Youth Self-Defense | Jewish After-School | YINBH Beverly Hills

YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue is hosting Youth Giborim Self-defense series

🕢 Wednesdays 4:45 pm

🗓️ Weekly, starting March 19th

Age: 10 to 15 years old

Come ready to learn practical skills, build confidence and strengthen your body in a safe environment. You will practice engaging drills for de-escalation, knockout counter attacks, and how to escape being grabbed and having your hair pulled.

What to expect:

• Expect to sweat! This is an exercise class so bring workout clothes and a bottle of water

• Safety is our number 1 priority. The intensity of our drills is calibrated to maintain a fun and injury free environment . Our goal is that you are empowered and can train again tomorrow. We prioritize constant supervision and a reemphasis on taking care of your training partner at all times.

• You will get 1x1 attention with our coach Kalman . He will be wearing appropriate padding to let you let your hands fly.

• We encourage you to do only what you are comfortable with, and that you can learn a lot from also observing. At any time, feel free to take water.

About Giborim: Self-Defense and Resiliency for the LA Jewish Community

💡Giborim was born out of necessity

After a close friend was assaulted for speaking Hebrew, Kalman took action. Today, he provides specialized training to help the Jewish community stay safe and stand up to antisemitism.

Founded in response to the rise of antisemitic bullying and intimidation following October 7th, lifelong mixed martial artist Kalman Chodakiewitz established Giborim to equip Jewish youth and families in Los Angeles with practical self-defense skills. His goal is to foster confidence, resilience, and safety within the community.

With over 30 years of experience training in the U.S., Israel, and Brazil, Kalman has learned from world-renowned martial artists, including UFC champion Lyoto Machida and his coach, Chinzo Machida. But Giborim is more than just self-defense—Kalman integrates his expertise in behavioral health innovation to help individuals navigate life’s challenges.

Looking to understand how to leverage their strengths, women are our top dedicated students

Our Fundamentals:

✔ De-escalation – Maintain composure, assess threats, and create distance.

✔ Defense Stance – Stay ready to move, block, or escape while appearing non-threatening.

✔ Defensive Movement – Evade strikes and takedowns with balance and agility.

✔ Counter-Attacks & Escapes – Strike and grapple effectively to neutralize threats.

Join us in building a stronger, safer community. #BeAGibor

Hear from our Student Mateo

About Our Hosting Synagogue

YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue has served the Jewish community of Beverly Hills since 1991, as a center for prayer, learning and charity. Our state-of-the-art building is the first newly constructed synagogue in Beverly Hills in over 50 years.

Our mission is to create a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental environment for every Jew. We are a Modern-Orthodox Zionist congregation that welcomes and respects Jews of every background. Our growing congregation is made up of 120 member families. We have a full-time senior rabbi, full-time assistant rabbi, 2 full-time administrators, and a full-time facility manager. Our Shabbat and Festival prayers are musical and inspiring.