WHO WE ARE?
WHO WE ARE?
WHO WE ARE?
JYRKI SAARIO
The creator of Defendo is Jyrki Saario—a Scandinavian martial-arts master and pioneer whose life has long been dedicated to training and teaching. He gained knowledge by traveling the world, training, coaching, and running professional clubs throughout Scandinavia. His goal was to create a system that is effective, modern, and easy to implement—both for uniformed services and everyday civilian life—which he called Defendo.The culmination of his decades of work was the founding of Saario Academy—a global school uniting his students. In 2024, Master Saario passed the leadership of the organization to István Nagy, granting him the highest training rank within Defendo—Master Instructor.
JYRKI SAARIO
The creator of Defendo is Jyrki Saario—a Scandinavian martial-arts master and pioneer whose life has long been dedicated to training and teaching. He gained knowledge by traveling the world, training, coaching, and running professional clubs throughout Scandinavia. His goal was to create a system that is effective, modern, and easy to implement—both for uniformed services and everyday civilian life—which he called Defendo.The culmination of his decades of work was the founding of Saario Academy—a global school uniting his students. In 2024, Master Saario passed the leadership of the organization to István Nagy, granting him the highest training rank within Defendo—Master Instructor.
JYRKI SAARIO
The creator of Defendo is Jyrki Saario—a Scandinavian martial-arts master and pioneer whose life has long been dedicated to training and teaching. He gained knowledge by traveling the world, training, coaching, and running professional clubs throughout Scandinavia. His goal was to create a system that is effective, modern, and easy to implement—both for uniformed services and everyday civilian life—which he called Defendo.The culmination of his decades of work was the founding of Saario Academy—a global school uniting his students. In 2024, Master Saario passed the leadership of the organization to István Nagy, granting him the highest training rank within Defendo—Master Instructor.
JYRKI SAARIO
The creator of Defendo is Jyrki Saario—a Scandinavian martial-arts master and pioneer whose life has long been dedicated to training and teaching. He gained knowledge by traveling the world, training, coaching, and running professional clubs throughout Scandinavia. His goal was to create a system that is effective, modern, and easy to implement—both for uniformed services and everyday civilian life—which he called Defendo.The culmination of his decades of work was the founding of Saario Academy—a global school uniting his students. In 2024, Master Saario passed the leadership of the organization to István Nagy, granting him the highest training rank within Defendo—Master Instructor.
ISTVÁN NAGY
ISTVÁN NAGY
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6th Dan Black Belt. Leader of Saario Academy since 2024, appointed by Jyrki Saario as his successor. The pioneer of Defendo in Poland, involved in martial arts since 1987. He went from student to one of Europe’s leading self-defense experts. He has completed and conducted over 120 instructor courses within Saario Academy. For years he has been conducting training across many countries, traveling throughout Europe and developing the international Defendo community.
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6 dan czarny pas Leader Saario Academy od 2024 roku, wyznaczony przez Jyrkiego Saario jako jego następca. Prekursor Defendo w Polsce, od 1987 roku związany ze sztukami walki. Ma na swoim koncie ponad 120 ukończonych i przeprowadzonych kursów instruktorskich w Saario Academy. Od lat prowadzi szkolenia podróżując po Europie i rozwijając międzynarodową społeczność Defendo.
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6th Dan Black Belt. Leader of Saario Academy since 2024, appointed by Jyrki Saario as his successor. The pioneer of Defendo in Poland, involved in martial arts since 1987. He went from student to one of Europe’s leading self-defense experts. He has completed and conducted over 120 instructor courses within Saario Academy. For years he has been conducting training across many countries, traveling throughout Europe and developing the international Defendo community.
JUSSI JOKINEN
JUSSI JOKINEN
Head of the Defendo White Program, designed for paramedics and professionals in medical, social, and educational sectors. Based in Finland, Jussi has served in the Valkeakoski Fire Department for over 20 years, currently as a unit commander, and has long trained firefighters and medical staff. A martial artist since 1986, he holds black belts in Defendo, Krav Maga, and Kickboxing, with additional experience in Kyokushin, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and professional MMA (record 6–1).
