My Kungfu School in Finland – and Its Finnishness
When I first stepped into my Kungfu school here in Finland, I knew I was joining a martial arts community. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would also become a window into Finnish life, values, and language.
The People Around Me
Joonas is the quiet, steady presence in the training hall. He doesn’t say much, but when he moves, you see a story in every technique. Then there’s Sipri, a bodybuilder with a booming laugh and a talent for making friends faster than I can finish a warm-up. Together, they balance the energy of our school — one calm as a frozen lake, the other warm as a sauna in winter.
My Masters’ Guidance
My masters never let my mistakes slide. Whether it’s a stance that’s too high or a block that’s too slow, they are there with sharp eyes and patient correction. This constant feedback can be humbling, but it’s also a gift. Every adjustment they make shapes me into a better martial artist — and, quietly, a better person.
Learning Finland Through Kungfu
Outside of the kwoon, my masters help me navigate Finnish life. They explain customs, share traditions, and guide me through the sometimes-mysterious world of Finnish language. Through them, I’ve learned not just how to fight, but how to greet, how to sit in a sauna, and even when to stay silent — which, in Finland, is as important as knowing when to speak.
Learning outside the school environment, is very rewarding. Through school, we build our professional knowledge. But with other experiences, we build our network and our understanding of the world. This is the priceless value I get from this community. And good excerise for my body!
Gratitude
Kungfu brought me to the school. But it’s the Finnishness woven into every class, every conversation, and every shared moment that keeps me here. For that, I’m deeply grateful.
Comments