SELF-DEFENSE FOR THE LA JEWISH COMMUNITY
Join our weekly classes to start feeling more confident and resilient
AM ISRAEL CHAI
✦PROUD AND PREPARED
EVERYTHING STARTS WITH A FIRST STEP
✦FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE STREET
AM ISRAEL CHAI ✦PROUD AND PREPARED EVERYTHING STARTS WITH A FIRST STEP ✦FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE STREET
WHAT YOU WILL WILL LEARN
-
DE-ESCALATION
KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE OUT OF THE STRIKE ZONE, MAINTAINING YOUR COMPOSURE, AND ASSESSING A FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE.
-
DEFENSE STANCE
PREPARING THE BODY TO MOVE QUICKLY IN ANY DIRECTION, SAFELY BLOCK AN ATTACK, WHILE MAINTAINING A NON-THREATENING POSTURE OR RUNNING AWAY TO SAFETY.
-
DEFENSIVE MOVEMENT
ABILITY TO MOVE EXPLOSIVELY IN AND OUT OF THE STRIKE ZONE WHILE MAINTAINING BALANCE AND AVOIDING BEING TACKLED.
-
COUNTER-ATTACKS & ESCAPES
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY COUNTER THE ATTACKER WITH PUNCHES, KICKS, KNEES, ELBOWS, BLOCKS, AND GRAPPLING MOVES.
EVENTS
WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE SERIES #3
Mondays 7:30 pm at Beverly Hills Sponsored by Beth Jacob Congregation
MEET THE FOUNDER
KALMAN CHODAKIEWITZ
I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING/COMPETING IN MARTIAL ARTS FOR 30+ YEARS ACROSS THE US, ISRAEL, AND BRAZIL, RECEIVING MY BLACK BELT FROM SENSEI NISHIYAMA (FOUNDER OF THE TRADITIONAL KARATE ASSOCIATION) AND WORLD CHAMPION SENSEI AVI ROKAH; AND MY KARATE INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION FROM MACHIDA KARATE. I AM ALSO A FORMER NCAA SABER FENCER AND JUNIOR OLYMPIC PARTICIPANT.
OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE TRAINED MMA UNDER FORMER UFC CHAMPION LYOTO MACHIDA; MUAY THAI KICKBOXING UNDER IKF CHAMPION ENN FAIRTEX; MMA WRESTLING UNDER UFC CONTENDER VLAD MATYUSHENKO; BRAZILIAN CAPOEIRA UNDER MESTRE RAIU; AND BRAZILIAN JIUJITSU UNDER CLEBER PEBA, BLACK BELT FROM ALLIANCE BJJ SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL.
WHY I FOUNDED GIBORIM
AFTER A CLOSE FRIEND WAS ASSAULTED BY A MALE COLUMBIA LAW STUDENT FOR SIMPLY SPEAKING HEBREW TO HER MOTHER ON THE PHONE, I DECIDED THIS WAS ENOUGH! THIS WAS MY CALL TO ACTION TO FORMALIZE MY KNOWLEDGE TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY WITH THE GIBORIM PROGRAM.
I HAVE BEEN BUSY PRIVATELY TRAINING JEWISH YOUTHS AND MOTHERS ACROSS LOS ANGELES WHO FACE ANTI-JEWISH THREATS OF VIOLENCE AND BULLYING - AND NOW I SHARE MY EXPERTISE WITH A WIDER LA-COMMUNITY AS WELL.
“I AM MORE RELAXED AFTER TRAINING WITH KALMAN”
-
“My son was complaining about unprovoked attacks by kids much larger and dominating in stature. We were getting desperate and needed something to change.
Kalman came highly recommended to train us privately, and over the course of 6 months, I saw a major transformation. I too joined the classes seeing how my kids were developing in recent months. My son can now instinctively move out of the way when a punch or kick is aimed at him, and without a flinch. He has developed the ability to consistently escape being headlocked or get someone off of him when on the ground. Also, he can throw punches and kicks with speed and force.
Above all, Kalman makes sure my sons never forget: The best way to win a fight is by avoiding it and de-escalating any tension.
