About 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 Traditional Karate Association) and World Champion Sensei Avi Rokah. I am also a former NCAA saber fencer and junior Olympic participant. Over the years, I have trained Karate 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.  

Since Oct 7, it has been less safe and welcoming to show your Jewish identity in America. Our streets are filled with masked rioters threatening violence directly towards Jews. 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 across Los Angeles who face anti-Jewish threats of violence and bullying. Since starting with me, these kids have grown their skills, confidence, and Jewish pride.

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