Rules

NorthWest Martial Arts Sparring Guidelines

Prohibited Techniques

• Jumping guard is not allowed by members of any level. This technique poses significant danger to the knees. Guard must be pulled.

• Flying armbars and triangles are not allowed by members of any level. These techniques pose a significant risk of injury.

• Heel hooks are not allowed by or on members lower than brown belt.

• Knee bars are not allowed by or on members lower than blue belt.

• Straight Ankle locks are not allowed by or on members who do not have their first stripe.

• Members may not grab, pull, or otherwise manipulate individual fingers, toes, or the thumbs. You may grip all fingers, or the hand.

• Members should keep their hands and fingers off of their training partner’s face, specifically the eyes, nose, and mouth. This does not include the controlled use of leverage against the side of the face/jaw/head.

• Striking of any kind during sparring is prohibited.

• Slams are not allowed by members of any level. A slam is a throw wherein the slammer fully picks up their sparring partner, throws them to the mat, and lands on them. Only non-slam throws, take-downs, and guard pulls should be used.

• Can openers are not allowed by members of any level. Can openers are a closed guard escape that consist of cupping both hands behind the training partners head and cranking it forward. This is a brute force technique designed to injure the neck and should never be used.

Sparring Safely

• Sparring is always optional. If you do not feel like sparring, for any reason, you may notify your instructor. You will never be asked to spar against your will, nor should you allow yourself to spar if you have doubts about engaging in a session.

• Always confirm the following pieces of information before beginning a sparring session. Remember, each training partner is responsible for their own and their partner’s health and well being.

• Confirm your training partner’s rank visually, or verbally if there is no belt. Be aware of what is allowed for each rank.

• Based on rank, confirm which leg lock techniques are OK to use with each other. If your training partner does not know the proper escape for a leg lock, do not apply it during your sparring session.

• Confirm the pace and intensity at which your training partner wishes to spar. This is extremely important, as it not only prevents injury, but ensures that both training partners get the most out of the sparring session.

• Confirm if you or your training partner is sparring with a minor injury. Never spar with a significant or fresh injury. Be mindful of the injured area during your sparring session.

• After your sparring session, make sure to thank your training partner. Confirm neither of you was injured during the session. Stand up, fix your gi and belt, and prepare for your next sparring session or the rest of your class.