Kalman is a very attentive teacher who gets the kids to want to train and practice on their own, try new techniques, and be scientific in their approach to learning. I could see that my son today is a different person, full of pride, confidence, and humility, willing to learn and safely pressure test his new skills and defensive instincts. Since training began, I have not received any complaints or seen any evidence of continued bullying and brawling against my children.
Raquel Richter
Mother of Mateo, 13 year old Youth Giborim student
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Absolutely! Most students begin their self-defense journey here at Giborim.
-
With parental supervision and active engagement from children, we can start classes as early as six years old. At this age, a parent must be present during the class. We recommend scheduling a private at-home session to see if it’s a good fit for your child. For youth ages seven to fifteen, we offer weekly after-school group classes on Wednesdays. Feel free to book a class to give it a try!
-
Never! We have dedicated students in their 70s and even 80s! Your age should not limit your ability to participate in and learn from our classes. While the classes involve physical activity and some exercise, our instructors and training partners tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of each student. Safety is our number one priority, ensuring that you have fun while continuing to grow and learn with each session.
-
Yes, of course. We have a women-only class, and partner drills are practiced exclusively between women. We have fixed classes at two orthodox synagogues, so we are accustomed to accommodating students with these needs.
Occasionally, there is optional contact with our coach for training on certain safety maneuvers or to demonstrate a drill for the class. Coach Kalman consistently reminds the class that contact with the coach is not mandatory and is entirely optional. Students are always encouraged to do what they are comfortable with. We recommend that you come and participate in a class to see for yourself. We also want to emphasize that you can learn a lot just from observing the class.
Read all Frequently Asked Questions here
DROP IN CLASSES
Group Youth Ages 10-15 Self-defense in Beverly Hills 90210 in Partnership with YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue
Wednesdays 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm starting March 19th (weekly)
📍Location Address: YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue
9261 Alden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Metered and street parking available.
YINBH Members: Discount code found in the community’s Whatsapp Group & Newsletter
If this is your first time, we recommend attending at least 3 classes feel for the program. Monthly memberships are also available, click here to learn more.
Group Women’s Self-defense Class in Beverly Hills 90210 in Partnership with YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue
60 minute class
All ages 14+ welcome
No experience required
Great mother & daughter experience!
Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm starting March 19th (weekly)
📍Location: YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue
9261 Alden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Metered and street parking available.
YINBH Members: Discount code found in the community’s Whatsapp Group & Newsletter
If this is your first time, we recommend attending at least 3 classes feel for the program. Monthly memberships are also available, click here to learn more.
Price per 60-minute class.
We come to you. Servicing Beverlywood, Pico/Robertson, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, Miracle Mile, Westwood, Santa Monica, and Culver City. Contact us for other locations.
Group rates apply to families in the same household only.
Reach out to the instructor to confirm class availability at the desired time.
24 hour minimum cancellation policy
MEMBERSHIPS
Confirm your spot in our weekly 60-minute classes at a lower price per class.
📍Location Address: 9261 Alden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Membership benefits:
Your weekly tuition (1 class per week) in a designated class (fixed location and time)
Priority access to Giborim’s special events
Cancel anytime. No sign-up or cancellation fees.
Available Classes in Beverly Hills 90210 in Partnership with YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue:
Group Youth Ages 10-15 Self-defense
Wednesdays 4:15 - 5:15 pm (weekly)
Group Women’s Self-defense
Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 pm (weekly)
Registration is always ongoing! Class membership is charged in monthly payments on the same day of every month.
New students are always welcome to book a stand-alone Giborim class before enrolling.
Class membership is charged in monthly payments.
Private Membership offers great benefits:
Your weekly tuition: One 60-minute class per week at a day and time reserved for you
We come to you. Servicing Beverlywood, Pico/Robertson, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, Miracle Mile, Westwood, Santa Monica, and Culver City. Contact us for other locations.
Unlimited make-up classes. While you are still enrolled in the current session, make up as many missed classes as you’d like, as long as the class is canceled with >24 hours notice
Group rates apply to families in the same household only.
Priority access to Giborim’s special events
Reach out to the instructor to confirm class availability at the desired time.
EVENTS
Self-Defense Series for the Women’s Club at Beth Jacob Congregation
NOVEMBER SOLD OUT // FEBRUARY SOLD OUT