karateka_101

Is it legal for two people to fight if both agree first?

Tom Yum

Not sure.

Check out liability forms?

BlackMaskX

I don't know, but I sure wouldn't bet on it.

Thai Bri

Not in the UK. They are both committing "assault" on each other. But if neither of them presses charges, its a moot point.

Unless one of them gets killed.

ryanhall

Depends where you live. If it's in public, it's always illegal. If it's on your own property, you can do it in some places, provided that nobody is killed or seriously injured. Like Bri said, it comes down to whether or not people press charges.

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BB Wolf

In the US, outside of a sporting event, by and large, no. In fact, it will probably render any claim of self defense null and void. You're not really "defending yourself" when you "step outside" to settle a "matter of honor" That goes back to the era of dueling. It was illegal, but tolerated, for a long time, but eventually the social acceptance died out.

shuyun

in the US some FMA masters like the late Remy Presas were able to keep the tradtion of duelling legally with the help of their lawyers. they have come up with a waiver that excuses them from any injury to be inflicted on the challenger.

I'd have to say though that this was mostly when they were challenged (might be just be good psy war huh?). Before they agree they compel the challenger to sign. this is to protect themselves not only legally but also in reputation. if the blokes out there wanna challenge the school they'd have to agree to a NHB street fight with live weapons. makes you think twice.

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ChunGi

As far as i know, it is leagle for 2 people to fight(spar) at anytime if there is a agreement. FOr instance i run a organized sparring club with people form my area. When it was small and just friends we worked on verbal agreements. Now i get new members to sign a weaver illistrating there understanding of the events and that they are responsible for there own well being, (aka: if u get hit, its ur fault for not moving).

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gregimotis

Where is the legal line, I wonder, between 'fighting' (we'll settle this at three on the playground) and 'fighting' (we'll settle this at three - in the ring).

Clearly, full-contact sparring w/waiver is legal... otherwise we'd all be in jail.


Bri, any guess where that line is?

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Britt

Your answer will depend on the state you live in. In Texas, consent is a defense to assaultive offenses if the conduct does not threaten or inflict serious bodily injury, meaning risk of death, disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment to a limb or organ. So full contact fighting with pads in your dojo probably okay, full contact kali with knives in the bar probably not okay. Also, you may be in violation of other laws (for example, disorderly conduct or illegal promotion of boxing) if you choose to have your fight in a public place or benefit from it financially in any way, so avoid doing things like fighting for money at the local library.

In fact, I'd avoid fighting altogether ouside what is necessary for training purposes. You may not be able to use your consent defense until you have bonded out of jail, paid a lawyer, and convinced a jury that your opponent did in fact consent. If you lose your cool and kill your opponent, mutual combat waves bye-bye to any claim of self defense, although it may mitigate murder down to voluntary manslaughter (whoop-tee-do). Plus, you'll ruin those good looks.

This post is not intended as legal advice. For actual legal advice consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Tom Yum

Okay, but its soooo tempting.

freshiro

some highschools encourage it. instead of arguing or bitching about certain things, teachers just tell the kids to take it outside. the majority of the teachers dont care, as long as it gets resolved

DrAgOn-T

I don't know about the highschool thing, especially since the "zero tolerance" thing they put in effect about school violence.

Say you and your friend deciede to just go a few rounds of full contact just for fun. neither one is going to call the sops so who really cares.

maymay80

the reason why i join Jeet Kune Do is because i really like fighting, but accidents do happen all the time

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shadowkiller

and? I dont get the point.

I know in trinidad, in the west indies, there was a boarding school there that when the headmaster caught two kids fighting he would give them gloves and make them fight till exhaustion.

Not sure if it was legal but he did it anyway.

I don't really see how if the two parties agree to the fight anyone can do anything about it. Unless they destroy some property or something its not hurting anyone but themselves.