Saario Academy Official Calendar
Defendo events 2026
Saario Academy is an international professional training organization that develops and delivers multiple self-defence and combat training systems. Defendo is our flagship programme.
This calendar presents official events organised within the Saario Academy structure, including seminars, exams, instructor courses, and international training camps across all programmes.
Use the filters to display Defendo-related events and find training opportunities that match your level and interests.
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January 2026
Jan 30Saario Academy Winter Camp 2026Lahti, Finland
SAARIO ACADEMY WINTER CAMP 2026– LAHTI January 30 – February 1 Welcome to Saario Academy Winter Camp 2026 in Lahti. This is a weekend training event focused on practical skills, clear learning goals, and safe, structured training. Training is led by the Leader of Saario Academy together with the international instructor team. WHAT THE CAMP INCLUDES -Defendo and Classic Krav Maga training sessions -Coaching by the international instructor team -Training led by the Leader of Saario Academy -Official level tests (see details below) LEVEL TESTS: Defendo: Levels 1–6 Classic Krav Maga: Yellow to Brown Time: Saturday, after the training sessions (from 16:15) LOCATION: Lahden Kamppailulajikeskus Sammonkatu 6, Lahti, Finland PRICES: Full weekend | 150 € Two days | 120 € One day | 80 € WHO CAN JOIN: Open to all Saario Academy members, regardless of rank or experience. INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Email: saario.jyrki@gmail.com WhatsApp+358 445 886622 See you in Lahti!
February 2026
Feb 4Iron Man Grappling Level 1 CourseWarsaw, Poland
Ironman Grappling Instructor Course – Level 1 Professional instructor training in standing and ground control for self-defence This course introduces the foundations of the Ironman Grappling system – a structured training programme developed within Saario Academy for safe, logical and effective real-world grappling. Ironman Grappling is designed for long-term development. It allows practitioners to build strong skills step by step, train safely for many years, and teach others using a clear and proven methodology. For whom? - Saario Academy instructors, who want to improve their standing and ground grappling skills, - Instructors who plan to open Ironman Grappling classes in their own clubs Ironman Grappling can be taught as a standalone system or used as complementary training for self-defence and other combat disciplines. Ironman Grappling – training structure The programme is built as a complete progressive system: 3 instructor courses (Level 1–3) Each instructor course covers one major subject: Instructor Level 1 → MIGHTY BATTLEFIELD WRESTLING Instructor Level 2 → SNEAKY GROUND FIGHTING Instructor Level 3 → MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Together they form a full training cycle – from beginner students to advanced practitioners and certified instructors. Level 1 focuses on building strong and safe foundations: -standing grappling and clinch control -takedowns and safe falling -transitions from standing to the ground -gaining and maintaining dominant ground positions -positional pressure and stability The goal is to teach how to control an opponent, manage distance and balance, and safely bring the fight to the ground while maintaining tactical advantage. This level creates the technical base for further stages, where transitions, submissions, escapes and MMA-level integration are introduced. The system combines practical solutions from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, European wrestling and Russian Sambo into one clear teaching framework adapted for self-defence training. Leading Instructor: Jakub Borkowski, BJJ 4 degree black belt, MMA coach, Defendo Instructor Language: Polish / English Requirements: Active instructor status in Saario Academy Date: 4-8 February 2026, Location: ul. Prymasa Tysiąclecia 62, Warsaw, Poland, Price: 800 EUR, Registration : info@saarioacademy.com
Feb 8Iron Man Grappling SeminarWarsaw, Poland
Feb 12Classic Krav Maga Camp 2026Gołobrzeg, Poland