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6 dan czarny pas Leader Saario Academy od 2024 roku, wyznaczony przez Jyrkiego Saario jako jego następca. Prekursor Defendo w Polsce, od 1987 roku związany ze sztukami walki. Ma na swoim koncie ponad 120 ukończonych i przeprowadzonych kursów instruktorskich w Saario Academy. Od lat prowadzi szkolenia podróżując po Europie i rozwijając międzynarodową społeczność Defendo.
Head of the Defendo White Program, designed for paramedics and professionals in medical, social, and educational sectors. Based in Finland, Jussi has served in the Valkeakoski Fire Department for over 20 years, currently as a unit commander, and has long trained firefighters and medical staff. A martial artist since 1986, he holds black belts in Defendo, Krav Maga, and Kickboxing, with additional experience in Kyokushin, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and professional MMA (record 6–1).
PETTERI KANTOLA
Head of Defendo Green, the hand-to-hand combat program developed for soldiers. Petteri is a retired Major of the Finnish Defence Forces with over 40 years of experience in martial arts and combat systems. He began instructing in 1999 in cooperation with Jyrki Saario. When Defendo was introduced to the public in 2005, he became one of its first practitioners, earning his black belt from founder Jyrki Saario in 2009. He currently holds the rank of 5th Dan in Defendo.
LARI KAURALA
International instructor of Saario Academy and Coordinator of Defendo Blue in Finland. Lari serves in the Finnish Military Police and has worked in the security field since 1997, including over 15 years as a use-of-force instructor. He began training in martial arts in 1995 and has taught Defendo since 2007. He is the head of Defendo Kotka, one of Finland’s leading Defendo clubs, and regularly conducts seminars across Finland while supporting instructor education within the Academy.
LASZLO TÓTH
The pioneer of Defendo in Hungary and one of the international coordinators of Saario Academy. Involved in martial arts since the 1980s, over the last decade he has conducted numerous trainings, seminars, and camps for students and instructors in several countries. His main responsibility is to develop and strengthen the Saario Academy community in Central Europe.
JOUNI ROVIO
Jouni Rovio Serves as the Coordinator of Defendo Red in Finland and the national representative for the Safe Kid program. Jouni leads his club in Pori, where he conducts regular trainings and instructor courses. He holds a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Defendo. Known for his structured and professional approach to teaching, Jouni actively participates in national and international seminars, supporting the growth of Defendo and the Saario Academy community across Finland.
TOMASZ MACZUGA
Tomasz Maczuga – International Coordinator of the Defendo Blue program, and National Coordinator of Defendo in Poland. A Doctor of Physical Education, court expert, and former lecturer at the Polish Police Training Center in Legionowo (retired Police Lieutenant Colonel). Author and experienced instructor with over 20 years of practice in training law enforcement personnel and tactical instructors in Poland and abroad.
PETTERI KANTOLA
Head of Defendo Green, the hand-to-hand combat program developed for soldiers. Petteri is a retired Major of the Finnish Defence Forces with over 40 years of experience in martial arts and combat systems. He began instructing in 1999 in cooperation with Jyrki Saario. When Defendo was introduced to the public in 2005, he became one of its first practitioners, earning his black belt from founder Jyrki Saario in 2009. He currently holds the rank of 5th Dan in Defendo.
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6 dan czarny pas Leader Saario Academy od 2024 roku, wyznaczony przez Jyrkiego Saario jako jego następca. Prekursor Defendo w Polsce, od 1987 roku związany ze sztukami walki. Ma na swoim koncie ponad 120 ukończonych i przeprowadzonych kursów instruktorskich w Saario Academy. Od lat prowadzi szkolenia podróżując po Europie i rozwijając międzynarodową społeczność Defendo.
