Goju at Home

Soon we start our Zoom training to balance hard and soft in your goju-ryu practice. Here are some things you can do to participate.

1. Block your schedule for 2 pm ET Saturdays and get the Zoom login information from our calendar.
2. Prepare your workout space at home. It should be cleared for at least 6’x6′, and preferably double or triple that. Make sure there are no breakable items around the perimeter, or at least take note of them so you won’t break something you shouldn’t when doing kicks or other techniques (this can be an issue with kata practice).
3. Clean up the surrounding area to remove clutter and anything else you don’t want the public to see.
4. Find a spot to put your computer, tablet or phone that shows your head, body and feet where you can see us and be seen while training.
5. Use a tripod.
6. Get your lighting right so we can see you well and your face is lit. Backlighting should be avoided to keep your face out of the shadows.
7. Install Zoom app on your computer and phone, set up your account, and test it ahead of time to know how it works.
8. Give the app permission to use your camera and microphone.
9. Have water and a towel on hand; absolutely no eating during workouts.
10. Bathroom breaks are allowed. Leave your camera on while away so you don’t have to login again.
11. Wear comfortable clothing for kicking and movement. A gi is recommended, but not necessary.
12. Warm up and stretch before hand. We won’t use Zoom time for jumbi undo, so make sure you’re ready for action.
13. Consider doing your conditioning work (running, pushups, situps, etc.) on off-days. The better your physical conditioning, the better you will be able to perform to your ability.
14. Avoid interruptions from pets or family members. If you’re training in a busy area of the house (like in a room adjoining the kitchen), make sure they all know to try to avoid being a distraction for either you or the rest of class.
15. Please, no horseplay.
16. If you have a training partner, NO CONTACT TO THROAT, HEAD OR GROIN, and only light contact elsewhere. Control your techniques at all times.
17. If you get injured during class, STOP PRACTICING and report it to your instructor. Continue training only if you can do so without aggravating or worsening your condition.
18. As for the training itself, take note of any injuries or physical limitations that may impact your participation. Be sure to bring it up with us during the class so we can provide alternative movements or modify techniques accordingly.
19. Karate is practiced barefoot, but you may wear shoes if you like. However, know that if you want to test for rank, you will be expected to perform without them just like in the dojo. Balance and movement may be affected.
20. Q&A will be afforded at the beginning and end of class; microphones will be muted during instruction unless interaction is required.
21. Equipment that might be helpful to have on hand during training include:
    1. Striking shield, pad or large pillow to lean against a couch or wall for low kicks
    2. A mirror or reflective window to see yourself practice
    3. Stretch bands
    4. A pillow or cushion for meditation
22. Don’t worry if you don’t have any. We’ll adapt when necessary.

That’s all for now. See you online.