Grappling Class: Rules & Code of Conduct

Our grappling program follows a submission-focused approach to training, inspired by the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) ruleset — widely regarded as the gold standard in modern no-gi grappling. This ruleset allows a broad spectrum of techniques, rewarding technical mastery, positional dominance, and the pursuit of submissions.

Please note: Grappling classes are just one part of our academy's offerings. Different coaches lead different disciplines, each with their own specific protocols. The rules outlined here apply specifically to our grappling sessions.

Our Philosophy: Respect Over Ego

Training in grappling is a privilege built on mutual trust. Every time you step on the mat, you are placing your physical safety in the hands of your training partners — and they are doing the same with you.

Leave your ego at the door. This is not about winning or losing during practice. It is about growth, learning, and becoming a better grappler while helping others do the same. The best training partners are those who challenge you while keeping you safe, and expect the same in return.

Every person on the mat — regardless of size, age, gender, athletic background, or belt rank — deserves your respect and consideration. Treat beginners with patience. Challenge advanced practitioners with intelligence. Approach every roll as an opportunity to learn, not to prove something.

Our Primary Ruleset: ADCC

The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) ruleset serves as the foundation for our training. Established in 1998 and widely considered "The Olympics of Grappling," ADCC rules were designed to promote aggressive, submission-oriented grappling while allowing practitioners from various martial arts backgrounds — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, judo, and sambo — to compete on equal footing.

Under ADCC rules, the following techniques are legal:

• All chokes (except closing the windpipe directly with the hand)
• All arm locks, shoulder locks, and wrist locks
• All leg locks including heel hooks, toe holds, calf slicers, and knee bars
• Knee reaping positions
• Can opener
• Twister (spine lock)

Important: While all techniques listed above are legal in ADCC competition, some — including spine locks (twister), neck cranks (can opener), and flying submissions — are restricted during regular academy training rolls due to injury risk. See "Technique Consent & Communication" below for details.

Academy Rules

1. Safety First

Your training partners trust you with their physical wellbeing. Honor that trust.

• Tap early, tap often. There is no shame in tapping — it is how we train safely and live to train another day. Tap before you are in danger, not after.

• Release immediately when your partner taps. The moment you feel or hear a tap (verbal or physical), release all pressure instantly. There is no "one more second."

• No slamming. Unlike competition, slamming is never permitted in training — even to escape submissions.

• No strikes of any kind. This is a grappling class, not MMA sparring.

• Maintain spatial awareness. Be conscious of other pairs rolling nearby. If you are about to collide, the pair in the inferior position yields.

• Sit out if unwell or injured. Training through injury helps no one. Report any injury or illness to your coach before class.

2. Technique Consent & Communication

While our ruleset permits a wide range of techniques, some are forbidden during regular rolls and others require explicit permission before use.

Forbidden in Rolls

The following techniques are not allowed during regular training rolls. They may only be practiced during explicit, dedicated training sessions with coach supervision:

High-Risk Techniques — Ask Partner First

The following techniques are permitted but require you to ask your partner before applying:

Note on compression submissions: These include bicep slicers, calf slicers, chest compressions, and any technique that uses crushing pressure between bones rather than joint manipulation. While legal under ADCC rules, they can cause significant pain and muscle damage if applied too quickly. Always apply gradually and release immediately on tap.

The Golden Rule: When in doubt, ask. A simple "Hey, can we work heel hooks?" before you slap and bump takes two seconds and prevents injuries.

Catch and Release: When training dangerous techniques like leg locks, practice "catch and release" — secure the position, apply light pressure to confirm the catch, then release without cranking. This develops your timing and control while keeping your partner safe. Save the full application for competition.

3. Adapt to Your Partner

Intelligence on the mat means adjusting your approach based on who you are training with.

• Consider experience level. A white belt should not face the same intensity as a purple belt. Use rolling with less experienced partners to refine technique, not to "win."

• Consider size and strength differences. If you are significantly larger or stronger, focus on technique over power. If you are smaller, work your game — but understand your partner may be moderating their force.

• Consider age and physical condition. Older training partners or those recovering from injury may need you to roll lighter. Ask if you are unsure.

• Match your partner's intensity. Read the room. If someone is flowing at 50%, do not go 100%. Escalate only if your partner does.

Prohibited Actions

The following actions are strictly prohibited in training and will result in immediate correction or removal from class:

• Striking, punching, kicking, or elbowing
• Slamming (including to escape submissions)
• Eye gouging, fish hooking, or ear grabbing
• Hair pulling
• Grabbing fewer than 4 fingers or 5 toes (small joint manipulation)
• Scratching, pinching, or biting
• Full nelsons or neck cranks that trap both shoulders with downward pressure
• Spiking opponent on their head during takedowns
• Pressure on groin area
• Closing the windpipe directly with the hand
• Any technique applied with intent to injure

Common Sense Guidelines

Beyond specific rules, use good judgment:

• Train technique, not ego. Use training to experiment with positions where you're weak, not just your A-game. Prioritize technical execution over raw power — it's how you develop real skill.

• The goal is improvement, not injury. Both you and your partner should leave every session better than when you started — and able to train tomorrow.

• Finish with patience, not aggression. Once you've secured a submission, the battle is already won — apply steady pressure and give your partner time to tap. There's no prize for fastest finish in training.

• Celebrate success with humility. If you tap your partner, a simple smile and slap-bump is all that is needed. No celebration is required — they will return the favor eventually.

• Accept defeat with grace. Getting tapped is part of learning. Reflect on what happened, ask for tips if appropriate, and move on.

• Communicate openly. If you have a minor injury, let your partner know before rolling. If something hurts during a roll, say so. Communication prevents accidents.

• When unsure, ask your coach. If you are not sure whether a technique is appropriate or how to handle a situation, ask. That is what we are here for.

Quick Reference

SAFETY

• Tap early, tap often
• Release submissions immediately on tap
• No slamming, no strikes
• Sit out if unwell or injured
• Be aware of other pairs rolling nearby

FORBIDDEN IN ROLLS

• Neck cranks & spine locks
• Flying submissions & jumping guard
• Scissor takedowns (kani basami)

DANGEROUS TECHNIQUES — ASK FIRST

• Heel hooks & twisting leg locks
• Toe holds & calf slicers
• Electric chair & banana splits
• Compression submissions (bicep/calf slicers)

Train hard. Stay safe. Respect each other.

These rules exist to protect everyone and ensure our grappling program remains a welcoming, challenging, and safe environment for practitioners of all levels. Questions? Speak with your grappling coach.

To learn more about the methodology behind our grappling program, visit Grapplers Collective.