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TAPPING - For Safety in Practice

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Tapping: In Judo, the signal for release of any hołd or choke is to tap. You may tap the mat, yourself or your opponent, It is safest to get in the habit of tapping your opponent. The moment the tapping signal is given, release is to be madę.

It is discourteous and dangerous to maintain a hołd or choke after your opponent taps.

When practicing Judo, if partners are not wearing colored belts which indicate a degree, it is cour-teous to exchange information regarding the amount of instruction or practice each has had. Judo players who are not known to each other.ordinarily work very slowly together to get accustomed to each other with regard to style of work. (This, of course, is not true in formal contest).

Do not allow yourself to be thrown until you have trained in the safety falls and can do them with ease and in proper form. Do not throw anyone who has not had training in the falling techniąues.

Work on an appropriate surface. Beginners may use grass for starting practice, mats for free-style play.

Choking techniąues must not be attempted by begin-ning students. Advanced students should learn how to revive an unconscious person before attempting the use of chokes. Under no circumstances is it permitted to use chokes across the windpipe.

If you find that an opponent is in the habit of using foul techniąues, (windpipe chokes, outlawed holds or needlessly violent style of work), you must simply avoid working with such a person. Rough or "strong" Judo play is not in the true spirit of Judo and though it is sometimes used, you should not subject yourself to possible injury which results from this kind of practice.

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