WHO WE ARE?
People training in Defendo are part of Saario Academy—an international martial arts school founded by Finnish master Jyrki Saario. This organization brings together instructors and students from across Europe, unified by the goal of developing real self-defense skills. Since 2009, we’ve been active in Poland, offering training sessions, instructor courses, and specialized events for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Imi (Imrich) Lichtenfeld – Founder of Krav Maga
Imi (Imrich) Lichtenfeld developed Krav Maga in Israel as a practical system for soldiers and civilians to protect themselves in real situations. His vision was clear — to create a method built on simplicity, efficiency, and genuine fighting skill, effective under stress and pressure.
Today, only a few Krav Maga systems remain true to Imi’s original spirit and structure. Krav Maga is not just a name or a martial art — it is a mindset, a way to move, think, and respond decisively to violence.
Jyrki Saario was personally certified as an instructor by Imi Lichtenfeld in Israel, and his black belt diplomas bear Imi’s own signature.
Imi (Imrich) Lichtenfeld – Founder of Krav Maga
Imi (Imrich) Lichtenfeld developed Krav Maga in Israel as a practical system for soldiers and civilians to protect themselves in real situations. His vision was clear — to create a method built on simplicity, efficiency, and genuine fighting skill, effective under stress and pressure.
Today, only a few Krav Maga systems remain true to Imi’s original spirit and structure. Krav Maga is not just a name or a martial art — it is a mindset, a way to move, think, and respond decisively to violence.
Jyrki Saario was personally certified as an instructor by Imi Lichtenfeld in Israel, and his black belt diplomas bear Imi’s own signature.
JYRKI SAARIO
In 1994 Jyrki Saario, one of the most significant martial artists of the Nordic countries, went to Israel to study a military combat system called Krav Maga, which was still unknown at the time. Jyrki had worked in the Sweden as a professional trainer and showcase pioneer in several fighting sports since the 1980s. In Israel he had the opportunity to learn something new. On the way, Saario met the founder of Krav Maga “Imi” – Imrich Lichtenfeld. As one of the few Europeans he has been awarded the value of a black belt by Imi, and has brought Krav Maga to the Nordic countries. In 2012 Jyrki decided to focus on the core of the original Krav Maga, which was simple and was based on the training program of the Israeli Defense Forces. He named it Classic Krav Maga. Since then, Classic Krav Maga has already spread to several European countries (like Finland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Sweden and Spain) and more than fifty cities.
JYRKI SAARIO
In 1994 Jyrki Saario, one of the most significant martial artists of the Nordic countries, went to Israel to study a military combat system called Krav Maga, which was still unknown at the time. Jyrki had worked in the Sweden as a professional trainer and showcase pioneer in several fighting sports since the 1980s. In Israel he had the opportunity to learn something new. On the way, Saario met the founder of Krav Maga “Imi” – Imrich Lichtenfeld. As one of the few Europeans he has been awarded the value of a black belt by Imi, and has brought Krav Maga to the Nordic countries. In 2012 Jyrki decided to focus on the core of the original Krav Maga, which was simple and was based on the training program of the Israeli Defense Forces. He named it Classic Krav Maga. Since then, Classic Krav Maga has already spread to several European countries (like Finland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Sweden and Spain) and more than fifty cities.
ISTVÁN NAGY
ISTVÁN NAGY
Leader of Saario Academy, 5th Dan Black Belt Classic Krav Maga
Leader of Saario Academy, 5th Dan Black Belt Classic Krav Maga
István Nagy was the first to introduce Krav Maga in Hungary. He began his martial arts journey in 1987 and started training Krav Maga in Poland in 2001. Today, he serves as the Leader of Saario Academy, guiding its international development and instructor community. Holding a 5th Dan Black Belt in Classic Krav Maga.
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.
István Nagy was the first to introduce Krav Maga in Hungary. He began his martial arts journey in 1987 and started training Krav Maga in Poland in 2001. Today, he serves as the Leader of Saario Academy, guiding its international development and instructor community. Holding a 5th Dan Black Belt in Classic Krav Maga.
LÁSZLÓ TÓTH
LÁSZLÓ TÓTH
International Coordinator of Classic Krav Maga, 5th Dan Black Belt
International Coordinator of Classic Krav Maga, 5th Dan Black Belt
László Tóth is one of the two pioneers who introduced Krav Maga in Hungary. As the International Coordinator of Classic Krav Maga within Saario Academy, he is responsible for the development and refinement of the training program. Active in martial arts since the 1980s, he has spent the last decade conducting numerous trainings, seminars, and camps for students and instructors across several countries.
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 is one of the two pioneers who introduced Krav Maga in Hungary. As the International Coordinator of Classic Krav Maga within Saario Academy, he is responsible for the development and refinement of the training program. Active in martial arts since the 1980s, he has spent the last decade conducting numerous trainings, seminars, and camps for students and instructors across several countries.
NIKO TARVAINEN
NIKO TARVAINEN
Classic Krav Maga Coordinator for Finland & 4th Dan Black Belt
Classic Krav Maga Coordinator for Finland & 4th Dan Black Belt
Niko Tarvainen serves as the Classic Krav Maga Coordinator for Finland. He runs a professional combat sports club in Tampere and trains both instructors and students across the country. Holding a 4th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga, he is recognized for his strong technical skills and commitment to developing the system within 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.
Niko Tarvainen serves as the Classic Krav Maga Coordinator for Finland. He runs a professional combat sports club in Tampere and trains both instructors and students across the country. Holding a 4th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga, he is recognized for his strong technical skills and commitment to developing the system within Finland.
NATIONAL TEAMS
NATIONAL TEAMS
Below we present a list of certified, active instructors of the Saario Academy organization who hold the appropriate qualifications to teach the Classic Krav Maga system.
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 here. Our team will contact you and guide you through the next steps in the recruitment process.