Namibia’s combat sports fraternity is in for a major boost, as world-renowned trainer and three-time kickboxing world champion, Jarkko Jussila, is set to share his enormous knowledge and expertise with local athletes and coaches.
Jussila’s upcoming visit is expected to open new opportunities for Namibians in both competitive and developmental combat sports.
The veteran kickboxer said his aim is not only to train fighters but also strengthen the foundation of combat sport in the country by equipping local coaches and trainers with advanced methods.
“I would like to meet coaches, people in charge of combat sports, open negotiations of development, and share ideas and knowledge of training methods and more. I want to work with local athletes and make it possible for athletes in these areas to aim high and progress,” he told New Era Sport.
The tour is set to start on 9 December in Nairobi and end in March next year.
The Finnish expert’s approach extends beyond teaching fighting techniques.
His philosophy blends physical training with nutrition, psychology and overall well-being.
The approach could transform how Namibian fighters prepare and perform.
Local trainers are equally set to benefit through knowledge exchange and collaboration, ensuring that skills are retained and passed down to future generations.
Unam Boxing Club founder Denzel Silvanus, who has already established contact with Jussila, welcomed the chance to work with the experienced coach.
“We met through Instagram. He saw my post of my training gym, and he liked what we were doing. He got in touch to learn how I run the club. He was excited and told me he wants to work with us. We have been sharing notes, and I believe we’re one of the first clubs he would see once he touches down in Namibia. He is inspired by our work, and we hope to learn from him,” he said.
Jussila’s passion for combat sports runs deep.
Having retired in 2015 after clinching his third world title in a third different weight class, he transitioned into full-time coaching.
Over a 17-year professional career, he fought nearly 200 bouts across more than 50 countries before a hand injury outside the ring brought his fighting days to an end.
Since then, he has become an internationally respected coach and trainer, conducting seminars and training camps in 20 countries across every continent.
From teaching toddlers as young as two to guiding senior citizens in their seventies, his training methods cut across age, fitness and skill levels.
“Combat sport is for everyone – young or old, beginner or elite fighter. What I want to encourage is learning punching, kicking and stand-up fighting skills while also exchanging knowledge with local trainers. It is through cooperation that combat sports will grow stronger,” he said.
Namibia is among the 12 African countries he is set to visit.
He will also visit Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, Sambia, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique.