The FaMA team set sail upon the seas of 2020, with high hopes of a rewarding and eventful journey. What we did not expect to meet shortly after, was the tumultuous waves caused by a sudden storm: COVID-19.
Since the onset of the virus in February 2020, FaMA has been closely complying with government advisories, by implementing necessary health measures in our academy.
Preliminary Precautionary Measures: Travel and Health Declarations, Stepped-up Sanitisation
As the first layer of precaution, we issued a travel and health declaration to all members to fill in before using or occupying the gym facilities. Those travelling from Mainland China were asked to stay at home for 14 days. We also requested that members stay at home should they be experiencing flu-like symptoms, or not feeling well. As the outbreak continued to spread to other areas in the world, we adjusted the travel declaration to include cities or countries that were hit by a widespread of the COVID-19 virus.
Through this period, we also implemented more thorough sanitisation practices for the gym. Hand sanitisers continued to be located all around the academy facilities as before, and our team joined hands to keep equipment, mats, and facilities clean and sanitised.
A Modified Class Program
However, things took an unfortunate turn when cases continued to increase not just around the world but within Singapore as well. To flatten the curve of virus cases, we heeded the government’s advisory to practice social distancing. Indeed, this would not be an easy move for any academy that practices combat sports or any fitness activity that involves physical touch and close contact between practitioners. Yet, our instructors responded with finesse.
Quickly, they implemented a modified class program so that our members could continue to build up their fitness and martial arts skills, albeit safely and socially responsible. Hence the introduction of solo drills, physical conditioning, and solo martial arts-specific exercises.
We also designed a new schedule with a focus on social distancing. While classes were formerly run without a strict size limit, this new procedure ensured only nine students were allowed to attend each session. Our instructors and students were mindful to keep a distance of one metre apart throughout the class. In spite of this, members continued to enjoy their workouts, which, according to many, seemed much more challenging than the usual program! We suppose, there was a benefit to this new measure! 😉
We’ll Miss You, Kids
Heart-wrenching as it felt for our coaches, we decided to temporarily suspend the Kids Martial Arts program till further notice. We first ceased the Little Warriors BJJ and Medium Monstros BJJ classes on 23 March, noting that maintaining social distancing rules would be difficult for children in that age group. Only children aged 10-12 would be able to continue training under the Little Tigers Muay Thai and Junior Champions BJJ classes. Parents and helpers were requested to drop their children off at the academy before class, and pick them up after.
However, it was decided in the best interest of all the kids to suspend the Kids Martial Arts program entirely, effective from 27 March. According to ActiveSG and Ministry of Health guidelines, we also suspended training for all youth under 19 years of age, and seniors age 50 and above.
Leaving No Stone Unturned
Wherever we could, we did our best to ensure everyone’s utmost health and safety.
Other social distancing efforts included encouraging members not to remain in the academy after finishing their training. While lockers and showers continued to be usable, with thorough cleaning and sanitisation between classes, members were also encouraged to change and shower at home after training, if possible. The use of the communal water dispenser was also suspended temporarily.
We also instructed all members to refrain from cross-training at multiple martial arts or fitness gyms to minimise the risk of infection during this period. Visitors and non-members were also requested not to enter the academy at this time, and trial sessions were also suspended.
It was a strange few weeks indeed, but not without laughs and light-hearted cooperation from our members, who were more than happy to partner us in making the gym a safe place to train in during this period. For this, we are grateful.
The Inevitable
We had hoped to avoid this final drastic step. On 3 April 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave a public speech for the nation to go into ‘circuit breaker’ mode. This would mean most workplaces, apart from essential businesses and key economic sectors would have to close until 4 May. In compliance, we temporarily closed on Monday, 6 April.
The team held a final meeting at the academy on 6 April, to discuss work from home plans as well as do one final clean-out before letting the space remain unoccupied for a month. We laid out everything from equipment to uniforms on the mats, and opened all doors, lockers, and shelves, to be aired out.
Food was taken out of the fridges and freezers to prevent spoiling. We also split the açai amongst ourselves and took our portions home!
The mood was supportive and lively that day, with lots of joking around. Yet, as we said our goodbyes outside the academy, it was a silent agreement that this ’new normal’ would take some time to get used to. The team has found its constant source of joy around serving the FaMAly, seeing members' faces before and after a tough training session, and journeying with members who have become friends. It would also not be the same to only be able to see our colleague’s faces via video conferencing.
This Is Not Goodbye
Sad as it feels, we know this is for the best. This is not just for our members and team; but also for the nation and nations around us. We understand that this effort is key to helping the world overcome the storm that we call COVID-19.
We want to thank all our members for the constant support and encouragement during this time. Continue to stick with us, FaMAly, because we plan to stay connected with you even though the academy doors are shut. This is not goodbye. We are down, but not out.
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts Established in 2016, FaMA is a world-class martial arts academy located in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Walking distance from Clarke Quay and Fort Canning MRT stations, FaMA’s main goal is to help people improve their lives through martial arts regardless of age or athletic capability. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Kids Martial Arts and Fitness programs are led by experts in their respective fields. So, whether it is weight loss, a fun workout, camaraderie, competition training, or just to break a sweat, FaMA has something for the whole family.
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