Code of Conduct

In order to practice all members are required to agree to and abide by San Diego Swordfighters’ standards of Safety, Respect, and Inclusion.


 SAFETY:  You are responsible for YOUR OWN safety. Be an advocate for your own Safety.

  • All members should only train at an intensity that corresponds to their skill, physical capabilities and level of safety gear. 

  • Members are responsible for speaking up or calling “HOLD” during training should the intensity exceed that which they are comfortable or equipped for, or if other potentially unsafe circumstances arise.

SAFETY: You are responsible for YOUR PARTNERS’ safety. Be an advocate for their Safety.

  • Members are expected and required to move and handle their training weapons with control at all times, check the safety of their training weapons, and ensure that appropriate safety gear is used.

  • Members are responsible for training at the intensity and skill level their training partner is comfortable with and is appropriate to the gear being used.

  • Members are responsible for speaking up or calling “HOLD” if they observe potentially unsafe circumstances for their partner.

RESPECT:  Training time, equipment, and partners are valuable and deserve your respect.

  • Members are expected to arrive on time and be ready to begin work at the scheduled start time of the class. If lateness is unavoidable, the student will join the practice session with minimal disruption and get ready to work quickly.

  • Members are expected to wear appropriate clothes for training, attend class in a reasonably clean state, and shall not practice under the influence of intoxicants of any kind.

  • Members are expected to make physical contact safely and respectfully by always getting permission from your partner before placing hands upon them or engaging in wrestling/grappling techniques.

  • Clearly agree when beginning pair exercises by saluting before and after drills or sparring.

  • Don’t use equipment that is not yours without asking first! Please handle all equipment with care and return it to its proper place after use.

INCLUSION: Intolerance will not be tolerated!

  • San Diego Swordfighters strives to be a welcoming and safe space for anyone who can behave respectfully towards their fellow humans regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or religion.  Language and behavior discriminatory, demeaning, or harassing to others, either in or out of practice sessions, has no place in this group. Members unable to treat and respect their fellow members with the dignity will be made unwelcome.

If issues regarding safety, respect and inclusion cannot be resolved by individually, members are encouraged to bring them up with the Lead Instructor so that a solution can be reached, and/or corrective actions taken.

Unwillingness or inability to comply with the above points will result in suspension or dismissal of membership in San Diego Swordfighters.