School of Fighting Arts
Rules/Etiquette

General Rules

  1. No profanity allowed.
  2. Students must be respectful of instructors and fellow students at all times.
  3. Address all instructors as Sensei or Mr./Ms. "last name".
  4. Keep uniforms neat, clean, and odor free.
  5. Due to the grappling, please keep fingernails and toenails clipped neat.
  6. Individuals not participating in class shall not behave in a manner which would disrupt the class.
  7. No running unless instructed to do so.
  8. No shoes allowed on mats.
  9. No gum or candy in class.
  10. If you are late to class, you must request permission to enter class.
  11. All individuals must clean up after themselves, including throwing out bottles and cups.
  12. Fighting outside of the school will not be tolerated unless for the defense or protection of oneself, loved ones, and others in need of protection.
  13. Please ask to be excused for a restroom break during class.
  14. Sparring gear must be worn during class.  Required gear includes head gear, hand gear, feet gear, mouthpiece, groin protection (female optional), and shin guards (optional but recommended).  You will not be allowed to spar or grapple if the proper equipment is not brought to class.
  15. No conversation during class warm-ups.  This time should be used to focus oneself for class and improving flexibility.
  16. Please do not learn from or teach other students.  This is what your instructor or assistant instructor is paid to do.  After all, a person under a black belt as opposed to a black belt isn't going to have the same grasp to teach the technique properly.

Rules for Grappling

  1. When your partner taps the mat, your body, or his own body more than once, he is letting you know that he is yielding.  Release pressure but maintain the hold.
  2. He may yell MAITTA.  This means he wishes to yield.  Release pressure but maintain the hold with control.
  3. Do not horseplay in class.  There is a danger of hurting others besides yourself and your partner.
  4. It is the thrower's responsibility to see that the mat is clear before throwing.
  5. In the application of joint lock holds, once the hold is tight, apply pressure slowly until your partner submits, then release pressure.  Develop the feeling of sensitivity.
  6. Do not practice strangulation or choking techniques unless a qualified instructor or assistant instructor is present.
  7. Do not throw a beginner unless the instructor gives his consent.
  8. Release the hold completely if your partner quickly moves in the wrong direction of escape.  His counter move may cause him injury.  Be considerate.

More on Grappling

The School of Fighting Arts feels that sparring is an essential component in a balanced training regimen.  It teaches you how to deal with real situations and become effective and confident in this area of martial arts.

Just a reminder, the following equipment is required for sparring and grappling:

Sparring

  1. Head gear
  2. Foot Pads
  3. Hand Pads
  4. Mouthpiece
  5. Groin Protector (Female Optional)
  6. Shin Guards (Optional but Recommended)

Grappling

  1. Mouthpiece

Without the proper equipment, the student will NOT be allowed to participate.