News 2021

STEP 4

 

All restriction are lifted and organised competitions return.

 

*Each phase above will be determined by the prevailing government advice and directives. There are no specific dates as to when each phase will return and as the Pandemic situation develops it may mean some aspects from each phase are allowed whilst other parts are not.

It is also entirely possible that different phases may apply to different areas dependent on local rules and laws.

Age may also play a part in that children and adult karate may be different, again dependent on Government guidance

In all aspects EKF will modify the above to meet the requirements of the Authorities. Members will be advised through all social media and normal communication channels on all and any developments pertaining to the return to training.

Members must also prepare for the possibility of going back a Phase should the National Pandemic become worse. Government directives will determine whether this would be necessary.

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STEP 3

In phase three, training returns to normal. All COVID restrictions to training practice are removed and club members may enjoy a full range of training activity, including internal club competitions.

Training between clubs remains forbidden until such time as Government give notice to end Social-distancing and lift travel restrictions

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STEP TWO

(no earlier than 12th April)

Under 18s to return to indoor training. Contact training and partner work is allowed. However, class size should be limited to 15 people.
Adults: Can return to indoor training but on a one-to-one basis. Adults may train in the same room at the same time as an under 18 group providing that social distance is maintained and it is not the same instructor running both sessions.
Also, the date for Step two is an indicative date and is subject to change. We have been advised that the EKF will be informed one week in advance whether the next step can go ahead. The EKF will message through usual channels when we have been given the formal go ahead.
In regards socialising and communing before and after sessions, these are determined by the prevailing government advice which all members are obliged to follow.
More information to follow shortly.

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STEP ONE

from March 29th

 

Outdoor training may resume for all ages and all groups. There are no limits on participation numbers providing the training is officially organised and part of the NGB guidance.
Under 18's can return to normal training which includes CONTACT training. That means partner work is permissible.
Adults must maintain socially distanced training as per EKF guidance. However, pad work is allowed (subject to cleaning protocols). It advised that the person holding the pads wears mask/face covering.
As training is outdoors you must ensure a full risk assessment is in place, considering the surface, age groups, participants footwear and (obviously) the weather!

 

Posted 10th March 2021

Covid Update - Return to karate

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Hi everyone

Here is the latest updates.

Return to Training

As I am sure you are all aware, the government have now announced the pathway out of lockdown. This means grassroot sports will soon be able to return, and that we can re -open our clubs.

Following on-going discussions with Sport England and DCMS we can now confirm we may open our clubs as follows.

March 29th .... All ages may return to OUTDOOR training

April 12th..... 17 year olds and under may return to INDOOR training

May 17th .... Adults may return to INDOOR training

As it stands, all training must be socially distanced, and non-contact, Free standing pad/bag work is allowed.

Barefoot indoor training will be allowed for all age groups.

We continue to make representations regarding the type of training we are allowed and hope that we may soon be permitted to do more than previously.

Thank you

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News 2020

​​Posted 3rd December 2020
Covid Update - Clarification on new Tiers for Members

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Dear Members 

We are aware there is some confusion regarding the introduction of the new Tier system and how it affects our clubs. This is not helped by rumour and conjecture..

I will not go into all the nuances now, but for ease and simplicity, below is the current directive.

You must strictly adhere to the EKF Return to Training Guidance across all Tiers. Person to Person contact is prohibited, and social distancing protocols must be enforced throughout.

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TIER ONE.... Clubs can re-open to all members. Further, you may now use handheld pads BUT they must be cleaned with appropriate sanitiser after each use. You are also required to ensure that pads are held at full arm's length, and that in anyone session pairs do not mix

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TIER TWO.... Clubs can open to all members as per EKF Guidance.....In short, as you were before Lockdown two

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TIER THREE... Clubs can open but only Under 18s can train. Adults are not permitted to train indoors. Parents who bring their children to training are not allowed to remain in the dojo. They are required to leave, wait in their cars, or return later to collect their children.

