For well over a year now we have been thrown into a situation that has required us to change many aspects of our lives.  In the gym we were forced to modify the way we trained and avoid any contact with partners.  Now that we’re returning to pre-pandemic training and able to drill with partners again we need to adjust back to how to work with other people.  After all, the martial arts are all about interacting with others.
Here are some things to be mindful of when working with partners in the dojo:
Personal hygiene - One of the most important rules of etiquette for training with others is maintaining good personal hygiene.  This includes regular bathing, using deodorant, keeping nails trimmed and grooming hair so that it doesn’t interfere with training.  Students must also keep all uniforms, shorts, shirts and gear clean.  This includes bringing changes of clothing, as needed, if doing multiple classes in one day.
Distancing - An important aspect in growth as a martial artist is developing a sense of distancing, or how far away from someone you should be to make a strategy work.  In addition, we all need to respect other students’ personal space.  When doing a group exercise like laps or line drills each student needs to maintain a distance behind the person in front of them to be safe and respectful.  We all just spent months practicing ‘social distancing’ so, this should be easy.  Also, remember that it’s not appropriate to ‘play fight’, horseplay, or even touch other students in off moments in the gym.
Control - Working with a partner requires us to stay under control at all times.  Its not OK to be careless, reckless or overly aggressive.  This is especially important when sparring or ‘rolling.’  Sparring is NOT fighting.  It is an opportunity for students to practice the strategies they’ve been working on in real-time for the purpose of LEARNING.  Part of sparring should be training yourself to be calm under pressure and to use your resources intelligently.   
Respect - To create an environment that is constructive for all every student needs to respect everyone else in the dojo.  This means following established rituals like bowing, fist bumps, and using titles for instructors.  In addition, students should try to be courteous with their actions, words, tone, and body language.
Talking - Unlike mainstream gyms, martial arts facilities tend to have a friendly and supportive environment where people can socialize and make lasting friendships.   During training though, its important for students to also focus and learn as much as possible.  So, it’s important to strike a balance between having fun sharing a common interest with others in the dojo and getting the work in.  Students should also avoid assuming the role of ’the expert’ and not bombard others with words in an effort to help them.  Students must be given a chance to learn a martial art on a physical level once they understand a technique or strategy.   
Sticking to the plan - When doing situational drills students need to try to ‘stick to the plan’ and avoid branching off into variations of a strategy, or doing things the way THEY think it should be done.  Part of the instructor’s job is to keep everyone on the same page based on their experience.  Once students start going off script the entire training environment can break down into a disorganized mess with no team unity.  Students who prefer their own way should probably just train at home.
So, optimize and enjoy the opportunity to train with partners again!  Following these rules will create an environment where everyone can thrive in their chosen martial art.  See you on the mats!

ZenQuest COVID19 safety measures were recently updated in compliance with updates from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Based on these, we will make the following adjustments to our policies for attending classes:

*   Masks  For all students ages 12 and above masks are now optional in the gym/dojo.  This applies to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated students.  Students ages 11 and younger are required to continue wearing masks until it is deemed safe for them to go without.
Update:  Based on the improving pandemic metrics and discussions with local health officials  masks are optional at ZenQuest for children ages 11 and younger as of Monday, July 12.
*   Entry & Exit  Students and caretakers can enter and exit through the front door again.  Two-way traffic is restored, and students may move around the building more freely again.
*  Signing In  Students and caretakers will once again sign themselves in at the front desk.  Please note that tuition due dates are highlighted on the attendance sheets for students enrolled incrementally ahead of their due dates.
*  Common areas  Common areas such as the reception area, locker rooms, and playground are open again for student and caretaker use.  Our viewing area will remain closed for the time being.
*    Storing Belongings  Shoes and belongings may be left in the cubicles in the front area or in locker-room lockers.  Lockers are available for rent on a more permanent basis. Students will have access to their belongings but should not leave class to do so unless directed. 
*   Sanitizing & Schedule  We will continue to clean the mats between classes, so the class schedule will remain the same at this time.  Students are also encouraged to sanitize hands and feet before classes.  
*   Class Attendance  Fully enrolled students are eligible to attend unlimited classes once again but are encouraged to stick to a schedule if possible.  Younger students enrolled with ‘Partial Participation’ are limited to one class per week of course. 
*    Class Formats  There will no longer be social distancing spaces designated in the respective classroom areas and class formats will return to pre-pandemic formats.  Students are expected to still be respectful of each other’s space and follow all class etiquette protocols.

We will also be making announcements in class to reinforce the noted adjustments, effective Tuesday, June 1st.  Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns going forward.  Once again we are truly grateful for the students and families who've supported us through the quarantines and pandemic months!