Just in time for the lovely spring weather, WoA has opened classes again!
We have a LOT of safety precautions in place for these classes, and we've written a Q&A here to help you get through them all! Our beginner's program is still going to be run as individual households for safety, so these covid safety rules apply to the weekly scheduled classes.
Our new location is in an old-time favorite: Carrier Park! We'll be inside the track so that bathrooms are nearby. Outdoor locations are the safest right now, so we'll be outside for the short term. This does also mean we are subjected to the weather, so please check in with our social media on the status of class just before you start the drive if the weather looks particularly foul or lightning is a possibility, but light rain has never stopped us before.
Our weekly classes are as follows:
(Coming Soon!) Sundays at 4 pm to 7 pm: Battle Technique with Lochlan (All of our instructors will be fully vaccinated so once Loch has his vaccine we will announce this.)
Sparring-focused mixed weapon techniques(all weapons welcome as long as they meet safety requirements). Workout, drills, and sparring. This class will be designed to increase your combat ability and individual style.
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm: Longsword with David, Steve, and Jonathan
German and Italian longsword tech. Location pictured below, lat/long coordinates included in the google calendar class listed on the website:
Thursdays 6 pm to 8 pm: Viking combat class With Mike the Viking
Focusing on mixed weapon dark ages combat reconstruction. The class will consist of 20 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of weapon focus, and then 60 minutes of sparring. Location is at the Basketball Courts in Carrier Park (where the small gray pin is on the picture.)
Fridays at 6 pm: May 7,14,21, 28 with Kyle Edwards
Glasgow Fechtbuch Messer. Note this class is being held at the Alexander Barn location NOT Carrier Park. Review the Messer techniques of The Glasgow Fechtbuch. Note Kyle does NOT have social media in the form of Facebook, so all information, RSVPs, and updates on this class will be through our Discord only.
Now, on to the Q&A on COVID safety and the weekly classes:
Q: Do I need to be vaccinated to participate?
A: No, but if you are not fully vaccinated you must bring proof of a recent (within the last 24 hours) negative covid result AND you must wear a mask the entire time you are at class even though it's outdoors and participate in pre-vaccination covid standards.
A: Please show proof of this, but we will still require you to wear a mask the entire class and be mindful of non-vaccinated standards until 2 weeks after your second dose. If you've already had your first dose and are waiting on your second dose you do not need to show proof of antigen tests for each class.
Q: What are your pre/non-vaccination covid standards?
A: You must wear a mask properly--covering the entire nose and mouth--the entire length of the class. There are no exceptions to this rule, if you are unable to comply with it instructors WILL ask you to leave without reimbursement. You must keep social distance (no hugging, shaking hands, standing next to others, etc.) from non-vaccinated people whenever possible. Do not remove your mask to speak to others briefly (even if they have trouble hearing or understanding you) or whenever you're in close proximity to others. Walk away from the class space at least 10 feet (And do not be near others in their space at the park either) to drink water. Wash your hands before AND after touching any gear. IF you cannot comply with these or if you are warned/corrected more than once instructors can and should ask you to leave class. Repeat violations of safety standards will not be tolerated at all.
Q: How can I get a COVID negative result in 24 hours?
A: Antigen tests are available through several testing sites, and 24 hour PCR tests also exist. Antigen tests are free through Walgreens and similar testing centers. You do not need a physical paper in hand; you can show an official email received just as well.
Q: Can I still pay cash?
A: We really discourage cash right now due to our new location for COVID as well as multiple instructors and safety in touching physical items. Please pay on the website, and if you're having trouble, speak with Loch or Mike about this.
Q: What if I want to go to multiple classes this week and I'm not vaccinated?
A: You must show a New test for Each class you attend. We know that can be a hassle if you're attending multiple classes, but due to the latency period of the virus, this is the safest approach we have for non-vaccinated people. All of our instructors are fully vaccinated.
Q: What if I have trouble doing physical exercise in my mask or have trouble breathing?
A: "Turtle shell" mask inserts are inexpensive items (you can order them online or they're in several retail stores too) that can hold a mask away from your nose and mouth under your mask so you don't 'suck in' the fabric while panting breathing heavily. All of us have great empathy for how sweaty, hot, and uncomfortable masks can become, but wearing them is still important. If you are still having trouble even with a mask insert you can always take a break from the physical side of things to catch your breath before continuing or move at a slower pace to keep your heart rate down. If you feel the need to remove your mask you Must stand Far away (more than the brief break 10-foot rule) from the class and other people in the park before doing so, and we really discourage this practice entirely.
Q: It's been at least 2 weeks since I've been fully vaccinated. Do I need to wear a mask to class?
A: No, the CDC guidelines state you don't need a mask in an outdoor space with smaller gatherings of other fully vaccinated people. But keep in mind we are in a public park and we don't control anyone who comes/goes to the park or their vaccinated status. The safest practice is to wear a mask if you think a situation is unsafe at any point in time.
Q: What if I want to get a vaccine but don't have an appointment yet?
A: Check out this resource to help you find an appointment near you! https://www.vaccinespotter.org/ Q: What if I feel ill/unwell? A: If you planned on going to a class but feel ill for any reason, please stay home and be safe and recover well. We will allow you to use your payment towards a future class. It is important to us to keep students safe, so if you suspect you have covid or start displaying symptoms and have recently attended a class please reach out to an instructor and let them know. Q: What about gear? A: We cannot lend out gear besides weapons/shields during the pandemic. Wearing a mask multiple other people have worn, even sanitized between each class, would pose too great a risk of transmission at this time. We ask all students to bring sparring gear if they wish to spar. We will be selling off some of our loaner gear for students to purchase cheap and have access to right away though! So be on the lookout for that on our social media! Check out our website for more information on what gear to buy and what order to purchase it in.
If y'all have any more specific questions don't hesitate to reach out to your instructors!
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