KRAV MAGA CAMP – 2 vs 1 FIGHTING Prepare for an intense weekend Krav Maga camp focused on one of the hardest situations: fighting against two attackers at the same time. Three days of practical training, tactics, and pressure testing to improve your skills, endurance, and decision-making under stress. Date Friday, 13 February 2026 (10:00) – Sunday, 15 February 2026 (17:00) Location DWD Gołoborze, Poland Training focus 2 vs 1 tactics – how to survive and fight effectively against multiple attackers Movement and use of space Avoiding being surrounded Stress control and energy management Basic team cooperation scenarios For who Open to all levels – beginners and advanced students. Price & registration Price: 1200 PLN Deposit: 400 PLN (until 15 January 2026) Full payment: until 31 January 2026 Registration: kravmaga@saarioacademy.com Instructors Istvan Nagy – Head Instructor (5 Dan) Paweł Piotrowski – National Coordinator (3 Dan) Piotr Kuczyński – Instructor (3 Dan) Included Accommodation 3 meals per day Training sessions Insurance Camp T-shirt Bring Boxing gloves Mouthguard & groin protector Training clothes (indoor & outdoor) Headlamp
Feb 20Defendo Combat Tech Camp 2026Warsaw, Poland
DEFENDO COMBAT TECH CAMP Defendo Combat Tech Camp is an intensive training event dedicated to the Combat Tech levels of the Defendo system, focused on practical application, pressure testing and technical refinement. During the camp, we train one Combat Tech level per day, allowing full focus on the specific requirements, tactics and training goals of each level. The camp is conducted under the leadership of Istvan Nagy, Leader of Saario Academy and 6th Dan Black Belt Master Instructor in Defendo. Each training day is dedicated to one level: Each level is trained as a complete and structured module, combining technique, application and system understanding. PRICE: 1 DAY - 240 zł 2 DAYS - 360 zł 3 DAYS - 420 zł APPLICATION: info@saarioacademy.com DEFENDO COMBAT TECH CAMP [PL] Defendo Combat Tech Camp to intensywne wydarzenie szkoleniowe poświęcone poziomom Combat Tech systemu Defendo, skoncentrowane na praktycznym zastosowaniu technik, pracy pod presją oraz doskonaleniu umiejętności walki. Podczas obozu każdego dnia realizowany jest jeden poziom Combat Tech, co pozwala na pełne skupienie się na wymaganiach egzaminacyjnych, taktyce i celach szkoleniowych danego poziomu. Szkolenie prowadzi Istvan Nagy - Master Instructor Defendo, czarny pas Defendo 6 Dan, Leader Saario Academy. Każdy dzień poświęcony jest jednemu poziomowi: *Dzień 1, piątek 18:00-22:00 – Combat Tech, Level 2 *Dzień 2, sobota 14:00-18:00 – Combat Tech Level 3 *Dzień 3, niedziela 10:00-14:00 – Combat Tech Level 4 Każdy poziom realizowany jest jako kompletny moduł szkoleniowy, łączący technikę, zastosowanie praktyczne oraz zrozumienie miejsca danego poziomu w całym systemie Defendo. DLA KOGO? - uczniowie Defendo chcący pogłębić wiedzę techniczną Combat Tech - instruktorzy przygotowujący swoich uczniów do egzaminów i dalszego rozwoju CENA 1 dzień - 240 zł 2 dni - 360 zł 3 dni - 420 zł Jest to oficjalne wydarzenie szkoleniowe Saario Academy. Udział w campie może stanowić element przygotowania do egzaminów oraz dalszego rozwoju w systemie Defendo, zgodnie z regulacjami organizacji. Zapisy: info@saarioacademy.com
Feb 25Defendo Level Instructor 2 CourseLahti, Finland
DEFENDO LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTOR COURSE – LAHTI, FINLAND Place: Lahden Kamppailulajikeskus Sammonkatu 6, Lahti, Finland Time: Every day from 9:00 to 16:00 Start: Wednesday, 25 February 2026 End: Sunday, 1 March 2026 The Defendo Level 2 Instructor Course develops the technical, tactical, and teaching skills introduced at Level 1. The focus is on more complex situations, combinations, and decision-making under pressure. Leading Instructor Istvan Nagy Defendo 6th Degree Black Belt Leader of Saario Academy Who Is This Course For? -Certified Defendo Level 1 instructors -Instructors who want to refresh their Combat Tech skills After Completing the Course, Participants Will Be Able To: -Independently conduct Defendo Level 2–Level 4 training -Prepare students for exams and continued development -Progress toward Defendo Level 3 Instructor certification More Information and Registration Email: saario.jyrki@gmail.com WhatsApp: +358 44 588 6622
March 2026
Mar 5Ironman Kickboxing Seminar, Black Belt TestGothenborg, Sweden
March 06 - 08 Gothenborg, Sweden
Mar 10Classic Krav Maga Level 2 Instructor Course 2026Lahti, Finland
