Rules of the SalleFor our purposes the "Salle d'Armes" (which, historically, is the hall in which martial training takes place) is wherever our training sessions take place.
Respect and courtesy shall be extended at all times between all Scholars, as well as to visitors. Should personal quarrels arise over any matter, the use of weapons is not permitted for the resolving of disputes. Any such disputes should be resolved directly, with immediacy and openness between the relevant individuals.
Any Scholar's or visitor’s property should be treated with the same respect as that person himself or herself and should not be handled or used without their permission.
Scholars must attend in appropriate attire for training.
Scholars are responsible for adhering to proper safety precautions and training guidelines at all times.
When training, Scholars are charged with safeguarding both themselves and their partners.
All training weapons should be regarded as sharp steel, so as to maintain a proper sense of respect and discipline among Scholars.
A call of ”Hold!” will cause all action by all present to stop immediately.
Free-play is a privilege and commences or halts at the Instructor’s will. Instructors will inform Scholars of when they may engage in free-play and with what weapons.
The salute should be observed at all times before and after free-fencing, as a courtesy to the opponent, and to mark the end of class, as a courtesy to the Art.
All Scholars are charged to act in accordance with all civil laws regulating the use of the arms and methods studied within the Guild. Improper use of the Art of Defense within or outside the Guild is prohibited.
Training Guidelines
The study of a martial art must be done with respect for the Art, the weapon and, most of all, the partner one trains with. The most fundamental and basic safety rule is control. These precautions exist to protect the students, their training partners, and the instructor.
The overriding safety rule is that you must be in control of your weapon at all times. Your partners will do unexpected things. You must always be prepared to stop your weapon or to pull it back.
In order to prevent injuries or at least reduce the probability of injury during training and fencing, students must conform to the following safety precautions:
A student must abide by the Rules of the Salle at all times.
Training while under the influence of alcohol or drugs of any kind (legal or not) that impair physical and mental capacity is strictly prohibited.
A student must be cleared of any jewelry, watches, chains, etc. that might interfere with the drills and possibly result in injury.
A student must maintain good personal hygiene, paying particular attention to short, smooth fingernails.
A student must perform an adequate warm-up prior to practice that includes stretching to reduce the possibility of injury. Students arriving to class late will warm-up to the instructor’s satisfaction before joining class.
A student must follow the instructor’s direction, instructions and guidance, and if unclear, request clarification.
A student must not attempt to practice techniques in which he/she has not been instructed nor attempt to alter or to teach others what he/she has not yet mastered.
Before executing a technique during a drill, a student must make eye contact with his/her partner and have acknowledgment that he/she is ready to receive the action.
Unless the drill specifically calls for resistance, a student must offer no resistance and allow each maneuver to be freely executed, especially during early training stages to allow for the perfection of the movement.
A student must understand that strikes are to be simulated, especially during the learning stages. It is not initially important to be quick nor to place any power behind the strikes.
A student must establish a consistent signal to indicate to the partner to stop applying the pressure during training, or to stop delivering sword strikes during training drills. The "tap" is the most common, and preferred, method.
A student will ensure that the required protective equipment is worn during training drills and free-play. Only equipment authorized a safety officer should be used in Guild practice. New or experimental equipment should first be approved by these officers.
Periodically, a student must inspect their equipment to ensure that it is kept in optimum condition. If the equipment is deemed unsafe the instructor will terminate the training for that student which requires the equipment.
A student must always observe all safety procedures taught during class, especially in regard to correct training methods and in regard to maintaining a safe distance between workout partners, between one’s own activities and other classmates, and between the class as a whole and other people who might be in the vicinity.
A student should immediately cease any exercise that seems unsafe or threatening and should never workout with anyone who fails to observe all safety procedures correctly.
A student must report to the instructor immediately any unsafe activities or anyone who violates safety procedures or practices in an unsafe manner.
A student must immediately and truthfully report to the instructor, to the best of their ability, the nature and severity of any injury that occurs during workouts regardless of the circumstances.
A student must not rely on the instructor for medical advice, but should consult a medical doctor if needed.