I have a background in Boxing, Jujutsu, Karate, Aikido, Iaido, Tai Chi and other Asian martial arts plus some military combat techniques (I started my training in 1962). I worked as a bouncer and bodyguard for about 25 years but then I thought that I would slow down a bit and started my own martial arts school in 1997. I now instruct in Taijutsu, Tantojutsu, Kobudo/Kobujutsu (weapons), Iaido/Iaijutsu (the art of using the Japanese sword), Knife defense/Knife fighting and in three different Jujutsu styles (I have been connected to a couple of old Japanese Samurai schools).

After a few years I was asked to instruct at martial arts seminars and training camps around Europe, mostly in knife techniques - and that got me more interested in increasing my collection of fighting knives and swords because I wanted to be familiar with all kinds of bladed weapons. I prefer old handmade blades but I also buy some newer combat knives. My personal fighting techniques are inspired by the Dragon and the Cobra. I am a lucky guy, my girlfriend is also very interested in martial arts - she is a black belt in five different styles and we travel together to seminars and training camps.

When I started the martial arts school I also started making training knives and after a while I started making real fighting knives, mostly with Tanto style blades. My roots are in Finland, I come from an old family of knifesmiths and they have been involved from the start. They helped me with my first knives and showed me many tricks of the trade.

We collect other items too, mostly from Japan (Hina Dolls, Haoris, Kimonos, Obis, Porcelain etc.). I have always been very interested in the Japanese culture and also other Asian cultures. One bonus is that I have got acquinted with a lot of nice people here and many have become personal friends and we keep in touch.