ACADEMY
FINLAND
Martial Blade Concepts is a functional system focused on edged weapons, where practitioners train defending against knives, daggers, and other sharp objects.
In Finland, carrying an edged weapon is illegal, but despite this, they are often involved in violent situations here as well, and defending against them is an essential part of self-defense skills.
FOUNDER
Michael Janich is a martial arts expert who developed the Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) system based on decades of experience in knife combat, self-defense, and military as well as law enforcement training. He has authored several books and produced instructional materials on knife use and other self-defense techniques.
Although Michael Janich is best known for his MBC system, he teaches a wide range of other skills, such as Counter Blade Concepts (CBC) (unarmed defense against edged weapons), Counter-Gun Concepts (CGC), unarmed self-defense, the use of sticks and improvised weapons, as well as defensive use of firearms.
MARTIAL BLADE CONCEPTS
MBC is a self-defense system that focuses on the effective use of short-bladed weapons, such as folding knives, in threatening situations.
As with all real-world self-defense, MBC tactics emphasize "stopping power"—the ability to immediately and decisively prevent an attacker from continuing their assault.
This approach is sometimes referred to as "biomechanical targeting," and it has undergone rigorous evaluation and been validated by leading experts in the field of tactical medicine.
MBC provides tools for defending oneself legally and responsibly. Training also emphasizes legal accountability and situational awareness.
The system stresses that the goal is not to cause unnecessary harm to the attacker, but to defend oneself effectively and, if necessary, stop the attacker’s actions.
"HAVE A PLAN, WORK YOUR PLAN"
MBC is not a traditional martial art, but a practical and modern self-defense system that focuses on effective defense using an edged weapon.
CBC, on the other hand, focuses on defending against an edged weapon while unarmed.
The goal in both systems is to quickly and directly minimize the attacker’s ability to act. The techniques are easy to learn and practical, as they are based on natural movement patterns and biomechanics.
The techniques are specifically designed for civilian use, enabling fast and controlled defense both unarmed and with a blade.
Combining these skills with an understanding of tactics, situational avoidance, and principles of de-escalation creates a comprehensive and highly adaptable approach to personal protection.
WHY MBC?
1
PRACTICAL
MBC is specifically designed for self-defense situations that require quick and direct solutions.
Its techniques are based on biomechanics and the body’s natural reactions, which makes them easy to learn and effective in real-life situations.
2
DESIGNED FOR CIVILIAN USE
Unlike many military or traditional martial arts, MBC was developed specifically for ordinary citizens who want to defend themselves legally and responsibly. Its primary focus is to minimize the attacker’s ability to act as quickly as possible without causing unnecessary harm.
3
QUICK TO LEARN, BUT DEEPLY SKILL BASED
Traditional martial arts often require years of training before the skills become practically useful.
The basic principles of MBC can be learned relatively quickly, while the system also offers depth for those who want to further develop their skills.
4
GOOD VIBES!
While we emphasize functionality, we do not glorify violence. In MBC training, we train seriously—but with a good vibe! Leave your ego at the door, because you won’t need it on the mat.
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See you at the gym!
– Mikko and Martti
INSTRUCTORS
TRAINING
MBC training takes place on Mondays from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Aikicircle's very cozy gym in Malmi, which offers great facilities for both regular classes and training camps.
Music is almost always playing during the sessions, and the lighting setup can transform the gym into a full-on nightclub with disco lights and a smoke machine—perfect for practicing in more challenging environments where visibility and hearing are limited.
The soft tatami mats allow for a wide range of training and enable safe, high-intensity practice.
You can reach Circle by bus with a stop just 50 meters away, and Malmi train station is only 700 meters away.
There is always plenty of free and paid parking available nearby for those arriving by car.
START NOW
Getting started is easy!
You don’t need any prior experience in martial arts, and all you need for gear is a t-shirt and/or long-sleeve shirt and comfortable pants that allow you to move freely.
Fill out the form below with a few details about yourself and choose when you’d like to join your first training session.
The gym is accessible by bus with a stop just 50 meters away, and Malmi train station is only 700 meters away.
There is always plenty of free and paid parking available near the gym for those arriving by car.
TRY IT OUT!
EVENTS
