Rules – Grappling – Academy of Steel

If “TAP” or “HOLD” is called, if someone taps out, or if someone exclaims in panic or pain,
YOU MUST RELEASE THEM IMMEDIATELY.*

When calling “tap” or “hold” it should be done loudly enough to be clearly heard regardless of kit.
When tapping out non-verbally it should be done with sufficient force to be felt or acknowledged regardless of kit.

Before a fight participants must agree the level of grappling that they are comfortable and competent with – none, “sword grappling” (controlling of weapons and arms), takedowns, etc. Just because someone has previously been comfortable with takedowns do not assume they sill are (they may be carrying an injury, etc.).

Any actions taken outside of the rules (without the strict and clear agreement of your opponent**) will result in a yellow card, double yellow card, red card or ban depending on the severity of the action. See carding for more.

Illegal moves include but are not limited to:
- Small joint manipulation.
- Body slams.
- Punches, kicks and elbow/knee strikes.
- Elbow or knee drops.
- Eye gouging, fish hooks, raking or hair pulling.

If an opponent is downed and you are on your feet (position of dominance), the fight is over. ***

Gripping an opponent in an inappropriate manner (fondling, groping, etc) can be punishable by immediate dismissal from the class and the Academy pending review.

Certain throws will be prohibited. For example, a suplex or any throw that results in the opponent landing on their head or neck.

If an opponent is uncomfortable with grappling or is carrying an injury and does not wish to take the fights to the ground, they fight at disadvantage and they will be considered as “tapping early”. Recognising the early tap is the responsibility of both fencers.

An opponent who doesn’t know what they are doing is potentially more dangerous (and is as such in more danger) than one who does. It is the responsibility of every practitioner to know their limits. For example, if you are unfamiliar or untrained in break falls, you should not attempt to execute takedowns. If you are unfamiliar with grip breaks, you should not attempt to execute arm locks.

* Different people have different levels of flexibility. This goes both ways: some may be more flexible (i.e. hypermobile) than others. While some will have limitations in their mobility. They may be carrying injuries that are not obvious when in doubt, tap out and if you believe that your opponent is in danger of hurting themselves, then release them. If you are grappling in such a way that you cannot immediately release your opponent then you are not grappling safely.

** Both fencers do this in the knowledge that they are NOT covered by the Academy of Steel Insurance and waive their right to cover.

*** The fight may continue if both practitioners have lost their weapons and have both expressed a clear verbal agreement to continue the fight to submission. However, it will continue under the rules stated above.