A dojo should always prioritize safety. I believe all classes should be safe, fun, and challenging. I recite guiding rules for my students that may seem a bit cliché at times, but they are always in their best interest. These are the three rules of personal safety during practice that I constantly repeat in my dojo.

1. Always Look Out for #1: You Are Responsible for Your Personal Safety

The first and foremost rule is to always look out for #1—you. You are the steward of your own safety, and if something doesn't feel safe, don't do it. Trust your instincts and be unapologetically vigilant about your wellbeing. Whether it's a takedown, a submission, or any aspect of practice, your commitment to personal safety sets the foundation for a long and fulfilling journey in the world of grappling.

2. Trust Your Partner

Collaboration in grappling depends on trust. Rule number two emphasizes the importance of working only with partners who can be trusted with your wellbeing. Ensure that your training partners share a commitment to safety and respect the boundaries of controlled practice. Recklessness and malice have no place on the mats. Choose partners who understand the delicate balance between intensity and safety, creating an environment where both can thrive.

3. Don't Trust Your Partner

I know it sounds contradictory to the previous rule, but while trust is the bedrock of safe collaboration, the third rule urges a prudent cautionary note—don't trust your partner entirely. Even seasoned grapplers with a wealth of experience can make mistakes, and accidents can happen. This rule encourages a mindset of constant awareness and active participation in your own safety. Be mentally present, anticipate potential risks, and don't relinquish all control to your partner, no matter how skilled they may be.

By looking out for yourself, choosing trustworthy partners, and maintaining a cautious awareness, you forge a path where safety and growth coexist. Safety is not a solo endeavor but a collaborative effort that involves both individual responsibility and the trust placed in your training partners.

And remember, when you learn one technique you know one technique.
When you learn a concept you know a thousand techniques.

See you on the flipside. - Larry Keith