A BLUE Lake city dojo has utilised the zoom app to instruct students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Converting social gatherings, sport training and other activities into the digital realm has been the sign of the times and the Mount Gambier Martial Arts Academy is among those which have jumped online to keep connected.
Sensei Greg Povey was quick to introduce lessons via zoom following the cease of operations due to the virus, with classes starting just two weeks after the dojo closed its doors.
Held once a week on Fridays, Povey’s sessions last around 30-40 minutes.
“Over the journey so far we have had I think 35 students training – not all at one time, but a total of that,” Povey said.
“I have made it free – even if I was going to do it five nights a week, I still was not going to charge anyone.
“Everyone is going through a tough time, so I do not need to be making money off anyone.
“It is more of a way to stay connected and train together one night a week before we can get back into it again.”
The Mount Gambier Martial Arts Academy teaches Bushido-Budo MMA and Povey’s classes focus on basic drills and techniques which will later be translated onto the mat when students can return to the dojo.
“We are a mixed martial art, so we do stand-up fighting, kickboxing, judo, grappling and jiu jitsu,” Povey said.
“We sort of incorporate as many of the drills we can which are easy to understand and easy for them to do.
“It is a lot of your standard punching and kicking, with a few combos and things like that.
“Once we get back into class I will be able to show them why we are doing some of these drills.”
The nature of the class has also resulted in family members of current students trying out the sport from the comfort of their homes.
Povey said the feedback from the online sessions has been positive.
“It has been interesting that’s for sure – I have never done anything like this before,” he said.
“It is definitely new territory, but it is something to keep everyone sane I guess until we get back into it.”
All ages have been catered for, which includes the “dragon class” students between four and seven years old, through to adult members.
The classes have been running for about six weeks and will continue to do so until the green light is given to reopen the dojo.
When that does happen, Povey said it will be an exciting time for Mount Gambier Martial Arts Academy.
Before the COVID-19 restrictions being put in place, Povey spent time training in Melbourne where he learnt some new training and dojo structures which will be implemented at the Academy.
He looks forward to reopening hopefully in early June if all goes to plan with government restrictions.
