Class attendance at Valor Martial Arts Georgetown dropped 90% the week of March 16, owner Matthew Bertling said. The business stopped offering in-person classes March 18.
Virtual classes were launched March 23.
“Being blessed with very appreciative students, the reception of online classes was received well,” Bertling said. “On our first day we had somewhere between 90-115 students taking online classes.
The exact number is unknown because Facebook only shows views, he added.
Valor is using two different platforms to stream classes: Zoom allows interaction with students by name, and Facebook Live allows students to do the classes on their own timing.
Free beginner martial arts classes are offered for students who want to maintain skills while unable to physically attend class or who want to give the art a try. For a fee they can upgrade to programs that will include promotion to further belts along with more advanced movements and techniques to match their skill level, Bertling said. Students from other schools are also welcome.
The school is offering traditional martial arts classes in age specific groups, kickboxing, krav maga and jiujitsu.
“For our students that have stayed with us, we are offering more service in many different capacities,” he said. “We are letting them borrow our targets from our locations and giving them 15-minute private lessons through Zoom on a weekly basis.”
Bertling said he and wife, Alexa, believe sharing their knowledge throughout all channels during times like this will help develop a passion and love for martial arts as a vehicle that can help all people physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.
