—Date TBC
Level 01
Hard Target — Instructor Course
Location TBC · 5 days
Register →
Instructor Courses
More than a course. A complete instructor path.
A qualification ladder, packaged programs, a recognised certificate, active instructor status, ongoing support.
01 — Why this path
You don’t invent your path; you follow a proven one.
Most instructors are left to figure it out alone — pulled between clubs, social media, and noise.
We give you the opposite. A system. A direction. Programs you can teach from day one.
02 — Who it’s for
For experienced martial artists, coaches, club leaders and dedicated students ready to teach.
The standard
Instructor courses are open to suitable candidates. They are not automatic for everyone.
03 — Choose your path
Choose your path by program.
i
Defendo
Self-defence & combatives — the four-stage signature instructor track.
ii
Classic Krav Maga
Classic Krav Maga / Classic Combatives — Group Leader to Club Instructor.
iii
Ironman Grappling
Martial arts & fighting skills — with its own instructor levels.
iv
Safe Kid
Youth safety & development — with its own instructor levels.
— and more. Each program has its own instructor ladder.
04 — How it works
The Defendo instructor track is a ladder.
Four instructor-track stages. Each course is five days; each certificate is recognised in every member country.
Level 01
Hard Target
The foundation: readiness under pressure.
Level 02
Combat Tech
Controlling stronger opponents, standing and on the ground.
Level 03
S.T.A.R.
Special Tactics and Response — defence against armed threats: knife, stick, gun.
Level 04
Red
The top tier.
Instructor-track stages 01 → 04 · five-day courses · certificates recognised in every member country
The student system runs six levels + RED — full ladder →
Classic Krav Maga
Group Leader → Club Instructor · plus Black Belt Course and Masterclass.
Safe Kid
Its own instructor levels.
Ironman Grappling
Its own instructor levels.
05 — Advanced modules
Restricted · by approvalSome doors open only from the inside.
Advanced modules such as Knife Fighting are restricted: available only to active Saario Academy instructors, by approval. They are not open public courses.
06 — What you receive
What the Academy puts behind you
- R·01A complete, teachable curriculum — refined, not endless.
- R·02A certificate recognised across every member country.
- R·03Packaged programs and materials.
- R·04Ongoing professional support, and a path toward running your own club.
07 — Requirements
What we ask of you
- Q·0121 or older.
- Q·02A background in combat sports or self-defence.
- Q·03Good physical condition.
- Q·04No criminal record.
- Q·05A long-term commitment to learning and teaching.
// open to suitable candidates — not automatic for everyone
08 — Active status
Certification is the beginning, not the end.
You hold active instructor status by staying in the system — an annual licence, teaching the official Academy programmes, and instructor training at least two days a year — recorded in your passport.
Examinations are held only by authorised examiners — a 1st Dan examines up to Level 1, a 5th Dan up to Levels 5–6 — and, in the words of the Academy Regulation, “examination results are officially recorded in official logbooks/passports.”
SAARIO ACADEMYInstructor Passport
InstructorA. Saarinen
No.SA-0481
ProgramDefendo
LevelS.T.A.R.
CountryFinland
StatusActive
09 — Upcoming instructor courses
// view-slot · upcoming-instructor-courses
Live · proovx feed
—Date TBC
Level 02
Combat Tech — Instructor Course
Location TBC · 5 days
Register →—Date TBC
CKM
Group Leader — Instructor Course
Location TBC · 5 days
Register →// rendered live from proovx · listings update automatically · standing programme shown, dates & venues arrive with the live feed
10 — For clubs
Already run a club?
Bring your group into the Academy: shared standards, programs, and support.
11 — Questions
Asked before applying
Who can apply?
Experienced martial artists, coaches, club leaders and dedicated students ready to teach. Instructor courses are open to suitable candidates — they are not automatic for everyone.
What are the requirements?
21 or older. A background in combat sports or self-defence. Good physical condition. No criminal record. And a long-term commitment to learning and teaching.
How long is a course?
On the Defendo instructor track, each stage is a five-day course. Classic Krav Maga runs Group Leader → Club Instructor, plus the Black Belt Course and Masterclass. Safe Kid and Ironman Grappling have their own levels.
Where is the certificate recognised?
Every certificate is recognised in every member country. Examination results are officially recorded in official logbooks/passports, and examinations are held only by authorised examiners.
What happens after certification?
Certification is the beginning, not the end. You hold active instructor status by staying in the system — an annual licence, teaching the official Academy programmes, and instructor training at least two days a year — recorded in your passport. Advanced modules such as Knife Fighting are available only to active instructors, by approval.