LÁSZLÓ TÓTH
The pioneer of Defendo in Hungary and one of the international coordinators of Saario Academy. Involved in martial arts since the 1980s, over the last decade he has conducted numerous trainings, seminars, and camps for students and instructors in several countries. His main responsibility is to develop and strengthen the Saario Academy community in Central Europe.
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6 dan czarny pas Leader Saario Academy od 2024 roku, wyznaczony przez Jyrkiego Saario jako jego następca. Prekursor Defendo w Polsce, od 1987 roku związany ze sztukami walki. Ma na swoim koncie ponad 120 ukończonych i przeprowadzonych kursów instruktorskich w Saario Academy. Od lat prowadzi szkolenia podróżując po Europie i rozwijając międzynarodową społeczność Defendo.
LARI KAURALA
International instructor of Saario Academy and Coordinator of Defendo Blue in Finland. Lari serves in the Finnish Military Police and has worked in the security field since 1997, including over 15 years as a use-of-force instructor. He began training in martial arts in 1995 and has taught Defendo since 2007. He is the head of Defendo Kotka, one of Finland’s leading Defendo clubs, and regularly conducts seminars across Finland while supporting instructor education within the Academy.
JOUNI ROVIO
Jouni Rovio Serves as the Coordinator of Defendo Red in Finland and the national representative for the Safe Kid program. Jouni leads his club in Pori, where he conducts regular trainings and instructor courses. He holds a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Defendo. Known for his structured and professional approach to teaching, Jouni actively participates in national and international seminars, supporting the growth of Defendo and the Saario Academy community across Finland.
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6 dan czarny pas Leader Saario Academy od 2024 roku, wyznaczony przez Jyrkiego Saario jako jego następca. Prekursor Defendo w Polsce, od 1987 roku związany ze sztukami walki. Ma na swoim koncie ponad 120 ukończonych i przeprowadzonych kursów instruktorskich w Saario Academy. Od lat prowadzi szkolenia podróżując po Europie i rozwijając międzynarodową społeczność Defendo.
Jouni Rovio Serves as the Coordinator of Defendo Red in Finland and the national representative for the Safe Kid program. Jouni leads his club in Pori, where he conducts regular trainings and instructor courses. He holds a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Defendo. Known for his structured and professional approach to teaching, Jouni actively participates in national and international seminars, supporting the growth of Defendo and the Saario Academy community across Finland.
TOMASZ MACZUGA
Tomasz Maczuga – International Coordinator of the Defendo Blue program, and National Coordinator of Defendo in Poland. A Doctor of Physical Education, court expert, and former lecturer at the Polish Police Training Center in Legionowo (retired Police Lieutenant Colonel). Author and experienced instructor with over 20 years of practice in training law enforcement personnel and tactical instructors in Poland and abroad.
Defendo Red Master Instructor – 6 dan czarny pas Leader Saario Academy od 2024 roku, wyznaczony przez Jyrkiego Saario jako jego następca. Prekursor Defendo w Polsce, od 1987 roku związany ze sztukami walki. Ma na swoim koncie ponad 120 ukończonych i przeprowadzonych kursów instruktorskich w Saario Academy. Od lat prowadzi szkolenia podróżując po Europie i rozwijając międzynarodową społeczność Defendo.
HOW TO BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR?
Defendo instructors form an international community of professionals who share their knowledge and passion for self-defense. If you want to join this group, Saario Academy offers a clear development path and access to the best training programs in Europe.
JOIN OUR TEAM OF INSTRUCTORS!
By joining the instructor team, you become part of an international network that shares knowledge, experience, and support. Our instructors teach both civilians and professionals – police officers, soldiers, paramedics, and firefighters.
REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING THE INSTRUCTOR COURSE
The candidate must meet the following criteria:
be at least 21 years old,
have experience in combat sports or self-defense systems,
demonstrate a passion for learning and teaching,
maintain good overall physical condition,
have no criminal record.
