Charge! Visiting a Local Go Circle [Community Center]

As the title suggests, I went to a local community center.
I joined a Go circle that meets regularly fora slightly early "final game of the year."

Social anxiety kicks in

I found out about the circle activities on the local government website, but it only listed the location and time. I was worried about what would happen if I just showed up and they said, "This circle is for members only" or "Could you contact us before coming?"I often hear the phrase "at-home atmosphere," but I was taught that it means they are kind to insiders but strict with outsiders.(By the way, I am extremely shy.).

Participation process and atmosphere

I arrived five minutes before the start, explained my situation, and they welcomed me warmly (thank you).
They paired me up right away, and once I started playing, all that was left was to enjoy it.The atmosphere was not stiff at all; they had desks lined up in a room at the community center and were playing games in a friendly, lively manner.

I was able to learn from three games during the four-hour session, and finding a place to play Go in my neighborhood has given me something to look forward to next year (they even told me to come back and play again).

Thoughts and a message to those interested in Go

When I asked about the circle afterward, it seems that many circles had to suspend activities due to COVID-19, and even after resuming, many have seen a decrease in members. The participants were all elderly (when I joined, the five people other than me were all seniors), and I saw firsthand the aging of the competitive population.At the same time, I recognized the importance of cherishing the "Go-bonds" of community-based Go circles.

The circle I joined today had participants ranging from beginners to 5-dan players, sothere is no restriction that you must be good at Go to join!If you have even a slight interest in Go or want to get back into the feel of it, why not look up a circle in your area?

It is also recommended for those who feel that Go salons are intimidating, or for those who want someone to talk to in addition to playing Go(I think the atmosphere varies depending on the location and the nature of the circle, but in this day and age, people interested in Go are precious, so I think you will be welcomed).