The Japanese martial art combines strikes and kicks with locks, throws and escapes, alongside mental training. Founded by Doshin So in 1947, it is practised in pairs with mutual respect and no competition. Training suits different ages and fitness levels without prior martial arts experience.
Sessions at the Olympic Stadium are barefoot, with jewellery removed. Loose shorts or tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt are enough to start. Longer-term training requires association membership, which includes membership of the international governing organisation. Branch leader Juha Holkkola has trained since 1996.
Trained with the club? Review the teaching and getting started on Suomi Guide for others interested in the art.
