Safety & Risk Management

At Tenshinkai NJ, the safety of our students and instructors is of the highest priority. Our dojo follows a comprehensive risk management policy that reflects both traditional martial values and modern safety standards. We aim to ensure that every practitioner can train confidently in a respectful and controlled environment.

General Safety Principles

• Only approved, non-sharp weapons (iaitō, bokken, and shinai) are used for practice.
  Live blades, stainless steel replicas, decorative swords, or sharpened weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on dojo premises.
• All training weapons must be inspected and approved by an instructor before use.
• All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to participating in any class, workshop, or event.

Attitude and Awareness

Swordsmanship is a safe activity when practiced with attention and respect. However, negligence or distraction can create serious hazards.

• Never relax your awareness, even off the mat. The responsibility for safety begins with you.
• Treat every sword — whether wooden or blunt — as if it were a live blade.
• Horseplay, careless handling, or distracting behavior is not tolerated under any circumstances.

Equipment Safety

• Before every class, inspect your weapon carefully, especially the mekugi pins on an iaitō.
• If you suspect any defect or instability, inform your instructor immediately and do not use the weapon.
• Never use a weapon you are unfamiliar with or untrained in.

Proper Conduct and Movement

• Do not draw your sword unless actively performing kata or instructed to do so.
• Never walk with a drawn sword; always sheathe your blade unless you are executing technique.
• If your sword slips from the saya, let it fall. Attempting to catch a falling blade — even a blunt one — can cause severe injury.
• Keep your left thumb or forefinger on the tsuba when not performing kata, to prevent accidental unsheathing.
• Do not enter the practice area while class is in session unless invited by the instructor.
• When passing another practitioner, never walk behind them. Cross in front while respectfully indicating your intent with a hand gesture.
• Always maintain spatial awareness and ensure there is ample room before executing a cut.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

• The dojo is equipped with a basic first aid kit on-site.
• In the event of an injury, training will stop immediately and appropriate care will be administered.
• Any signs of concussion or head injury (e.g., disorientation, dizziness, or confusion) will result in removal from class, and a medical clearance note is required before returning to training.
• If you or another student is injured, notify an instructor immediately — even for minor injuries.

Our Policy on Tameshigiri (Test Cutting)

Tameshigiri, or test cutting with a live blade, is a traditional but inherently hazardous practice.
It is not permitted at Tenshinkai NJ under any circumstances.
Any mention of tameshigiri on our website or in our materials is for educational or historical reference only.

Final Notes

The responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful training space belongs to every member of our community. If you ever have a question about a weapon, a technique, or a situation in class, speak up. Your safety — and the safety of those around you — depends on it.