Corona virus quarantine

New York State has essentially shut down almost all businesses. Employees are encouraged to work from home. Families are expected to self-quarantine at home. Schooling is no done online. We are not allowed to conduct classes inside the dojo. We are instead encouraged to train outdoors, in a park or public area for the time being.

These solutions to the Corona virus crisis raise more questions than they answer. For example:
How long will this quarantine last? Even the recommended two-week quarantine period will put tremendous strain on the family.
How will schoolchildren continue their studies? Will online at-home schooling be nearly as effective as a live, in-person education?
What about those who cannot work from home? *telephone rings* “Hello. Yes, this is Ed the plumber. Your toilet is clogged? Sure I can fix it. Bring it right over.”

If quarantine runs any longer than two weeks, how will it impact families’ abilities to pay rent, mortgages, and other bills? I feel that continuing Karate classes will bring a sense of normalcy to this crazy situation. It reminds me of a scene from the 1977 movie, ‘Oh, God!’, where God (played by George Burns) appears while Jerry Landers (played by John Denver) is in the shower. Jerry is flustered and embarrassed, so God tells him to shave. “Sometimes when you don’t feel normal doing a normal thing makes you feel normal.”

Keeping our Karate class routine as close to normal as possible will benefit our members’ physical and mental well being. Of course, Corona virus can change things, but for now I will be outside the Temple that hosts our dojo, in the front courtyard during regular class hours. Any member that wants to join me out there will receive full class instruction and practice in kihon, ten-no-kata, kata, and kobudo. There is enough room outside for everyone to maintain at least 6 feet distance between each other. Ippons, kumite, and any contact drills will not be practiced until further notice.

Let’s stay healthy and safe, but let’s not allow Corona virus to control our lives.