Eliyahu or Eli as he is known by some of his friends, is an author and a creative educator with a knack for languages . As a fitness and martial arts instructor,  he currently directs a youth camp that teaches kids life lessons and self defense. Utilizing his military background and experience living in different parts of the world he really takes creative education and learning to another level.  Needles to say that his students adore him and consider him a mentor in a way. He recently published his first book of a series on life lessons taught through martial arts stories.  Adventures which take the reader on a journey to learn how to be successful in life.  While most of us struggle with learning a second language he speaks 7! In addition to his linguistic capabilities, he is also a martial artist, plays a few instruments, is a teacher and a father of two adorable little boys.  What drew us to Eli is his passion for kids and all of the fun ways he engages and educates them. Currently working on two books: one is a novel which takes place in 18th century’s African gold mines and another; on the life lessons learned through Martial Arts.  Eliyahu’s goal is to constantly create material, experiences, and programs to teach much-needed life skills to our youth. Aside from his passion and dedication to youth development, he also trains adults in self-defense using his experiences from the Israeli army and mixed martial arts training.  He inspires all of his students, young and old, to master one’s self by always learning, applying yourself and living with integrity.

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in New Jersey.

What brought you to Los Angeles?

I came here to positively influence youth and develop new ways to inspire them with other creative and passionate educators. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever received and why? 

The best advice I ever received was to always believe in myself, that it is the only way to advance in life. Someone told me, “If God has enough faith in you to create you, then you could have at least half as much faith in yourself”.  Having faith in yourself and your abilities is the only way to achieve success; as I have learned in my own life journey. 

Worst advice you ever received? 

The worst advice was to have a certain attitude about a place before ever being there or experiencing it for myself.  I’ve always felt that one should not place inferences or expectations on things in advance. You won’t know if you really like a new city, person, or thing unless you yourself experience it.  We all know what happens when we assume!

The best advice you’ve given someone who was positively impacted and shared it with you?

A student told me how positively they were impacted by something I said in class which was a great feeling.  I had shared that in order to master a skill you must practice doing it correctly and efficiently, and that rushing it won’t achieve mastery.  I think so many of us get frustrated when we are first learning something new and that frustration leads us to quit. This is why it’s so important to accept that things will take time and that it’s better to take things slow and utilize progressions to really learn the skill.  It was definitely a great feeling knowing that I got through to him in a way that I hadn’t even noticed at the time. Those types of situations are what keep me inspired to continue my work with youth.  

Tell us about some of the hurdles you’ve experienced, how you overcame them and what lessons you learned through those challenges.  

It was really tough juggling college, work and raising two small children. Having to manage all of that and do it efficiently, while also enjoying it, taught me about time management, priorities, and organization.  Taking time to schedule out the day, week, month created a lot of great habits in my life that I still utilize today. Learning how to use one’s challenges in a way that he/she can develop good habits and allow it to be a catalyst for growth is a great lesson learned.  

Is there a specific time in your life that you almost gave up?  How did you get through it and not give up? 

One time in my life that I had considered quitting or giving up was when I was in the military.  It was very tough! Many times I wanted to leave, but I knew, even then, that I would regret it and I ended up seeing it through.  I guess you can say that anticipating regret is what got me through that challenge and helped me not to give up. I’m so glad that I didn’t, because I learned a lot in the military- through all of the incredible experiences I had.  Knowing you will regret something can be a powerful motivator to stay on track and follow through.  

If you weren’t a creative educator what other work would you be doing?  

Law enforcement!  It is in my nature to be a protector and specifically a protector of the weak or unfortunate so I think I probably would have gone into law enforcement if life didn’t take me through my current path.  Of course, my military background also has to do with that choice.  

Who were some of the most important people in your life’s journey and how have they affected your life up till now? 

One of the reasons I am an educator is because I had so many great teachers who taught me a lot.  I always enjoyed learning and I had great relationships with some of my teachers- who liked that I was so eager to learn new things.  My parents have also been a great guide for me and have set a positive example for how one should be a good parent and person in general.  My kids have also been a guiding force! I’m a father to two beautiful little boys and I learn a lot about education and entertainment from being a father.  Parenting is constantly teaching me about patience, empathy and many other incredible insights about being a human being. I’m fortunate to have so many great people in my life, I definitely don’t take any of them for granted.  

What advice would you give the 18-year-old you? 

I’d tell myself to do exactly what you are doing but to do things slowly and efficiently, not to rush and to never give up.  We all have a few regrets but thankfully, I try to think of every experience as a contribution to my character so I’m not sure I’d advise myself to do anything differently because I wouldn’t want the trajectory of my life to change.  

You spend a lot of time inspiring youth through language, martial arts, and stories, do you also do any philanthropic work? 

When one is given blessings, I feel one must take time to give back.  I have worked with at-risk youth and am currently teaching self-defense to special needs youth and adults in Los Angeles.  I hope to do much more once I complete the passion projects I am currently working on. 

What are some touching experiences you’ve had while doing work with nonprofits? 

There are so many great reasons to give back: one being that it is so rewarding. But one of the best parts of working with special needs kids, for example, is the big smiles on their faces when they see that they are being heard.  So many people with disabilities feel invisible, ignored and not heard so it’s a beautiful experience to give that attention and immediately get that type of feedback. 

How would you like to be remembered? 

A good father. Also, as someone who cares about other people and keeps his priorities in order.  

A hidden talent nobody knows about you? 

I actually love acting and doing voices (voice-overs).  Because I speak so many languages, I’m pretty good at impressions, voices and creating characters.  It’s a fun talent that I hope to utilize in the future with acting and voiceover work.  

Are there any young people right now that inspires you?  

Yes, Dovi Berston- a very talented actor, musician but most of all a real human being!

Favorite book.

The Count Of Monte Cristo

Favorite Quotes.

-Treat others how you wish to be treated. 

-Inch by inch, it’s a cinch.