Who We Are

About Us

Welcome to Kalah Amsterdam, where we train for the reality of violence. Established in 2019 by Chief Instructor Jair Stenhuijs, Kalah Amsterdam is committed to teaching authentic self-defense that confronts the harsh truths of real-world threats.

Our Leadership and Expertise

Under the leadership of Jair Stenhuijs, Kalah Amsterdam is rooted in the innovative Kalah Combat System, developed by Idan Abolnik. With a Level 2 Kalah Combat certification and a 4th-degree black belt in Taekwon-Do, Jair brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience. Alongside him is co-instructor Arsalan Akbar, whose relentless dedication drives our mission forward. Together, they lead our team with a singular focus: preparing you for life’s most dangerous situations.

Our Mission: A Safer Amsterdam

At Kalah Amsterdam, we are more than a training facility—we are a force for change in the city. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to make Amsterdam safer. Our training emphasizes realism, stripping away egos to ensure everyone learns with purpose. Here, every participant is a student, committed to continual growth and mastery.

Tailored Courses for Every Skill Level

Whether you’re taking your first steps in self-defense or looking to refine your skills, Kalah Amsterdam offers tailored programs for everyone. From personal training sessions to corporate workshops, our certified instructors equip you with the tools needed to navigate real-life threats with confidence and control.

What Makes Kalah Amsterdam Different?

We don’t just teach techniques—we train mindsets. At Kalah Amsterdam, we stand out because we blend authentic, battle-tested methods with approachable, skilled instructors who understand the real world. The journey isn’t easy, but we promise that the transformation you’ll experience is worth every effort. This isn’t just self-defense—it’s life defense.

Safety at the Core

While our training is intense and realistic, safety is always at the forefront of what we do. Each session is designed to challenge you physically and mentally while maintaining a safe and controlled environment. Our students consistently praise the balance we strike between realism and safety, preparing them for the worst while keeping them grounded in best practices.

Our Vision for a Safer City

We envision a future where everyone in Amsterdam has access to practical, no-nonsense self-defense training. That’s why we regularly offer free seminars and courses to introduce more people to the Kalah Combat System. Our goal is to empower the community with the knowledge and skills to navigate today’s unpredictable world.

Join Us

If you’re serious about preparing for life’s unpredictabilities, we invite you to join Kalah Amsterdam. Contact us at team@kalah-amsterdam.nl to learn more about our programs, and self-defense events or to book your first session. Self-defense is not just about fighting—it’s about awareness, de-escalation, and understanding the true nature of violence. Equip yourself to face the world with confidence and capability.