Rule #1: Safety First – No One Gets Hurt
Our number one priority is and always will be safety. Despite over 20 years in operation, our injury rate remains impressively low. That’s no accident—it’s the result of a culture that emphasizes respect, control, and personal responsibility on the mats.
A. Tap Early, Tap Often, Tap Smart
You’ll learn to distinguish between discomfort and danger, but when in doubt—tap.
Pain is not “weakness leaving the body”; it’s your body warning you that injury is imminent. Tapping isn’t defeat—it’s intelligent training. Tap early, tap clearly (preferably on your partner’s body), and never hesitate.
B. Honor the Tap—Always
If your partner taps, you stop immediately—no questions, no delay. Whether you think the submission was “on” or not is irrelevant. The tap ends the exchange, period.
C. Apply Submissions with Control
Great grapplers finish submissions with precision, not force. The final moments of any submission should be applied in slow motion, giving your partner time to respond safely. If they’re not tapping, pause and communicate—never force it.
Anyone applying submissions hard or fast will be removed from training.
Also:
- Twisting leg locks and neck cranks are not permitted unless explicitly taught and supervised by your coach.
- No grabbing fingers, ears, hair, or skin. These actions are not only ineffective but disrespectful.
- Wear proper safety gear: a mouthguard, and cups/ear guards are strongly recommended when appropriate.
Rule #2: Keep It Honest – Be a Good Teammate
Integrity on the mats fosters trust and growth. Whether you’re drilling, rolling, or just warming up, clarity and respect are key.
A. Be Clear About Your Intentions
If you’re asking for a “flow roll” or light roll, say so—and then stick to it. There are no submissions in a flow roll. If you turn it competitive midway, you violate the trust of your partner and disrupt the learning environment.
B. Respect Others’ Training Load
Don’t sit out rounds and then jump in to spar someone who’s already exhausted. That’s known as “mat sharking”, and it’s frowned upon. Train in good faith.
C. Hygiene is Non-Negotiable
Nobody wants to roll with someone who smells bad or hasn’t washed their gi. But more importantly, poor hygiene is a health risk. Ringworm, staph, and other skin infections spread quickly on dirty mats.
Clean gear, clipped nails, showered body—every session.
D. Communicate with Courtesy
If your partner is less experienced, acknowledge it and train appropriately. If you’re unsure about something, ask. Being a good teammate makes everyone better—including you.
Rule #3: The Coach Runs the Room
Respect for structure creates a safe and productive environment for all. That structure starts with your coach.
A. Respect the Clock
When the round is active, stay engaged until the coach calls time. Tying your belt, grabbing water, or stepping out for a break should only happen when instructed—or in the case of injury or illness. If you feel unwell, communicate and rest accordingly.
B. Eyes and Ears on the Coach
When the coach is talking, stop what you’re doing and listen. That includes stopping side conversations, drilling, or rolling. Instructions are for your safety and learning. Repeated disregard may result in losing your spot on the mat.
C. Speak Up, Don’t Opt Out
If you’re physically unable to perform a task, or if something feels wrong, talk to your coach. We’re here to help and will always find a safe, suitable alternative.
Summary: Culture Over Chaos
These three simple but powerful rules protect what makes SBG Sparks special:
- A safe, respectful, and welcoming training space
- Teammates who help each other grow
- Coaches who care about your progress and your wellbeing
Follow them not just to avoid injury or conflict, but to help build the type of martial arts culture worth being part of for life.
See you on the mats at SBG Sparks!!!