HOW TO START?
Fill out the application form below. Our team will contact you and guide you through the next steps in the recruitment process.
Intuition
“In a threat situation, you will use Defendo not because I taught it to you. I teach you Defendo because that is exactly how you will act. I will teach you to do it more effectively, without hesitation, and with surprise. You can only surprise once—don’t waste that chance.”
Intuition
“In a threat situation, you will use Defendo not because I taught it to you. I teach you Defendo because that is exactly how you will act. I will teach you to do it more effectively, without hesitation, and with surprise. You can only surprise once—don’t waste that chance.”
Intuition
“In a threat situation, you will use Defendo not because I taught it to you. I teach you Defendo because that is exactly how you will act. I will teach you to do it more effectively, without hesitation, and with surprise. You can only surprise once—don’t waste that chance.”
Our strength
“It’s better to be a student of reality than a master of illusion. In the martial arts world, many myths are treated as facts. Our strength is that we speak of scientific facts and street realities. That is also our weakness—because not everyone wants to hear the truth.”
Our strength
“It’s better to be a student of reality than a master of illusion. In the martial arts world, many myths are treated as facts. Our strength is that we speak of scientific facts and street realities. That is also our weakness—because not everyone wants to hear the truth.”
Our strength
“It’s better to be a student of reality than a master of illusion. In the martial arts world, many myths are treated as facts. Our strength is that we speak of scientific facts and street realities. That is also our weakness—because not everyone wants to hear the truth.”
Less is More
“It is better to learn three techniques and practice them a thousand times, than to learn a thousand techniques and practice them only a few times. That is Defendo math.”
Less is More
“It is better to learn three techniques and practice them a thousand times, than to learn a thousand techniques and practice them only a few times. That is Defendo math.”
Less is More
“It is better to learn three techniques and practice them a thousand times, than to learn a thousand techniques and practice them only a few times. That is Defendo math.”
Be first
“Don’t wait for the aggressor’s first move. Strike first, finish the fight—don’t wait for the situation to escalate.”
Be first
“Don’t wait for the aggressor’s first move. Strike first, finish the fight—don’t wait for the situation to escalate.”
Be first
“Don’t wait for the aggressor’s first move. Strike first, finish the fight—don’t wait for the situation to escalate.”
HOW TO START?
If you are interested in joining the Saario Academy instructor group, contact us through the Contact page or by writing to
Go to:
HOW TO JOIN THE GROUP OF THE INSTRUCTORS?
After reviewing your sports background, you will receive an invitation to a preparatory course aimed at selecting suitable candidates for the international Defendo instructor course.
To participate in the basic instructor course – Defendo Hard Target – a positive recommendation from the Head of Defendo Training in Poland, Istvan Nagy, is required.
Go to:
REQUIREMENTS
The requirements every Defendo instructor candidate must meet are:
age: minimum 23 years old;
minimum 3 years of Defendo training with a licensed Defendo instructor or at least 5 years of experience in sports / martial arts;
no criminal record;
overall good physical condition.
Go to:
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYSTEM
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYSTEM
European roots
Designed for real-world threats and realities of European streets.
European roots
Designed for real-world threats and realities of European streets.
Unique methodology and instructors
Training built on logical steps tailored to each student.
Unique methodology and instructors
Training built on logical steps tailored to each student.
Safety and quality
Classes conducted responsibly to avoid injuries.
Safety and quality
Classes conducted responsibly to avoid injuries.
Transparent progression
Structured training path, exams, seminars, and instructor certification.
Transparent progression
Structured training path, exams, seminars, and instructor certification.
A community with character
Join passionate, level-headed, action-ready people.
A community with character
Join passionate, level-headed, action-ready people.
No false promises
We show the path and build from the ground up.
No false promises
We show the path and build from the ground up.
