Tapping: Training Safely Together

Many Kempo techniques involve joint locks, chokes and strangles that, if applied fully, can cause pain, unconsciousness or injury.

To allow these techniques to be practised safely, martial artists use a simple and universally recognised signal known as a tap.

Tapping tells your training partner that the technique has been applied correctly and is now effective. It is not a sign of failure or defeat. Rather, it is an essential part of safe and productive training.

When Should You Tap?

Tap as soon as you recognise that a technique has been correctly applied and, if sparring, cannot be escaped safely.

During pressure or sparring drills, you should make every reasonable effort to escape a finishing hold. However, you must also learn to recognise the point at which the technique has become effective and further resistance is likely to result in injury. At that point, you should tap immediately.

Do not wait until you are in significant pain or until an injury is about to occur. The purpose of tapping is to prevent injury, not to signal that one has already happened.

How Should You Tap?

The standard signal is two quick taps.

Whenever possible, tap clearly on your partner’s body so they can feel it immediately.

If this is not possible, tap firmly on the mat or floor. If your hands are unable to move, tap with your foot or leg. If no physical tap is possible, simply say “Tap!” loudly and clearly.

Your training partner should acknowledge the tap immediately.

Applying Techniques Safely

If you are applying a joint lock, choke or strangle:

• Apply the technique gradually and with control.
• Give your partner sufficient time to recognise the technique and tap.
• Release the hold immediately when they tap.
• Never continue applying pressure after a tap has been given.

Good control is one of the hallmarks of a skilled martial artist.

Training Together

The purpose of technical training is to develop skill—not to defeat your training partner.

When drilling techniques, allow your partner to perform the movement correctly. Do not fully resist their attempts to apply a throw, lock or finishing hold unless the instructor has specifically asked you to do so. Appropriate cooperation allows both partners to develop good technique before increasing the level of resistance.

During pressure or sparring drills, greater resistance is both appropriate and expected. Even then, safety must always come first. Apply techniques with control, tap promptly when caught, and release immediately when your partner taps.

Every time you practise a finishing technique, you place your safety in your partner’s hands, just as they place theirs in yours. This mutual trust allows everyone to train realistically while remaining safe, ensuring that all members can continue to learn, improve and enjoy their training.