Critical Safety Information

Most serious injuries in grappling are completely avoidable.

While this is a combat sport and accidents can happen, the vast majority of injuries occur when basic safety rules are ignored. By following the guidelines below and training with awareness and control, we can reduce the risk of serious injury to near zero and keep the training environment safe for everyone.

Video Summary:

If you’re not sure, don’t do it

If you don’t fully understand a technique, stop and ask a coach first.

Be aware of your space at all times

If you move into another pair’s space, you must stop and reset.

Never prioritise finishing a move over safety

No submission or takedown is worth injuring a training partner.

Never sit or fall onto a partner’s knee

Any falling body weight into the knee is extremely dangerous and banned. Anytime your hips are going to hit the floor before your knees there is a high chance your about to injure someone.

No jumping guard

Jumping guard is banned due to severe injury risk.

Standing techniques carry the highest injury risk

Be extra cautious during takedowns; most serious injuries happen from standing.

Never pull a partner straight backwards from turtle

Always break turtle down to the side - never directly back.

Never forward roll from turtle with someone on your back

This can spike a partner’s head and cause serious neck or head injuries.

Do not resist techniques to the point of force

Excessive resistance forces partners to apply dangerous pressure and torque.

Intentions don’t matter - outcomes do

“I didn’t mean to” doesn’t prevent injuries. Your actions are your responsibility.