Safety & Control — Train Hard, Train Responsible
Real tools require real discipline. The scythe is long, offset, and unforgiving—perfect for pressure-testing structure and timing, and also perfect for punishing sloppy habits. This guide gives you the operating system for safe, long-haul training: environment, protocols, equipment, and culture. We don’t add drama; we remove risk so training can be honest.
“Control is a habit before it is a skill.”
The Four Layers of Safety
- Environment: the space, surfaces, and sightlines you train in.
- Equipment: tool condition, PPE, storage/transport.
- Protocol: commands, distances, partner roles, stop rules.
- Culture: humility, clarity, and care—what keeps all the above alive.
Environment — Set the Room
Minimum Space
- Solo arcs: radius of tool + 2 m buffer in all directions.
- Partner drills: 6 m lane with clear escape paths.
- Ceiling: no hanging fixtures within arc height.
Outdoors: watch grade, mud, ice, low branches, dogs/kids entering zone.
Surfaces & Visibility
- Flat, non-slip surface. Fix loose mats or remove.
- Face away from crowds/doors; no blind arcs near entrances.
- Use cones/tape to mark hot zone and observer line.
Equipment — Tool, PPE, Storage
| Item | Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Handle / Snath | No cracks, splinters, wobble | Lightly sand + oil; secure hardware each session |
| Edge (training) | Appropriate for drill | Prefer blunt/covered edge for partner or tight spaces |
| Gloves | Fit + grip | Dexterity beats padding; no torn palms |
| Eye protection | Clear lenses | Mandatory for partner or debris risk |
| Footwear | Stable, non-slip | No open toes; tie laces short |
| First-aid kit | Present & visible | Gloves, bandages, disinfectant, tape |
| Phone / comms | Charged | Emergency contacts accessible |
| Transport | Blade covered | Local laws vary; transport discreetly & legally |
Protocol — Commands, Distances, Stops
Standard Commands
- “CLEAR?” — ask before starting a set.
- “CLEAR.” — partners confirm they’re outside the hot zone.
- “WORKING.” — set begins; no entries until called.
- “HOLD.” — all freeze; tool returns to neutral.
- “DOWN.” — tool grounded or sheathed.
Five Distances (Safety Lens)
- Observation — tool down, scan; anyone may enter.
- Threat — tool up; only the worker in zone.
- Entry — footwork begins; no one enters.
- Impact — arc moving; zero entries, eyes on worker.
- Recovery — arc complete; worker breathes, then calls DOWN.
Partner Work — Roles & Flow
| Role | Responsibilities | Stop Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Worker | Announce commands; maintain stack; eyes forward; no surprise tempo changes | Pain, dizziness, foot slip, unknown entry into zone |
| Spotter | Watch feet and space; call HOLD loudly if risk appears | Any loss of balance, observer breach, loose hardware |
| Coach | Set reps/time; manage lanes; escalate/de-escalate drills | Fatigue form break, heat stress signs, rule violations |
Progression — Earn the Next Drill
Level 1 — Solo Patterning
- Blunt/covered edge only
- Slow arcs; film posture weekly
- Stop on any balance leak
Level 2 — Guided Partner
- Marked lanes; scripted entries/exits
- Spotter within arm’s reach
- Eye protection mandatory
Level 3 — Scenario
- Limited tempo changes
- Pre-brief + debrief every set
- Only for consistent Level-2 control
Fatigue, Heat, Weather — Know the Red Flags
- Fatigue tells: noisy feet, jaw clench, rib flare, sloppy grip → de-load immediately.
- Heat/cold: hydrate; hats in sun; layers in cold; watch for numb fingers or slick palms.
- Wind/rain: stop overhead arcs in gusts; wet handles require gloves with grip.
Observers & Youth Policy
- Observers behind a clearly taped line; no crossing during WORKING.
- Youth: only in Level-1 solo with trainer and guardian present; smaller “dummy” implements preferred.
- No pets in training area. Phones silenced.
First Aid, Incident, & Emergency
Ready Kit (visible)
- Gloves, gauze, bandages, tape, disinfectant
- Ice pack, tweezers, small flashlight
- Emergency contact list + phone
Incident Steps
- Stop the set (HOLD → DOWN).
- Check scene safety, then care.
- Document: date/time, drill, conditions, actions.
- Review: what rule failed (env/equip/protocol/culture)? Fix before next session.
This page is educational, not medical or legal advice. Know local laws; seek certified first-aid training.
Maintenance — Keep Tools Honest
- Wipe moisture after use; dry storage off the floor.
- Check hardware every session; thread-lock if needed.
- Sand splinters immediately; oil wood sparingly.
- Training edges marked clearly; live edges stored separately and covered.
Storage & Transport
- Use blade covers/sheaths; straps secure.
- Keep out of reach of minors; locked cabinet preferred.
- Transport discreetly and lawfully; avoid public handling.
Culture — The Habit That Prevents Accidents
- Announce and wait. Never assume the zone is clear.
- Coach humility. Fewer reps done clean beat chaotic heroics.
- Debrief. Two minutes after sets: what worked, what slipped, what changes next time.
- Model stillness. Calm coaches make safe rooms.
Quick Checklists
| Pre-Session | During | Post-Session |
|---|---|---|
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FAQ
Is partner training safe with a scythe?
Yes—when you use training edges or covered implements, marked lanes, eye protection, clear commands, and conservative tempos. Progress gradually and stop at the first sign of fatigue leaks.
Can I train in public spaces?
We recommend private spaces or controlled ranges. If outdoors, follow local laws, keep a wide buffer, use blade covers, and avoid alarming bystanders.
What’s the single most important habit?
Announce your intent and wait for CLEAR before every set. That habit prevents most accidents.
Related reading: Breath Work · Awkwardness Is a Coach · The Five Distances