How will Martial Arts schools return from lockdown?
After the PMs announcement and guidance from the Government on 22/02/2021 the route out of lockdown is becoming clear. The dates below are based on NEST’s interpretation of this guidance as could change as more information is released. These dates could also be moved depending on the current data so please check back regularly.
At every step where you are training indoors we advice you still maintain the previous guidance on ventilation and capacity – 1 person for every 100 sq ft with Covid Secure Measures in place.
As always, it is important that you complete a risk assessment before making a change to your procedures and always observe appropriate COVID secure measures.
English Roadmap 2021
8th March
Schools Return
Children are back to school in England. No changes to Martial Arts schools as there is no exemption for children to attend sports classes.
All classes must remain online only at this time.
Everyone can train outdoors. No limit on numbers
Adults and Children can train outdoors. There are no limits on numbers but social distancing guidelines should be observed.
No contact training is allowed -including sparring, pad work and weapons
March 23rd guidance relating to contact – read more
29th March
12th April
Children can train indoors, adults can also train with limits
Children can train indoors as long as there are Covid Secure Measures in place. Contact is permitted at Phase 2 of the Combat Framework as long as there is an DCMS approved plan from an NGB that relates to your style/Martial Art. Without an approved plan, children must train at Phase 0, no contact. There are no limits to numbers but you must follow the ventilation capacity guidelines, 1 person per 100sqf.
Adults can train in a gym setting individually, not as part of a group class. As the previous lockdown eased many instructors ran open mat training, where adults were given techniques to practice by an instructor and they did so individually. Social distancing guidelines should be observed. Contact is permitted at Phase 1 of the Combat Framework as long as there is an DCMS approved plan from an NGB that relates to your style/Martial Art. Without an approved plan, adults must train at Phase 0, no contact. There are no limits to numbers but you must follow the ventilation capacity guidelines, 1 person per 100sqf.
Read more on Grassroots Sports guidance
Children and Adults can train indoors
Indoor gyms and leisure centres reopen fully. Both adults and children can train indoors as long as Covid Secure Measures are in place. No contact training is allowed -including sparring, pad work and weapons
The rule of 6 applies – when students and parents arrive at and leave your school they must not congregate in groups larger than 6 inside your school, outside while waiting to enter or pick up their children or in your car-park while coming and going. We also advise that students or parents wear masks while entering and exiting your building. As a covid-secure establishment, it is your responsibility to make sure your staff, students, and parents are aware of the rules.
17th May
21st June
Most Covid restrictions removed
This is the date most legal restrictions will be removed and regular training could resume. This is the earliest you could possibly return to sparring, pad work and any type of contact training.
Increased hygiene and awareness should still be followed.
See other countries roadmaps:
