Mounting concerns about the coronavirus COVID-19 are causing organizations and promotors within the martial arts industry to take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness, and the Arnold Classic is now among them. The expo in Columbus, OH, has dramatically reduced the number of spectators permitted at the event’s Grappling Industries tournament, allowing only direct family members and coaches to accompany athletes to the event.
The expo itself has been canceled, but scheduled sporting events will still be allowed to continue. The announcement was made by Ohio governor Mike DeWine on March 4, and yesterday, Grappling Industries promotor David Aguzzi announced that family members and coaches would still be allowed into the GI tournament to support competitors. However, all other spectators are banned.
Grappling Industries isn’t the only jiu-jitsu event to have been impacted by coronavirus concerns. The UAEJJF announced that they have canceled all of their events, including the World Pro, until further notice, and yesterday, 3rd Coast Grappling announced that they’d be modifying their upcoming 3CG IV event to feature only local competitors.
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