Instructor Taylor Sargent said one of the most pleasing aspects of the dojo opening back up hasn't just been seeing familiar faces but also new ones too.

"It's been quite a positive return. Most of our existing clients have come back but we've also got a few new clients who have looked to get out of the house and get moving," she said.

"I think a lot of the parents, and kids especially, were really keen to get active again."

The dojo, and many other clubs and gyms in Bathurst, had to get to grips with online learning during 2020's first COVID-induced lockdown.

Sargent said the dojo were well prepared for that format this year and believed the variety in those lessons was well received by members.

"It was pretty easy to go back into online mode. We had some Zoom classes as well as some pre-recorded instructional videos on the website," she said.

"With those tools everyone was able to get back into the habit and we were able to go from there.

"It's been quite a good return for us. We're limited with class size but it's been so good to see many people coming back and it's also great to see some new ones coming through."

The chance to get out in a competitive environment still remains somewhat away for members of the Bathurst club.

However, the next couple of months of in-house training will help the team prepare for the Australian National Championships at Blacktown, which are still pending for December 5.

Hopes are high that the team will still be able to go.

"We've got a competition pencilled in for December, which will be held in Sydney, but we're going to have to wait to see how things go. Hopefully we'll still be going to that one," Sargent said.

The dojo has returned to a full five week program of afternoon activities.

Classes are currently limited to 20 students per class under the current restrictions, and double vaccination is required for everyone looking to resume their work at the dojo.

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