Login

BLADES OF AVALON - SAFETY MANUAL

Revision: 0 (2026.05.15)

1. INTRODUCTION
2. SAFETY POLICY
3. TRAINING WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT
4. PROTECTIVE GEAR REQUIREMENTS
5. TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
6. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT
7. INJURY PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
8. INCIDENT REPORTING
9. SAFETY COMMITTEE
10. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
11. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
12. RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN
13. TRAINING CURRICULUM SAFETY MATRIX
14. INSTRUCTOR CODE OF CONDUCT
15. PARTICIPANT WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
16. POLICY REVIEW & AMENDMENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

This Safety Manual establishes the policies, procedures, and expectations that govern all training, research, and event activities conducted by Blades of Avalon Inc. It is designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and historically grounded martial arts environment.

All members, instructors, volunteers, and participants are required to follow the policies contained herein.

2. SAFETY POLICY

2.1. Purpose

The purpose of this Safety Policy is to ensure that all activities conducted by Blades of Avalon Inc. are carried out in a safe, responsible, and controlled manner. This policy establishes standards for training, equipment, conduct, and risk management to protect participants, instructors, volunteers, and spectators.

2.2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All participants
All members
Instructors and assistant instructors
Volunteers and event staff
Visitors and spectators at official activities

It covers all training sessions, seminars, demonstrations, research activities, and events conducted under the name of Blades of Avalon.

2.3. Guiding Principles

Safety First: Historical martial arts involve physical contact and the use of training weapons. Safety is the highest priority in all activities.
Historical Authenticity, Modern Safety: Training weapons and methods replicate historical martial practices while incorporating modern safety standards.
Respect and Control: All participants must demonstrate respect, self‐control, and awareness at all times.
Progressive Training: Techniques and intensity must be scaled to the skill level and experience of participants.
Shared Responsibility: Safety is a collective responsibility. All participants must actively contribute to a safe training environment.

3. TRAINING WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT

3.1. Approved Equipment

Only equipment approved by the instructors or the Safety Committee may be used in training.
This includes:

Historically representative training weapons (e.g., synthetic or blunt steel)
Protective gear appropriate to the activity
Training tools designed for controlled martial practice

3.2. Prohibited Equipment

The following are not permitted for sparring:

Live (sharp) blades
Equipment in a state of disrepair that may pose a risk to the user or others
Equipment deemed unsafe by the lead instructor for any session

3.3. Equipment Inspection

All weapons and protective gear must be inspected before use.
Instructors may remove any equipment they may deemed unsafe.
Participants are responsible for maintaining their own equipment in safe condition.

4. PROTECTIVE GEAR REQUIREMENTS

4.1. Minimum Gear

Depending on the activity, required protective gear may include:

Fencing mask or equivalent head protection
Padded gloves
Forearm and elbow protection
Torso protection
Groin protection
Additional padding as required

4.2. Activity‐Specific Requirements

Drilling: Light protective gear may be acceptable.
Controlled sparring: Full protective gear is mandatory.
Demonstrations: Gear requirements will be set by the supervising instructor.

5. TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

5.1. Facility Safety

Training spaces must be:

Free of hazards
Adequately lit
Large enough for safe movement
Equipped with first‐aid supplies

5.2. Instructor Responsibilities

Instructors must:

Monitor participant safety
Adjust drills based on skill level
Stop any unsafe behavior immediately
Ensure proper warm‐ups and cooldowns

6. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT

6.1. Required Conduct

Participants must:

Follow instructor directions
Maintain control of their movements
Use appropriate force for the drill
Respect training partners
Report injuries or unsafe conditions immediately

6.2. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly forbidden:

Reckless or uncontrolled actions
Intentional harm or unsafe contact
Training under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Ignoring instructor safety commands
Harassment, bullying, or abusive behavior

7. INJURY PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

7.1. Injury Prevention

Warm‐ups and cooldowns are mandatory.
Participants must train within their physical limits.
Techniques must be introduced progressively.

7.2. Injury Response

In the event of an injury:

Training stops immediately.
First aid is administered as appropriate.
The incident is documented.
The participant may only resume training with instructor approval.

8. INCIDENT REPORTING

8.1. Reporting Requirements

All injuries, near‐misses, equipment failures, or safety concerns must be reported to:

The supervising instructor, or
A member of the Safety Committee, or
A Director of the Corporation

8.2. Documentation

The Corporation shall maintain an incident log including:

Date and time
Individuals involved
Description of the incident
Actions taken

9. SAFETY COMMITTEE

9.1. Purpose

The Board may appoint a Safety Committee to:

Review safety practices
Approve equipment standards
Investigate incidents
Recommend policy updates

9.2. Authority

The Safety Committee may:

Remove unsafe equipment
Suspend unsafe activities
Recommend disciplinary action

10. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

10.1. Grounds for Discipline

Disciplinary action may be taken for:

Violations of this Safety Policy
Repeated unsafe behavior
Conduct endangering others

10.2. Possible Actions

Verbal warning
Temporary suspension from activities
Mandatory retraining
Removal from membership (subject to Board approval)

11. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

All participants must acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to follow this Safety Policy as a condition of participation in Blades of Avalon activities.

12. RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN

12.1. Risk Identification

Physical risks (impact, falls, overexertion)
Environmental risks (lighting, space, hazards)
Organizational risks (supervision, preparedness)

12.2. Mitigation Strategies

Progressive instruction
Equipment inspections
Facility checks
Administrative controls (waivers, logs, reviews)

12.3. Emergency Response

Stop activity
Provide first aid
Contact emergency services if needed
Document incident

12.4. Post‐Incident Review

Safety Committee review
Identify contributing factors
Implement corrective actions

13. TRAINING CURRICULUM SAFETY MATRIX

13.1. Activity Categories

Activity	Description
Solo Drills	Footwork, Guards, Forms
Paired Drills	Controlled partner exercises
Technical Drills	Timing, Distance, Structured exchanges
Sparring	Freeplay with full gear
Demonstrations	Public or internal demos

13.2. Required Gear

Activity	Required Gear
Solo Drills	Minimal
Paired Drills	Gloves, Mask recommended
Technical Drills	Mask, Gloves, Appropriate padding
Sparring	Full protective gear
Demonstrations	As required for the level of the demo

13.3. Supervision Levels

Activity	Supervision
Solo Drills	General Oversight
Paired Drills	Active Supervision
Technical Drills	Direct Supervision
Sparring	Continuous Supervision
Demonstration	Lead Instructor

14. INSTRUCTOR CODE OF CONDUCT

14.1. Professionalism and Leadership

Instructors shall:

Model respectful, safe, and controlled behavior
Maintain a positive and inclusive training environment
Treat all participants fairly and without discrimination

14.2. Safety Responsibilities