It has been a while since we last checked in and wrote an update on our school in Inverness. Here’s what’s been happening lately. The Coronavirus Pandemic has taken it’s grip of the world and we’ve all had to learn to adapt ourselves to the new norm. Hopefully we can all return to the way that things once were, at some point down the line. For now, we must do the best that we can under these difficult circumstances.
Scotland went into lockdown earlier in the year, from the end of March to August. During lockdown our school was forced to close its doors for the first time. We ran a program of classes online to keep our students practicing and moving forward. When restrictions were lifted in August, we were able to return to our school, with a limited timetable, whilst simultaneously maintaining our programme of online classes. We have been unable to accept new students, due to class size and distance restrictions. We ask that all new students wishing to join us to please be patient. We currently have a waiting list. If you wish to join our waiting list please email for more information: enquiries@yhginverness.com
New students can join in with our online program, however. This consists of four pre-recorded classes a week. Links are sent to your email address and students can practice and learn at their own pace. Online students will also be invited to join in ‘live’ at our school twice a week, via Zoom, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. There’s even an option to have a 1-2-1 session with Sifu Hepple, live via Zoom. These can all be purchased using the following links:
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Single Online Classes£0.00 – £5.00 -
All Online Classes For One Month£30.00 -
1-1 session with Sifu Hepple£30.00
Despite all the restrictions we’ve encountered this year, we’ve managed to adapt and continue training, learning and progressing our martial art. Grandmaster Frank Yee has developed a range of fascinating and insightful seminars, broadcast to all our schools and students around the world. We’ve all managed to keep in touch with each other and developed new solutions to our ever changing world. Last weekend (17th October 2020) students from branches across Scotland, Sweden, USA, Brazil and Peru, managed to sit gruelling online grading tests. This is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication from our students and thanks to the ingenuity and leadership of our teachers. Together we can continue to push forward with our growth and knowledge, overcoming the obstacles placed in our paths.
Class Procedures
The following procedures and precautions are still in place for everyone’s safety at our school:
Before You Train
It is crucial that you remain at home if you:
• Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
• Have been overseas or exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
• Have COVID-19 symptoms (self-isolate for 7 days) or are feeling unwell.
• Have been told to self-isolate as part of the contact tracing measures in place.
Physical Distancing & Hygiene
• Refrain from handshakes and high fives. The traditional sun and moon bow should suffice.
• Keep 2 metres away from other people at all times.
• Do not share food, towels, and drinks.
• Clean your hands weapons and equipment frequently.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes and dispose of any used tissue in your own bag and take it home with you. Wash your hands for 20 seconds or sanitise afterwards.
• Bring a bottle of sanitiser for your own personal use.
• Avoid touching your face.
Booking Process
• For private 1-1 tuition, please use our booking system on the Classes page or contact Sifu Hepple
• New students and students returning after a hiatus must now join our waiting list by contacting Sifu Hepple. We will be in touch in due course when there is an opportunity for you to attend classes safely.
• Current students should inform Sifu Hepple of their intention to attend each class.
Procedures At The School
• Arrive in good time.
• Please sanitise your hands upon entry and wait in the changing area for the class to begin.
• Sifu Hepple will direct you to your training station for the duration of the class.
• Stations should be sanitised by students before and after each class. Any weapons or equipment must be sanitised in the same way.
After Class Advice
• Once training has finished leave promptly and maintain physical distancing.
• Hands should be washed and/or sanitised as soon as possible.
• Ensure personal kit and equipment is cleaned thoroughly after use.
• If you become unwell after training, you should first contact your GP/NHS 24 and then inform Sifu Hepple.