*note... Members may now train bare footed across all tiers, providing that feet are sanitised and cleaned upon entry and exit. The training surface must be cleaned/sanitised prior to and post training (which is normal protocol for traditional dojo anyway). 

Similarly, if your session involves floor exercises including sit-ups, press ups etc, then the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Assisted stretching of any sort is not allowed at this time under any tier.

In opening your clubs, please remind all participants about socialising (communing) before and after session, which is defined in the General guidance issue by government.

Again, individuals are reminded that it is your place of residence that determines how you should behave under the tier system, and not the location of where your club might be.  

We know it is incredibly difficult for members right now.  The challenges to keep our clubs running are immense. The EKF continues to make representations on behalf of our members, and in the coming weeks we hope to be able to progress matters further. However, we do need your co-operation. It is not helpful when a minority of members flaunt EKF Guidance. It is this behaviour that hinders us all. The EKF Board intend to take stern action against those that breach EKF guidance, as it is this minority that puts us all at risk.

Please help us, to help you. Stay safe and keep those around you safe.

Steve Coupland, EKF President

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Posted 5th November 2020

 

Covid Update - National Lockdown - NO concessions for under-18s

 

Dear Members

As you will know Parliament have voted in favour of a one-month National Lockdown which means we must again close our clubs and dojos.

There have been a number of enquiries whether the lockdown applied to Under 18's training as there had been some confusing messages, as well as representations made to allow under 18's sport to continue.

Unfortunately, there has been no such concessions. Despite past comments, all Grassroot sport delivered face to face, in-person, must cease. Online Zoom type sessions are allowed.

EKF will continue to monitor the situation and will update members as and when we know more. We would urge all members to follow EKF advice, rather than listen to conjecture and rumour.

If members are in any doubt, they should in the first instance contact their head of association or contact the EKF.

Keep safe and keep those around you safe.

Kind regards
Steve Coupland, EKF President

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Posted 1st November 2020
Covid Update - National Lockdown from Thursday 5th November 2020

Dear Members

As you will all be aware the Government are imposing a National lockdown from Thursday 5th November.

It is the EKF's understanding that all grassroots sport, including karate classes, must stop both indoor and outdoor.

We are seeking further advice and will inform members accordingly as and when such advice becomes available.

There has been some confusion around the issue of Elite Sport. For clarity, there is no Elite Sport within the EKF and karate in England, except for a very small handful of people who are part of an Olympic pathway.  The EKF are not able to meet the demands required to run EKF Elite squads, but are looking to open further Zoom type sessions for EKF National Squad members.

For absolute clarity, Association Elite squads do not meet the criteria to run elite classes, and these should not happen.

We know our clubs and members face a hard time ahead. The EKF will continue to make representations to Sport England, and Government to seek the best outcomes for our members. Our hope is we will have permission to re-open our clubs in December.

In the meantime, stay safe and keep those around you safe.

Kind regards
Steve Coupland, EKF President

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​​Posted 23rd September 2020
Covid Update - STOP PRESS rule of 6 DOES NOT APPLY TO KARATE TRAINING

The EKF has received confirmation from Sport England that the recent changes in relation to the rule of 6 DOES NOT APPLY TO KARATE training. However, all clubs must strictly follow without deviation the guidance issued by the EKF, at the end of July. There must absolutely be no partner or pad work. All training must comply with sporting social distance rules.

Further information will follow in the coming days. Any questions please send to admin@englishkaratefederation.com

Kindest Regards
Steve Coupland, EKF President

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Posted 20th September 2020
Covid Update

The EKF are aware of the forthcoming government announcements in relation to the reduction in social gathering capacities from 30 to 6 people. It is our understanding this will not apply to Organised Sports.

The EKF is seeking clear clarification for our members and further information will follow in the coming days.

In the mean time, we advise our members to continue following their COVID 19 Risk Assessments and safety protocols in line with current guidelines and we thank you for your patience.

