CODE OF CONDUCT



As we are a martial art, partaking in the use of weapons at high level of contact, we will impose a strict code of conduct upon those training with us, whether as regular members, or visitors to one of our events. This code of conduct is in place to ensure that all who partake of training are kept safe, both physically and in their own wellbeing.

With weapons involved at every level of training, it is vital to ensure that everyone is as safe as possible to allow to effective training to take place. Failure to adhere to these rules is grounds for dismissal from training without refund and possible exclusion from future events and training.



Personal Standards



Due to the nature of this sport, it is vital that all those involved in training are able to trust and feel safe around each other. With weapons involved, the risk for injury is higher and personal misunderstandings can influence the training in a negative way. As such, we will be enforcing a personal standard. Failure to adhere to these is grounds for removal from training and possible further action.


Honour your fellows.

We come from all walks of life and have different outlooks. At all times, it is expected that those training with us will honour the wishes and needs of those we train with. Every aspect of their being is to be respected, identities (including pronouns), religion, race and creed. Failure to this is not only disrespectful, but can lead to animosity which has no place within any training setting.


Respect the Staff.

Many of the staff we have on hand are supporting the events and training out of their own interest and their willingness to see the events and training succeed. While they are there to support your training, you should be treating them with the respect they deserve for going out of their way to help you. No abuse towards our staff will be tolerated

Comport yourself with dignity.

Training can put you under a great deal of personal pressure and be incredibly challenging. This can be a difficult circumstance to deal with and we are all fighting our own battles, if you need to take time out to recompose yourself, this will be respected by everyone. However, even if you lose the bout, or fail in your training objectives, be sure to hold your head high as you tried and there will always be another chance.



Combative Standards



When training in an active environment, the tensions and rigours of combat and its training can test even the most seasoned practitioner to their limits. As such, we will hold and maintain a high personal standard in combat to keep everyone as safe as possible.


Check in with your opponent prior to training.

Make sure that both you and your opponent are aware of the type of engagement you are about to partake in. Is it sparring or drilling? What level of intensity? Any injuries or issues you need to be made aware of? Best to know these things before you set about hitting each other.


Salute before you start.

Whenever you are about to engage with an opponent, signal your readiness to train with a salute. If both parties have not offered up a salute, combative training should not be engaged.


Control the intensity.

This is on you as a combatant to control your weapon when engaging in combat. No swings should be wild or made with intent to cause harm. Equally, if you feel that the opponent is training with a higher intensity than you are willing to engage with, make sure to address it instantly. If the bout becomes unsafe, withdraw immediately.


Talk after the fight.

After your training session, converse with your opponent. Find out what worked and what didn't in your combat, check your opponent is doing ok and ask for feedback to improve upon.


Remember, the better your conduct in training, the more likely you will be invited back for another round of combat. More training means more chances to improve and get better. It is in your interest to comport yourself correctly in combat.



Selfish-Altruism



The Orders' Training Paradox



Within the Order, we have an approach to combat and our training that allows use to pursue our own combative goals and aspirations, while also supporting those within our community. We call this paradox 'Selfish-Altruism'.


The premise goes as follows;


"I wish to become better at combat, therefore I need good opponents to test myself against.

If I help my fellow combatants train, they will become better opponents as they learn from my experience.

As they become better opponents, I have the chance to develop my skills against them."


This is the cultural nexus of the Orders' approach to combative training. We support each other in our learning, knowing that those we help will turn round and challenge us in combat, giving us the chance to demonstrate our skill and knowledge and, hopefully, a chance to learn and improve. With everyone playing to this standard, the whole group level is raised as a whole and the individuals within it are both empowered and supported by their allies.



Order of the Blade Ltd