CLASSIC KRAV MAGA – INSTRUCTOR COURSE LEVEL 2 📅 Dates: 11-15.03.2026 📍 Location: Lahden Kamppailulajikeskus - Lahti, Finland 🔸 Course Description The Classic Krav Maga Level 2 – Club Instructor Course is the second level of the Saario Academy instructor grading system. This course is designed for instructors who want to teach both beginner and advanced groups and take full responsibility for regular club training. After completing the course and passing the final exam, participants receive an official Saario Academy Instructor Certificate. This certification allows instructors to teach Classic Krav Maga at the Club Instructor level and prepare students for Yellow, Orange, Green, and Blue Belt exams. 🔸 Training Content - The course includes both theory and practical training: - Teaching methodology according to Saario Academy standards - Advanced techniques and combinations - Training structure for advanced groups - Preparing students for higher belt exams 🔸 Instructor: Istvan Nagy - Saario Academy Leader, 5 dan Black Belt Classic Krav Maga Instructor 🔸 Required Equipment - Training clothes for indoor practice - Boxing gloves - Groin protector - Mouthguard - Notebook and pen 🔸 Certification After successfully passing the exam, participants receive a certificate that: - is recognised in all Saario Academy member countries, - authorises the holder to teach up to Blue belt level, - allows preparation of students for Yellow, Orange, Green, and Blue Belt exams. 🔸 Important Information Transportation, accommodation, food, and insurance must be arranged individually. 🔸 Contact 📞Jyrki Saario 📧 info@saarioacademy.com
Mar 14Classic Krav Maga 30th AnniversaryLahti, Finland
KRAV MAGA – 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN FINLAND 📅 14 March 2026 📍 Lahti, Finland Thirty years ago, Jyrki Saario, the pioneer of Krav Maga in the Nordic countries, began introducing and developing this training line in Finland. What started as a small, determined effort became the foundation for decades of growth, training, and a strong international community. To mark this milestone, Saario Academy is organizing an open anniversary event for everyone who has been part of this journey — instructors, former instructors, students, training partners, and friends — as well as those who wish to be part of this celebration today. This event is about people, history, and shared experience. What to expect: - Krav Maga training sessions - Stories and memories - Time to meet, reconnect, and train together - Open, friendly atmosphere and community integration Whether you were there at the beginning or joined along the way, this event is an opportunity to honor the past, train in the present, and strengthen the bonds that have shaped Krav Maga in Finland and the Nordic region. Everyone connected to this path is welcome. Contact and more information: saario.jyrki@gmail.com info@saarioacademy.com
Mar 15Classic Krav Maga Instructor MeetingLahti, Finland
Classic Krav Maga Instructor Meeting (Only for instructors)
Mar 25Classic Krav Maga Level 1 & Level 2 CourseWarsaw, Poland
Classic Krav Maga – Instructor Course Level 1: Group Leader 📅 Dates: 25-29.03.2026 📍 Location: Fighter's Fitness Club Warsaw, Poland 🔸 Course Description The Classic Krav Maga Level 1 – Group Leader Course is the first step in the Saario Academy instructor system. It is designed for individuals who want to start their instructor journey and lead beginner-level classes. After completing the course and passing the final exam, participants receive an official Saario Academy Instructor Certificate. This certification allows them to teach Classic Krav Maga at the Group Leader level and prepare students for Yellow and Orange Belt exams. 🔸 Training Content The course includes both theory and practice: Teaching methodology according to Saario Academy standards Techniques and principles from the first two belt levels Scientific foundations of self-defence and real-life encounters 🔸 Required Equipment Boxing gloves Groin protector Mouthguard Notebook and pen 🔸 Certification After passing the final exam, participants receive an official Saario Academy certificate that: -Is recognised in all Saario Academy member countries -Authorises the holder to teach Classic Krav Maga at the Group Leader level -Allows them to prepare students for the Yellow and Orange Belt exams CLASSIC KRAV MAGA – INSTRUCTOR COURSE LEVEL 2 📅 Dates: 25-29.03.2026 📍 Location: Fighter's Fitness Club 🔸 Course Description The Classic Krav Maga Level 2 – Club Instructor Course is the second level of the Saario Academy instructor grading system. This course is designed for instructors who want to teach both beginner and advanced groups and take full responsibility for regular club training. After completing the course and passing the final exam, participants receive an official Saario Academy Instructor Certificate. This certification allows instructors to teach Classic Krav Maga at the Club Instructor level and prepare students for Yellow, Orange, Green, and Blue Belt exams. 