Stay safe
Steve Coupland, EKF President

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Posted 24th June 2020
COVID Update

Dear Members 

As most of you will be aware the government have further eased lockdown measures by reducing social distancing to one metre, as well as allowing the opening of bars, pubs, restaurants, and other facilities.

We have had a number of calls asking if that means our dojo/clubs can open. Unfortunately, the relaxation of regulations does not yet allow for indoor sport to resume, so indoor karate training is not allowed.  It's not only our sport but everything from badminton, to aerobics, to gymnastics, and so forth.

Whilst some venues that are used for training will open, they are doing so for social interactions/activities and really not for sport. 

We are aware that some venues are inviting coaches to attend COVID planning meetings, and it is inferred training will be allowed. However, EKF advice is to follow the government guidance. To not do so will likely risk not only your insurance, but also risk of fines.

When we do eventually get the green light to train, there are likely to be considerable changes to how we normally practice. The EKF will continue to acquire the best guidance and advice, but we fully anticipate the class sizes will be limited, and the none contact training to continue. There is hope that we may be allowed back into our clubs at the end of July, but this has not been confirmed

In the meantime, the rules do allow for us to train outside, in groups of no more than six, with no contact training (that is no sparring, or partner work whatsoever). As ever, we strongly advise you check with your insurance company for guidance on their specific requirements.

Stay Safe and keep those around you safe.

Steve Coupland, EKF President

 

Posted 16th July 2020
Sport England update on indoor karate

 

Dear Members,

Following a meeting with Sport England this morning we have now acquired agreement that indoor karate can resume from 25th July BUT with significant restrictions.

Full details and guidance will be forthcoming. Please bear with us and this will follow as soon as possible.

However, you are also advised to check with your facility provider on any requirements they may insist on. 

Best wishes, Steve, EKF President

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​Posted 9th July 2020
COVID Update

Dear Members, Colleagues and friends

As you may have seen the government are further easing the lockdown restrictions, which will allow people to return to Gyms and leisure centres in the coming weeks.

We are not sure (at this time)  what this will look like but we shall seek clarity in the coming days and provide that information as it becomes available.

Our understanding is that there will be different impacts on those that run their own private dojo/clubs, to those that hire their facilities. Clearly those that hire (which is the majority of clubs) will need to follow whatever regulations their facility provider imposes. Private owners will have guidance in the coming days. However, what is clear is that class sizes will be reduced significantly to ensure we have appropriate social distancing. We are led to believe that this could be as little as 25% of normal classes, but dependent on venue space

We would also caution members that some facilities (especially schools) might not allow return of classes at this time and you are advised to check rather than assume.

We also strongly advise that you speak to your insurance company for any further guidance or limitations they might impose or insist upon

Below are some of the measures you may need to consider and we would advise you to plan. It is by no means an exhaustive list, and will no doubt change as Government plans become clearer. 

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1. Safe Entry and exit to the dojo....maintaining social distancing. That is clearly marked and orderly entry and exit.

2. Temperature check on entry (electronic devices are widely available through the internet). Possibly simple health check questionnaire on arrival.

3. Register of those attending, including spectators, with clear and up to date contact details (should there be an issue. contact and trace will be required....similar to pub arrangements)

4. People to arrive changed but ideally with jacket or similar over the top.... Unlikely any changing rooms to be available. There may also be a requirement to pre-book sessions. Clubs should give consideration as to whether a full gi is appropriate

5. Training in sports shoes.... no bare feet.

6. Gi, or training clothes to be cleaned between sessions.

7. Marked individual training spaces.... will be a challenge for our younger members.

8. All those entering and leaving to use sterile cleaning gel (clubs may need to provide)

9. No sharing of equipment

10. Cleaning of any areas between classes.

11. No ki-ai.... We know that shouting risks projecting droplets over a wider space. Face masks might need to worn, though we think unlikely.

12. Correct ventilation... open all windows where possible and as appropriate.

13. Contact less payments should be considered

14. No contact training at this time (tbc)

15. All Safe Guarding protocols to remain in place

 

In the meantime, keep safe and keep those around you safe