We had the good fortune of connecting with Arielle Kantor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arielle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my business, Hercules Krav Maga, my main goal was to create the kind of environment I wish had existed when I first started training. Krav Maga self-defense changed my life, but I noticed that a lot of spaces didn’t feel welcoming to everyone—especially women and non-male students. I wanted to build something different: a place where people of all genders could come in, feel safe, and know that this training was for them. For me, it’s not just about teaching self-defense techniques; it’s about helping people trust themselves, feel powerful in their bodies, and know they deserve to take up space.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is how my two passions—self-defense and injury prevention—work together. Krav Maga was the catalyst. Training since I was 13 showed me not just how to protect myself, but also how important it is to keep the body strong, mobile, and resilient. I’m proud to say that my Krav Maga training has always prioritized injury prevention, because staying safe isn’t just about defending against threats—it’s also about protecting your own body while you train.

Focusing on movement and longevity led me to create AriFit.com, where I specialize in house-call stretch therapy focused on pain prevention, improved circulation, and better range of motion.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were times I doubted myself, wondering if I could turn these passions into something real and sustainable. Every challenge, from the intense physical training to building a business from the ground up, taught me about resilience and consistency. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from staying curious and taking action even when things are uncomfortable.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s about empowerment on every level. Whether it’s through Krav Maga or stretch therapy, my goal is to help people trust their bodies, prevent pain, and feel strong enough to handle whatever life throws at them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my best friend comes to visit, I’ give them a week that really captures what I personally love about San Diego. We’d start our mornings with sunrises at Mount Soledad or Kate Sessions Park—there’s nothing like those views to set the tone for the day or night.

For food, we’d hit some of my favorites. We’d grab breakfast at Breakfast Republic, get the best pastries at Phatties Bakery, and for a special dinner, we’d go to Cesarina—my absolute favorite restaurant. Since I’m vegan by choice, I’d also take them to Trilogy Sanctuary for their beautiful rooftop café, which has incredible plant-based dishes and a great vibe.

We’d mix in plenty of training, because that’s a big part of my world. I’d bring them to Hercules Krav Maga, which I host at Odyssey Training Center, so they could experience what it’s like to train in a really empowering environment while also stopping by Victory MMA for some boxing and Muay Thai sessions—great energy and great people there.

And of course, we’d get outside. Hiking Cowles Mountain would be a must for a bit of challenge and an amazing view at the top. Between the training, the food, and the scenery, it’d be a week that’s active, inspiring, and uniquely San Diego

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my dad. He was the one who introduced me to Krav Maga back in 2007 when I was just 13 years old, and that decision changed the entire trajectory of my life. From day one, he’s been my biggest supporter—encouraging me to stick with the training, helping me push through the tough moments, and now fully backing my vision as I grow my own program and travel to continue my education. His belief in me has been a huge part of why I believe in myself

Website: https://www.arifit.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/@arifit_ari

Facebook: https://arifit.com/herculeskravmaga

Youtube: https://arifit.com/@arifiteducation

Image Credits
n/a?

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.