FILOZOFIA DEFENDO
Intuicja
"W sytuacji zagrożenia zastosujesz Defendo nie dlatego, bo ja cię tego nauczyłem. Ja Cię uczę Defendo, bo dokładnie tak się zachowasz. Ja Cię nauczę jak to zrobić skuteczniej. Jak to wykonać bez wahania i z zaskoczenia. Bo zaskoczyć możesz tylko raz, więc nie zmarnuj tej szansy."
Intuicja
"W sytuacji zagrożenia zastosujesz Defendo nie dlatego, bo ja cię tego nauczyłem. Ja Cię uczę Defendo, bo dokładnie tak się zachowasz. Ja Cię nauczę jak to zrobić skuteczniej. Jak to wykonać bez wahania i z zaskoczenia. Bo zaskoczyć możesz tylko raz, więc nie zmarnuj tej szansy."
Nasza słaba strona
"Lepiej zostać uczniem rzeczywistości niż mistrzem iluzji. W świecie sztuk walki jest sporo mitów, które są traktowane jako fakty. Naszą silną stroną jest, że mówimy o faktach naukowych i o realiach ulicznych. To jest również nasza słaba strona, bo nie wszyscy chcą usłyszeć prawdę."
Nasza słaba strona
"Lepiej zostać uczniem rzeczywistości niż mistrzem iluzji. W świecie sztuk walki jest sporo mitów, które są traktowane jako fakty. Naszą silną stroną jest, że mówimy o faktach naukowych i o realiach ulicznych. To jest również nasza słaba strona, bo nie wszyscy chcą usłyszeć prawdę."
Mniej znaczy więcej
"Lepiej nauczyć się trzech technik i przećwiczyć je 1000 razy, niż nauczyć się 1000 technik, które przećwiczysz kilka razy. To jest matematyka Defendo."
Mniej znaczy więcej
"Lepiej nauczyć się trzech technik i przećwiczyć je 1000 razy, niż nauczyć się 1000 technik, które przećwiczysz kilka razy. To jest matematyka Defendo."
Bądź pierwszy
"Nie czekaj na pierwszy ruch agresora. Naucz się przejmować inicjatywę w konflikcie ulicznym. Oddal się lub uderz pierwszy, zakończ walkę, nie czekaj na rozwój sytuacji. Obserwuj otoczenie, rozpoznaj zagrożenie, podejmij decyzję i działaj. "
Bądź pierwszy
"Nie czekaj na pierwszy ruch agresora. Naucz się przejmować inicjatywę w konflikcie ulicznym. Oddal się lub uderz pierwszy, zakończ walkę, nie czekaj na rozwój sytuacji. Obserwuj otoczenie, rozpoznaj zagrożenie, podejmij decyzję i działaj. "
LOOKING FOR ANWSERS?
LOOKING FOR ANWSERS?
FAQ
Find the anwser to your question.
How to start training Defendo?
How to become an instructor
Do I need experience to start training?
Is Defendo training safe?
What is the difference between Defendo and Krav Maga?
How to start training Defendo?
How to become an instructor
Do I need experience to start training?
Is Defendo training safe?
What is the difference between Defendo and Krav Maga?
How to start training Defendo?
How to become an instructor
Do I need experience to start training?
Is Defendo training safe?
What is the difference between Defendo and Krav Maga?
European roots
Designed for real-world threats and realities of European streets.
European roots
Designed for real-world threats and realities of European streets.
Unique methodology
Training built on logical steps tailored to each student.
Unique methodology
Training built on logical steps tailored to each student.
Safety and quality
Classes conducted responsibly to avoid injuries.
Safety and quality
Classes conducted responsibly to avoid injuries.
Transparent progression
Structured training path, exams, seminars, and instructor certification.
Transparent progression
Structured training path, exams, seminars, and instructor certification.
A community with character
Join passionate, level-headed, action-ready people.
A community with character
Join passionate, level-headed, action-ready people.
No false promises
We show the path and build from the ground up.
No false promises
We show the path and build from the ground up.