Martial Edge always encourages active (often heated!) forum debate and we encourage and welcome the opinion of all martial artists across all styles.

However, Martial Edge adopts two very simple and easy to follow rules when posting messages.

Rule 1: No Profanity

Rule Explanation: No Profanity

Any language or use of words that is profane, sexual, vulgar, disrespectful, stereotypic or racial is strictly disallowed.

Rule Explanation: No Personal Attacks

There is often a thin line between what is considered to be "opinion" in a heated debate and what is considered to be a "personal attack" so a certain degree of common sense should be used when posting. Ultimately forum admins will have the final decision in removing posts that fall into the "personal attack" category.

This rule will normally only be applied to attacks made directly towards other martial edge members.

Examples

To help users understand how to interpret these rules we have given two examples below. As a general guideline, when posting ask yourself the question "is this post phrased tactfully and maturely, expressing my own opinion on the matter or am I simply being insulting towards the recipient of the message?"

The following post would be allowed on Martial Edge forums. This post is simply an opinion and whether right or wrong it is phrased maturely and tactfully without causing any personally attacks (or profanity).

"I completely disagree with you, this style of martial art is clearly not an "art" it’s more of a sport."

The following post would not be allowed on Martial Edge forums. This post crosses the line between opinion and personal attack. Aside from using profane swear words, the post is not phrased maturely or tactfully and clearly is personally attacking the recipient of the message.

"What a load of s***t! This style of martial art is clearly not an "art", it’s a sport. You don't know what you are talking about you're not even a black belt so who are you to talk!

What happens if I have broken a rule?

From time to time everyone breaks a rule that they didn’t mean to. The 2nd rule (no personal attacks) is especially difficult to police because there is such a thin line between personal opinion and a personal attack. If the Martial Edge admins have decided to remove your post they will censor only the part of the message that breaks the rule, and if you do not have a previous record of breaking these rules then it’s unlikely you will be banned from the site.

However, if you are repeatedly breaking these rules or if your post is so extreme that it’s clear that breaking the rule was your intention, then your IP will be logged and you will be permanently banned from Martial Edge.

In extreme and explicit cases of rule-breaking we may pass on your details to the appropriate authorities, especially where there is extreme profanity referring to violence, sexual activity, racism and all other forms of discrimination.

What happens if another forum member has broken the rule and I wish to report them?

You can contact Martial Edge any time to report a member by emailing us using the contact page.