March 15th, 2020

Dear Dojo Community

We are writing to convey some very serious news, regarding our dojo and the developing COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting our families and communities.

After a substantive and careful discussion, the Board of Directors of Northcoast Aikido decided that all classes and activities at our dojo will be temporarily suspended, beginning Monday, March 16th and continuing at least through March 29th. We will continue to monitor the situation to determine if an additional suspension will be necessary.

We are taking this action with the goal of protecting the health of all members of the dojo community, family members, and the greater community to which we belong. This temporary suspension of classes brings us into alignment with the most recent guidelines of the California Department of Public Health, and the decisions of many local organizations to proactively cancel gatherings at this time. The goal of these radical actions is to reduce, and slow down, the transmission of the virus in our communities, so that our healthcare system will have the best chance of providing essential care for those who will need it, including the most vulnerable among us.

During this period of time, the dojo building will be closed and not available for any kind of training, including personal or individual practice. We hope that you will continue your own personal practice (Aikibojitsu, bokken) during this time and take this opportunity to train outside in nature (weather permitting). Continued exercise, time in Nature, and connection with the art we love is sure to help keep our immune systems and spirits strong during these challenging times.

We hope that those of you who can will continue to support the dojo through your monthly dues. This is the best way to ensure the survival of the dojo so we can resume normal operations as soon as possible. If you find yourself in financial or other difficulties, please let us know. Drawing on our years of Aikido training experience, we will work together to sustain our supportive dojo community, and keep our practice deep and meaningful.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Wheeler
President