It is that exciting time of year when we start to assess those students who we feel are ready for the upcoming Grading and the next level. We will be tag-testing all the way until the last lesson before the grading day so there is plenty of time to practice and work hard.

What is tag-testing?

Tag-testing is where we look very closely at each student in class and see if :

• They are confident with their techniques and drills
• They have the right attitude
• They have been practicing and working hard in and out of the classes

Like anything in life, if a student wishes to be successful then they must be prepared to work hard and put in that extra bit of practice at home. If you need any help with this please do speak to your instructor.

If we feel they are ready we will:

• Place a black tag on their belt
• Send their parents a text with all the links and information needed

If you receive a black tag and text message it is very important you read all of the necessary files. These can be found either by logging in to our website or in the “Files” section of our members only facebook group.

All Canterbury classes will be moved from the Primary School to the main Secondary School campus from Wednesday, 25th August – Wednesday, 8th Sept (incl.). We will return to the Primary School on Saturday, 11th September.

Click here for the map.

All class times remain the same.

There is lots of parking and entry is up the steps and through the main reception doors – please wait outside until called in (no spectators)

See you soon!

After a well deserved rest we are very much looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful students and families back in class.

Please note we will still be operating some of our COVID-Safe procedures (details online) but this will not change the excitement of seeing everyone again.

A few dates for your diary:

• 19th Sept – IMC ~ Black Belt Training Day (Swindon)
• 26th Sept – Grading Day

We have updated the COVID guidelines for each location and these are available to view as follows:

• Our Facebook group page
• Logging in to this website

Please ensure you read them and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us (kent@mattfiddes.com).

DO NOT ATTEND CLASSES IF YOU HAVE ANY COVID SYMPTOMS OR NOT FEELING 100% WELL IN ANY WAY

FILE NAMES

• COVID Safe lessons – CANTERBURY 19th July
• COVID Safe lessons – STAPLEHURST 19th July
• COVID Safe lessons – ASHFORD 19th July
• COVID Safe lessons – AYLESFORD 19th July

AYLESFORD CLASSES:

We are going to trial having a limited number of spectators in this venue only. PLEASE READ the guidelines so that you are aware of procedures and expectations.

Please read the update file for any changes on what is required after 19th July. As usual, we will be constantly looking at the most recent guidance and are very well aware of the recent rise in cases.The main things to note are:

1. You DO NOT need to book your space(s) for classes AFTER 19th July
2. We will continue to utilise hand-sanitiser etc before, during and after classes
3. We will NOT be able to allow spectators just yet

The file can be found either:

• “File” section of our Facebook group – click here
• By logging in to our website: www.mattfiddeskent.com

If you have any questions or concerns after reading the update please do not hesitate to contact us.Master Finch

We have added an additional grading date for those students who were very close to being ready for the previous grading and for some of our newest members:

18th July 2021 – Canterbury

When we feel a student is ready we will “tag” them and send parents a text message with all the details needed to register. All the paperwork needed is available on:

• The Facebook Group (“files”)
• By logging in to our website

Please be sure to read all the paperwork fully – by paying online you are confirming that you have read everything.

For those students who have received a black tag the deadline for registering is: Thursday, 24th June.
You register by:

1. Reading all the necessary documents
2. Paying online (via the shop)

• If your child has a black tag on their belt but you have not yet received a text with information please contact me directly.

See you soon

Master Finch

Following the Government’s announcement that COVID restrictions will remain in place I wanted to take this opportunity to confirm with you all that our classes will continue as they have been. We will continue to have our COVID-Safe policy in place but there will be no changes. This means that:

• Parents – please continue to book you child / children in for every class
• We are still unable to welcome spectators in to the classes
• All students must continue to wear trainers / Martial Arts shoes / plymsoles (no crocks!)
• We will continue to use hand sanitiser before, during and after the classes as well as all our other cleaning schedules
• If you have any concerns about these please do let us know

GRADING UPDATE (27th June) – change of times

Our Grading will remain in place as planned under COVID-Safe protocols however we may need to change some of the times. If so we will be in touch with those affected directly with the new times. Please continue to book in for the Grading if your child / children have been tagged. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Master Finch

PS – don’t forget to book you child / children in for class EVERY week