Since the start of lockdown, David Plested the owner and head coach of the local Inspire Jiu-Jitsu club was determined to keep his club going and keep his members active.
Working tirelessly within guidelines he started with regular Zoom and Instagram live workouts back in March, progressing to outdoor socially distanced solo workout sessions for both children and adults come rain or shine.
As a parent and member of Inspire Jiu-Jitsu, David has managed to keep a near full training schedule, while not compromising on safety or breaking COVID-19 rules or regulations.
Using all the technologies possible so both adults and children were focused on both physical and mental health. Shining examples of daily Zoom “wake-up” classes for 11 years and under, through to intense online solo grappling classes for teens and adults.
Now with guidelines allowing for outside training in limited numbers, his students get to see each other, receive expert tuition and still stay within government guidelines.
Parent and club member Paul Bishop said: “As the head of Inspire Jiu-Jitsu, David should be seen as the “Gold Standard” of not compromising people’s safety during uncertain times.”
Alfie Marsh, 12 and ten-year-old brother Toby added: “Doing all the Zoom lessons during lockdown really help us in two ways one of them being keeping us fit and healthy even though we weren’t allowed outside. The second reason was keeping us ready for competitions and making sure we were always one step ahead of everyone else!”
