If you've been to the dojo, you've probably noticed a few changes. First, it's huge. It's gorgeous and amazing! Second, it's a bit of a disaster. Piles of wood, ceiling tiles, demo debris... and dust. LOTS of dust. The patient is definitely open on the table, and it's going to progress a little slower than anyone would like. That said, here's how we can keep training without letting the dirt get the best of us.

1) Keep shoes on. For now, the shoe removal rule is suspended for all areas except the mat. This will help us keep the dust off the mat. Keep your shoes on right up to the edge of the mat.

2) Usage as usual. The new area is full of hazards and is quite dusty. Please use the 'old' side of the dojo for the time being, to avoid injury, confusion, and messiness.

3) Help put the trash out. We need all hands on deck to fill the dumpster with debris (only 3/4ths full, to be a good neighbor to other tenants). Folks who come early to fill it before class get a gold star - and I'll be there tonight at 5:00pm if anyone wants to join me!

4) Wipe it all down. Arrive early and mop or wipe down Every. Single. Surface. Floors, walls, shoe rack, windowsills... the biggest dust-making effort is over, so now we just gotta get rid of it all! I will bring shammies to the dojo tonight and the sooner we get the dust up, the sooner we can go back to proper shoe etiquette in our space.

We know that many hands make light work. Last weekend was profound proof of that! :) Many thanks to everyone for taking an active role in this incredible transformation.

M