Yesterday’s announcement from the Government gave us cause for hope.
11 months after we closed the dojo, there is light at the end of the tunnel. In a speech that emphasised data over dates, there were still several key dates. Below is our take on what these might mean for us.
| 8 March – schools return, outdoor after school sports and activities can resume | Possibility of resuming outdoor training sessions? |
| 29 March – Organised outdoor grassroots sports can resume | Outdoor training sessions can resume |
| 12 April – gyms can reopen | Children can return to mat based training – no contact – although this may not be until 17 May |
| 17 May – Indoor group exercise classes can resume | Adults can return to mat based training |
| 21 June – most social distancing requirements removed | Return to some form of recognisable judo – uchikomi and kata, possible randori and shiai? |
This is just our take – we are awaiting guidance from British Judo, who will be in consultation with Department of Culture Media and Sport. We are also obviously dependent on the school agreeing our return to the premises.
Much is dependent on the infection rate and hospitalisations remaining their downward trend, and the rollout of vaccines. Please remember to keep following the mantra of Hands – Face – Space to keep yourself and others safe – Portsmouth’s judo and martial arts community has suffered at least one loss due to Covid this year, we know of other people who have also died following infections.
Whilst we wait to return, don’t forget to make sure your licence remains in date so you can continue to participate in online training sessions organised by British Judo, and take advantage of other benefits. Your licence must be in date to return to the mat.
