COVID-19 Health Policy

Last Updated: September 12, 2022

The Kita Kaze Budo Association (KKBA) wants its members to be able to practice Kendo, Naginata, and Iaido in an environment that is fun, challenging, and especially safe. In the past, "safe" usually referred to the low risk of physical injury. However, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the association is adopting new measures that will help reduce the transmission of the virus. This document describes these measures and the responsibilities required of all KKBA members to ensure our safe environment is at low risk for the transmission of illnesses.
This document will be amended by the KKBA board as the pandemic situation changes and new best practices are adopted by our communities. Also, note that each club may have additional guidelines particular to their martial art. Be sure to review any additional policies provided by your instructors.

General

  1. All KKBA members are expected to follow the guidelines for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus issued by the Government of Alberta. Information on these guidelines can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/prevent-the-spread.aspx
  2. All KKBA members are expected to follow any rules set by our practice facilities, namely the Ukrainian National Federation, the Greenfield Community League, and the Edmonton Japanese Community Association. Please observe all rules posted in the buildings.
  3. The most important thing one can do to prevent transmission of the virus is to self-isolate when experiencing any symptoms. While the measures in this policy try to reduce transmission, they are not comprehensive or guaranteed. Our martial arts are deemed high-risk activities and therefore it is important to be mindful not to expose others on the chance that you may have contracted the virus. It is important to not downplay any possible illness even if they might be related to allergies as it is extremely difficult to judge if the illness is COVID related.
  4. If you contract the COVID-19 virus, please inform the KKBA through our website contact page. The club will pass this information on to an appropriate health official and the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) to ensure safety for all participants.
  5. Anyone over the age of 65 years or someone who has any underlying health condition that puts you at risk must carefully decide if returning to practice before all restrictions have been lifted in Alberta is in their best interests. The CKF is recommending that these groups of people do not return to physical practices until all health restrictions have been lifted in their respective cities and communities.
  6. If a student feels unsafe at any time during practice, they always reserve the right to stop, notify the leading instructor, and leave the dojo floor.

Screening for Symptoms

  1. If any person arriving at a practice shows symptoms of COVID-19 (including: fever and/or chills; dry coughing; difficulty breathing; headaches; muscle or joint pain; vomiting or diarrhea; excessive tiredness; or a loss of smell or taste), they will be asked to refrain from practice and directed to leave the building premises.

Equipment

  1. Students may arrive already changed into their uniform (keikogi and hakama) and depart the facility while wearing it too. Your gear should be laundered and folded once you return home.
  2. All members are expected to keep their equipment cleaned and maintained. For those with bogu armour, this means disinfecting their bogu with alcohol solutions (minimum 60%) after every practice. After wiping down your bogu you can also leave it out in the sun for an hour or two to ensure it is aired out. You should also wipe down your shinai or bokken as well.
  3. Students are advised not to share their equipment with each other at any time. This extends to objects such as equipment bags, water bottles, or other sports-related items.
  4. The use of face masks is optional. If you are practicing in bogu armor, you must also have a plastic face shield attached to your men. These are available from the club upon request.
  5. Please bring your own water bottle so that you are able to hydrate during practice breaks.