Jizaikan

Safety Guidelines

Safety doesn’t happen by accident. Better a thousand times careful than once dead.  ~Proverb

1. General Note: A necessary component of our training is the physical interaction between training partners. Therefore it is important to observe careful how techniques are applied. When we start training it is best to apply techniques slowly and with minimal force. As we continue training a “sensitivity” to what our training partner CAN and CANNOT do will develop. Please, take it slow and protect your training partner.

2. Tapping Out: “Tapping out” is one way a training partner can let the other know that the amount of pressure or force being applied is too much. When a technique is being applied to your partner, it is important to communicate when the force or pressure is too much. It is unwise to try to “tough it out” as this can and usually will lead to injury. Tapping out can be done with the hand or feet. If the hands and feet are locked up remember it is alright to “verbally tap out”.

3. Muscling and Speeding Up: There is a tendency with beginners to either speed up or use more muscle when a technique is not working. This can lead to injuries, either to your training partner or to yourself. If you are feeling that you need to speed up or put more muscle into a technique, stop and determine what is not working. Remember good technique does not come from being fast or strong, but from a solid foundation and patience.

4. Existing Injuries: Depending on the injury, one may be able to continue training or one may need to take a break from training to let that injury heal. If you are injured, it is your responsibility to determination how best to cope with that injury. If you have an existing injury it is your responsibility to let your training partner know so they can take extra care not to make that injury worse.

5. Medication: If you are taking any medication that severely impacts your balance and senses, you may want to consider simply watching the class or staying home.

6. Hydration: In the course of training, it is likely that you will sweat a lot. It is important to keep yourself hydrated and avoid becoming a heat casualty.

7. Know Your Limits: While it is important for a warrior to push beyond our current limits in order to grow, it should be done in a way that minimizes the possibility of injury to ourselves and others. Make a careful assessment of you abilities and the task at hand before proceeding and use good judgment.

8. When in doubt, ask the instructor for help.