pace to minimize forceful breathing.
  • Water bottle: bring your water bottle.
  • Hand sanitizer: I will have hand sanitizer on location (for those coming to my garage). I would encourage you to bring your supply of hand sanitizer. Feel free to sanitize as much as you want during the lesson.
  • Sticks: consider wiping down your sticks at the end of each session since we’ll be manipulating each other’s sticks.
  • Wellness: if you are feeling any symptoms on the day of the lesson, please cancel the lesson. I will do the same.
  • Bubble: If you or anybody else in your bubble is tested for COVID, I would ask that you put your lessons on hold for 14 days. I will do the same.

To date, these COVID-19 protocols have worked out very well. There have been a few cancellations due to some clients not feeling well. It’s good to know that they are following the rules! All of my clients are rapidly improving to my immense satisfaction.

The vast majority of the private lessons are in the garage. A few of them are at the client’s house. A nice mix. The next step is winterizing the garage by adding a propane heater and insulating the garage door.

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