Our Chief Instructor

Heikki Martikainen is the Chief Instructor of Kali Sikaran, overseeing instructor development and system standards across Australia and internationally. His martial arts journey began in 1980, and over more than four decades he has dedicated his life to the study, practice, and teaching of effective, responsible martial arts.

Heikki began training with Johan Skålberg in 1996, initially seeking to further develop his knife skills. By this stage, he already held black belts across several Japanese martial arts, including Judo, Karate, Kempo, and Ju Jutsu, and had extensive experience as both a competitor and coach. His broader training and coaching background also includes Muay Thai, Brazilian Ju Jutsu, Shootfighting, MMA, and Combat Ju Jutsu, and he has coached national-level champions in both Combat Ju Jutsu and Muay Thai. Over time, his focus shifted fully to Kali Sikaran, recognising its structured methodology, adaptability, and relevance to real-world self-defence. Since 2004, Kali Sikaran has been his primary discipline and professional focus.

Heikki holds the rank of Lahong Guro (7th Degree Master Level) in Kali Sikaran and carries the honorary title of Chief at Arms, meaning Guardian of KSI. This title is awarded solely by Punong Guro Johan Skålberg in recognition of leadership, trust, and long-term contribution to the system.

In addition to his martial arts background, Heikki brings real-world experience through service as a former Finnish Special Forces NCO and a long career in law enforcement. These experiences have strongly influenced his understanding of decision-making, accountability, and what is required for training to remain grounded in reality rather than theory.

Heikki has been instrumental in the international development of Kali Sikaran, organising and leading numerous camps, seminars, and instructor development programs across Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond. Since relocating to Australia in 2011, he has played a central role in establishing and mentoring a growing network of instructors and students, while maintaining strong international connections within the global Kali Sikaran community.

As an instructor and mentor, Heikki is known for clear structure, technical precision, and thoughtful progression. His teaching emphasises functional movement, adaptability, and cultural integrity, supporting students and instructors alike to develop skill, confidence, and responsibility through consistent training. A significant part of his work focuses on instructor development and curriculum design, ensuring that those who teach Kali Sikaran do so with competence, humility, and respect for the system.

Heikki currently serves as Chief Instructor of Kali Sikaran in Australia, Chief Instructor of Kali 3D in Western Australia, and Chief Instructor of Kombatan Arnis Presas Style in Western Australia, continuing to guide the systems while mentoring the instructors who represent it.