Life Skills for Life: Self-defence training for the 21st Century
- Chris Spencer
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- Aug 6, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Feeling Unprepared?
Have you ever felt unsafe walking home alone at night? Or wished you had the skills to defend yourself in a tricky situation?
Lii-Kan Jitsu Offers a Modern Approach to Self-Defence
Lii-Kan Jitsu isn't about flashy moves or breaking boards and it is more than just a collection of punches and kicks. It's a comprehensive self-defence system that combines elements from various martial arts, focusing on practical techniques that work in real-life situations.
PODCAST (by SeTs Ryu)
But here's where it gets interesting: Lii-Kan Jitsu isn't just about physical skills. It's a holistic approach to personal safety that includes:
1. Risk awareness and avoidance
2. Verbal de-escalation techniques
3. Physical self-defence as a last resort

Sounds pretty cool, right? But wait, there's more!
Empowerment Through Education
The Lii-Kan Philosophy is ‘Peace and compassion through strength and understanding’. In short: Empowerment Through Education, onsite and online via the SeTs ry association.
What sets Lii-Kan Jitsu apart is its commitment to empowering individuals through knowledge. The founders believe that true self-defence starts with understanding yourself, your environment, and potential threats. This philosophy extends beyond the dojo.
The Challenges of the 21st Century
Recent studies have highlighted the growing concerns around violence and safety in schools and communities. A report by the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare (2021) found that the rate of violent incidents in Finnish schools has increased by 15% over the past five years, mirroring a similar trend across Europe[1]. These alarming statistics underscore the importance of providing effective self-defence training to individuals of all ages based on suitably adapted learning programmes.

🤔 Food for thought: How might widespread self-defence education impact societal issues like bullying or street harassment? How might it be of benefit in other areas of life? Share your thoughts in the comments!
PODCAST (by SeTs Ryu)
A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Now, you might be thinking, "Sounds great, but is it legit?" Absolutely! Lii-Kan Jitsu is founded on Japanese Jiu Jitsu and also draws from time-tested martial arts like Judo, Aikido, Chinese Kung Fu and Filipino Kali. But here's the kicker: it's not stuck in the past.
The art is constantly evolving, incorporating modern sports science, psychology, and even elements from street dance and parkour for enhanced mobility and creativity. Gemini says “it's like the Tesla of martial arts – rooted in tradition but driven by adaptation and innovation!” 😉

Community and Inclusivity: Everyone's ( ^almost) Welcome!
One of the most inspiring aspects of Lii-Kan Jitsu is its commitment to inclusivity. Whether you're 12 or 60 something plus years of age, a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, there's a place for you on the mat – health and behaviour permitting. The focus is on personal growth and community support, not competition or ego.
🌈 Fun fact: Lii-Kan Jitsu clubs often organize social events (Outings & movie nights), Street Art (Parkour & Break-dance) workshops and even public demos and workshops (Blog Article: Read more>>). It's not just a martial art; it's a lifestyle in which we learn ‘Life Skills for Life!’
Functionality before Form, then Style
Lii-Kan Jitsu offers a unique self-defence system designed for the modern world. It's more than just traditional martial arts – it blends practical techniques with elements of Kyusho (pressure points), Parkour (movement training), and even NLP (neuro-linguistic programming – sometimes described as the martial art of communication skills) to create a holistic and effective self-defence strategy.
The founders of this art believe that true self-defence starts in the mind – understanding yourself, your environment, and potential threats. This philosophy manifests in several ways:
Here's what makes Lii-Kan Jitsu stand out:
• Focus on Practicality: Unlike some martial arts that emphasize competition, Lii-Kan Jitsu prioritizes real-world applications in a workshop environment that removes the need to try and decipher ancient Kata with post-modern rationalizations. You'll learn techniques and skills that are effective in de-escalating situations and defending yourself against common threats.
• Holistic Interdisciplinary Approach: Lii-Kan Jitsu goes beyond punching and kicking. It incorporates elements of Kyusho for targeting pressure points, Parkour for agility, and NLP for understanding conflict resolution and body language. It's a complete personal safety system. Building confidence and mental resilience is as important as physical conditioning and skills for Psychological Empowerment.
• Collaborative Learning Environment: Training at Lii-Kan Jitsu isn't just about individual improvement. It's about building a supportive community where you can learn from experienced instructors and fellow students. This isn't an exclusive club for tough guys – it's a welcoming community for everyone that respects diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
• Qualified Instruction: Fitness & Strength Authorised Personal Trainer (APT), Parkour (VOK1/ SPY ), Lii-Kan Jitsu (Club instructor since 1987), NLP (Master Practitioner Certificate), Certified protection Officer (IFPO) & former security officer (Järjestyksenvalvoja, Vartija & Kaupan Vahtimestari), Vocational Teacher/Lecturer (M.Sc. Security & Risk Management).
• Continuous Evolution: The system adapts to new threats and incorporates cutting-edge research, teaching methods and training exercises. One of the key aspects of the Lii-Kan Jitsu approach is the emphasis on scenario-based training. By simulating real-life situations, practitioners learn to apply their skills in a controlled environment, preparing them for potential threats. This method has proven to be highly effective.

🗣️ "Lii-Kan Jitsu didn't just teach me how to defend myself; it transformed my disposition and how I move through the world. I'm more confident, aware, and connected - and the school bullying stopped, I also witnessed similar transformations in other students after only a few short months.” – Karl. P. Lii-Kan student of 7 years.
As we look to the future of self-defence education in schools, it's clear that comprehensive, adaptable systems are the way forward. Lii-Kan Jitsu serves as an excellent model for what modern self-defence training can and should be. Lii-Kan Jitsu's commitment to empowering individuals extends beyond physical self-defence. The system also focuses on developing mental resilience, discipline, and confidence. By instilling these values in students, the club aims to create a generation of individuals who are not only physically capable of defending themselves but also mentally equipped to navigate the challenges of modern life. Over the years, Lii-Kan Jitsu Club as conducted many public demos and workshops for schools on behalf of the local city councils or at the request of students as part of their school projects (Blog Article: Read more >>)
What are your thoughts on the state of self-defence education in schools? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below or post your own reply in the discussion forum.
Want to see it for yourself?
You're in luck! Lii-Kan Jitsu hosts regular Open Days, at least twice a year, and more as needed.
Check out our events page for the next Open Day
This is your chance to:
• Meet the Instructors: Get a feel for Lii-Kan Jitsu's philosophy and ask questions directly from the experienced instructors.
• Experience the Training: See live demonstrations of Lii-Kan techniques, Try out some basic moves yourself (don't worry, no experience needed!). Participate in a mini-workshop and get a taste of what it's like to train in Lii-Kan Jitsu.
• Connect with the Community: Learn about the philosophy and community aspects of the art. Meet other people interested in self-defence and explore the collaborative learning environment.
🚨 Call to Action: Don't miss this opportunity to discover a martial art that could change your life! Mark your calendars and join us on August 31st. Register via the event page using the link provided or, take your chances on getting in the door and just show up, but be sure to come with an open mind and comfortable clothes - No jewellery, zips, belts or buckles!
Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or a complete beginner, Lii-Kan Jitsu offers a welcoming and empowering training experience.

Don't wait! Secure your spot at the Open Day by contacting Lii-Kan Jitsu through their social media pages (links below) or visiting their website.
Want to learn more before the Open Day?
Here are some additional resources to learn more about Lii-Kan Jitsu:
• Website: https://setssafe.wixsite.com/liikan
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chrissuli
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liikanjitsu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liikan_jitsu
Let's build a safer community together!
Remember, in a world that can sometimes feel uncertain, knowledge is power. Lii-Kan Jitsu offers more than just self-defence – it provides confidence, community, and a path to personal growth.
The Lii-Kan Jitsu Club ry collaborates with:
• SeTs ry to provide online and hybrid training and other ‘Functional Education’ courses and services (Blog Article: Read more >>)
• SDI ry for Break dance (Ground mobility) training, (Blog Article: Read more >>)
• Suomen Parkour (Finnish) Association (SPY) of whom we are personal members and SeTs ry is an organizational member (Blog Article: Read more >>),
• KEG Oy & FilmVIA for film, dance and other festivals and events (Blog Article: Read more >>).
• Hobby Cab, a new and innovative minibus taxi service for helping busy parents get their kids to training, competitions and other events (Blog Article: Read more >>).
So, what do you think? Are you ready to take control of your safety and join a supportive community? Share your thoughts, questions, or personal martial arts experiences in the comments below!
Stay safe, stay empowered, and hopefully, we'll see you on the mat! 💪🥋
#LiiKan #LiiKanJitsu #SelfDefense #MartialArtsForAll #PersonalEmpowerment #CommunityStrength #LifeSkillsForLife #ModernSchoolFor21stcentury
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