Weather Policy & At-Home Workouts

Our top priority is the safety of our students and their families.

And you already know we deal with a variety of weather in central Illinois.

Please review our weather policy to stay informed about class changes due to severe weather conditions.

What Factors Into My Decision To Cancel Class

Our students. Often times, I receive texts, emails, or calls from students ahead of significant weather events saying they’re either not coming to class or are nervous about class. Once I start to get a few, that’s a signal to me that canceling class may be a good idea.
Our location. The facility we practice in doesn’t have a basement, but it does have several inner rooms and bathrooms to shelter in in case of a tornado.
The timing of the forecasted weather event. I look to the experts to see whether a weather event is forecasted to occur before, during, or after our class. For karate class, most parents tend to drop their student off and leave. For most classes throughout the year, that’s fine. However, in the case of bad weather, I would rather cancel class altogether than attempt to dismiss early, knowing some parents may not be able to pick up their child early.
The location of the forecasted impacts. Most of our students are located in the Metamora/Germantown area, but some students travel further distances. Drive time for our entire student base is heavily considered when canceling.
Whether school, other activities, or businesses are closing. Peer pressure plays a role in deciding whether to close. In general, if our schools close or cancel activities, so will we. I also pay attention to learn whether other activities are canceled.

Please check the following for real-time updates on class cancellations:

Those channels are the quickest way I can get information out to everyone.

I will also do my best to send an email to those who aren’t on Facebook or BAND.

And, I’ll arrange with the Metamora Park District to post about a class cancellation on their page, as well.

I’m unable to contact each student and family individually.

If winter weather conditions (snowstorms or ice) are forecast to make travel unsafe, we may cancel class.

Similar to forecasted winter weather, class may be canceled in the event of severe thunderstorms that could produce hail or tornadoes headed our way.

I don’t anticipate canceling class due to extreme heat, but the possibility exists.

Fortunately, we have the luxury of an air-conditioned space with the Metamora Park District.

However, I may consider canceling if the dojo’s air conditioner is broken.

Karate students: You are welcome to swap nights if you’re only attending one class per week.
Tai chi students: If I cancel on a Tuesday, consider joining a karate class on Wednesday!

For specific times, please view our class schedule.

If class is canceled for any reason, I have resources available to help students practice at home.

Karate: Here is a home workout covering all of our basic techniques
Tai Chi Chuan: Brush up on our tai chi chuan form, the 24-set stick form, or Hsing-i chuan animal or element forms.
15-minute home workout videos from Century Martial Arts – There are currently 17 videos between 15-20 minutes long. All you need is a punching bag, practice mitts, or your imagination.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility!

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Photo by NOAA on Unsplash