🔸 Training Content - The course includes both theory and practical training: - Teaching methodology according to Saario Academy standards - Advanced techniques and combinations - Training structure for advanced groups - Preparing students for higher belt exams 🔸 Instructor: Istvan Nagy - Saario Academy Leader, 5 dan Black Belt Classic Krav Maga Instructor 🔸 Required Equipment - Training clothes for indoor practice - Boxing gloves - Groin protector - Mouthguard - Notebook and pen 🔸 Certification After successfully passing the exam, participants receive a certificate that: - is recognised in all Saario Academy member countries, - authorises the holder to teach up to Blue belt level, - allows preparation of students for Yellow, Orange, Green, and Blue Belt exams. 🔸 Important Information Transportation, accommodation, food, and insurance must be arranged individually. 🔸 Contact 📞Paweł Piotrowski - Classic Krav Maga Coordinator in Poland +48 798 625 520 📧 info@saarioacademy.com
April 2026
Apr 15Defendo Green CourseValkeakoski, Finland
Defendo Green Course April 15-19 2026
Apr 15Defendo Level 1 & Level 2 CourseWarsaw, Poland
April 15-19
Apr 24International Spring Camp 2026Warsaw, Poland
Saario Academy International Spring Camp 2026 24-26 April
May 2026
May 1Saario Academy Thailand Camp 2026Thailand
May 1-12
May 21Saario Academy Croatia Camp 2026Croatia
May 21-25
May 25Knife Fighting CourseLahti, Finland
25-29 May, Lahti, Finland
June 2026
Jun 1Defendo Level 1 CoursePori, Finland
1-5 June, Pori, Finland Only for instructors
Jun 8Ironman Kickboxing Level 1 CoursePori, Finland
8-12 June Only for instructors
Jun 25Classic Krav Maga Masterclass 2026Lahti, Finland
25-28 June Open for everyone
Jun 25Classic Krav Maga Black Belt CourseLahti, Finland
25 June - 1 July 2026
July 2026
Jul 2Defendo MasterclassLahti, Finland
July 2-5 Open
Jul 2Defendo Red CourseLahti, Finland
2-8 July Only for instructors
Jul 17Saario Academy Summer Camp 2026Budapest, Hungary
17-19 July Open
Jul 22Safe Kid Level 1 Course For InstructorsPori, Finland
22-26 July
Jul 22International Safe Kid Camp 2026Sycowa Huta, Poland
22-31 July, Ośrodek Kormoran, Sycowa Huta
August 2026
Aug 6Defendo MasterclassKarlskrona, Sweden
6- 9 August
Aug 12Iron Man Grappling Course Level 2Pori, Finland
Iron Man Grappling Course Level 2 12-16 August
Aug 28Duellum Camp 2026Warsaw, Poland
28-30 August, Warsaw Open
September 2026
Sep 16Defendo Blue CourseValkeakoski, Finland
16 - 20 September Only for instructors
Sep 16Defendo Blue CampValkeakoski, Finland
16 - 20 September Open for everyone
Sep 17Saario Academy Camp Slovenia
17-20 September More information soon!
Sep 23Defendo Level 3 CourseWarsaw, Poland
23-27 September Only for instructors More information soon!
October 2026
Oct 1Defendo Level 1 CourseBudapest, Hungary
1-5 October Only for instructors More information soon!
Oct 1Defendo Level 2 CourseBudapest, Hungary
1-5 October Only for instructors More information soon!
Oct 6Classic Krav Maga Level 1 CourseBudapest, Hungary
6-10 October Only for instructors More information soon!
Oct 6Classic Krav Maga Level 2 CourseBudapest, Hungary
6-10 October Only for instructors More information soon!
Oct 10International Fighting Fit CupBudapest, Hungary
10-11 October Open for everyone More information soon!
Oct 23Saario Academy CampPori, Finland
23-25 October Open for everyone More information soon!
November 2026
Nov 20Defendo Winter WarLahti, Finland
20-22 November Open for everyone More information soon!
Nov 23Defendo Level 3 CourseLahti, Finland
23-27 November Only for instructors More information soon!
Nov 27Classic Krav Maga CampLahti, Finland
27-29 November Open More information soon!
December 2026
Dec 4International Duellum Cup & CampWarsaw, Poland
4-6 December Open More information soon!
FAQ
Looking for answers?
Find the answer to your question.
How to start training Defendo?
To start training Defendo, go to the Find a Club section and choose a location that suits you. You can also contact us at defendo@gmail.com or through the Contact page.
How to become an instructor
To become a Defendo instructor, you need to meet certain requirements and criteria. More information can be found in the Contact section, or you can get in touch with us there and submit your application.
Do I need experience to start training?
No! Defendo is a system you can start training regardless of your age or experience.
Is Defendo training safe?
Defendo training is based on learning safety, so instructors pay special attention to ensuring safety during classes.
What is the difference between Defendo and Krav Maga?
Defendo is not a combat sport, but a self-defence system focused on teaching the right reactions in dangerous situations. It was designed to neutralize as many threats as possible using as few techniques as necessary, following the principle that “less is more.”
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