With the introduction of imposed quarantine and isolation rules and recommendation due to the COVID-19 virus, the sports industry is about to go through one of the toughest times in the history of sport.
At a competition level in combat sports, promoters and promotions have tried to stay afloat through live streams and TV audiences only but it is proving almost impossible to make it financially viable as well as protecting the welfare of the stakehoders for these events (fighters, trainers, staff, etc…).
The same goes for your average Joe, who relies on Combat Sports facilities for their daily work outs to get out some stress, stay fit, as well as catch up with their gym mates in communities that are as much a part of their lives as their regular friends and family.
Many gym’s are doing their very best to stay open an implement “safer” training practices, but for some Combat Sports / Martial Arts this is practically impossible. And depending on where you are in the world, the gyms may be forced to shut down due to government regulations to help contain the spread of the virus.
We’re not saying we’re against it by any means, as it’s important for the welfare of our community, however it is a harsh reality that Combat Sports facilities are now being faced with.
In being faced with the current doomsday mentality (e.g the toilet paper saga), the “only the strong survive” and “everyone for themselves” mentality has well and truly kicked in in some parts of society. The instant reaction is to “suspend” or “cancel’, however many people who work for larger corporations/businesses are still working from home or working in isolation, unlike small businesses like gyms who rely solely on their members. Their staff still have to get paid, electricity, rent, and running expenses don’t freeze.
Without or without members, the gym will need to pay these bills and if everyone freezes their account for a whole month, even 2 weeks, it could have disastrous effects on the facilities we know and love.
To refer to a similar article written in Jiujitsu times, in continuing to pay your gym membership or part there of in times of closure or quarantine isn’t a waste of money, it’s an investment in helping to keep your combat sports facility alive.
If they close, be supportive, remember they are humans too and have to provide for their families. They are really doing what they feel is either right by the community or to abide by emergency procedures put in place by the powers that be.
When they re-open, share the guts out of it. After all, the better your gym does, the more likely they are able to flourish and provide you with high level trainers and facilities.
