As we consider where we are as a community in regard to COVID-19, it is also prudent to assess how we see the various risks all around us.
For some, the opening of the Krav Maga Houston facilities has been a blessing – offering training and fellowship at time when this is sorely needed. For others, the prospect of an in-facility class is still daunting. While COVID-19 cases rise at record rates among younger demographics, what should we do next? The answer is deeply personal, and while we may be guided by a host of factors (some fact and some fear-based) in our decision making process – there simply isn’t a wrong answer.
It is in this light that I’d light to suggest that each of us use the facts to make more informed decisions. Just yesterday I was speaking to a member of the Krav community who said that he would like to come back to in-facility training – but was unsure about the risks. In response, I answered his questions and reviewed the precautions we are taking at Krav Maga Houston- including (1) the installation of bacteria & virus killing UV lights in the HAVC system, (2) external filters affixed to the return air vents to create both an outgoing and incoming interdiction of airflow in each room, (3) well-spaced class times to allow for cleaning/disinfecting between each class, (4) modified class curriculums to reduce coughing and/or heavy breathing (as well as heavy contact), (5) temperature checks of each person (staff and students) prior to admittance into the classroom, (6) required facemask protection inside the facility, and (7) our continued policy that symptomatic staff and students must refrain from in-facility training for 14 days.
As the conversation ended, I asked if this particular community member went to the grocery store to shop. When this was confirmed, I asked how many of the precautions that we are taking at Krav Maga Houston are also being taken at the grocery store? We concluded about 50 percent fewer precautions were being taken at the grocery store.
Further, I asked him if there were more or fewer people at the grocery store or in a Krav Maga class – the answer “more” was given.
I asked rhetorically how many people handled the groceries in the hours and days before the student put his hands on them.
Then I asked if he was closer to other people during the grocery store “check out” process than in a Krav Maga class as described above.
In the end, I believe he understood my point. We’ve done so much to protect our community at the Krav Maga Houston Schools that our medical director called our efforts…“overkill.” That’s exactly where I want to be in all of this – doing everything we can to protect my community of Krav Maga practitioners. I believe my team and I have done that very thing. And while the decision to attend in-facility classes remains a personal and private affair, I want everyone to know that we are doing all we can to secure your safety. I look forward to the day when we will all be together again, and until that time – enjoy the online classes, online coaching sessions, online office hours, attend in-facility classes if you are comfortable, and know that we are working to support you no matter what circumstances arise.
Stay safe, stay strong, and walk in peace…
