Timeout Protocol

Anyone can take a timeout at any point during training, without explanation or shame. You might feel overwhelmed, experience accidental contact, find the intensity too high, or simply need a pause.

Every pad holder is responsible for tracking their own edge and safety and will be supported if they need to call a time out. You can always reorient with your training partner first by sayin “pause,” or “time out” and turning the pads to your chest, then cueing a breath, before asking for what you need to change: “Please turn the power down” or “Please slow down”

The goal is to communicate simply, directly, and clearly. We recognize that speaking up can be difficult, especially if you have been conditioned not to. This is a growth edge and part of our trauma resilience practice.

In the event that any participant needs to to step out for a moment to reset, this is our protocol:

  1. Signal a pause. Say “pause” or “timeout,” or make a timeout hand signal to your partner or instructor. You do not need to explain yourself in the moment.

  2. Take the space you need. You can pause with your partner or quietly step outside. Take a few breaths or walk around the block. If you need to leave for the day, please let the instructor know before you go.

  3. We briefly check in with the room. After you step out, the instructor will invite everyone to take a breath and name anything that needs to be addressed before we resume training.

  4. We check in with you. The instructor or a teaching assistant/helper will come outside and ask: “Do you need company? Do you need to process anything? How can we support you?” You can ask for support or more space.

  5. Rejoin when you are ready. You are welcome to return to training, starting slower, lighter, or simpler as needed. You may also just hang out in the space, stretch, or breathe for a while before you jump back in. We will not stop the room or make a big deal of your return. Taking space and coming back is normal here.

If for any reason you decide you need to be done with training for the day, we request you let an instructor know before you leave.

Accidents happen, and people sometimes get overloaded during training. This protocol helps us practice responding consciously and with care, without making a timeout a source of shame.

By doing this we build the muscles of self-advocacy and personal responsibility for our experience within a larger system of support.