Our Instructors
Dipika Vaz
Krav Maga Instructor
Dipika is a Krav Maga Practitioner and Instructor with over 14 years of experience in training. She began her journey in 2011, when the Vaz family formally introduced Krav Maga to India. She has been instrumental in establishing Krav Maga Global India, spearheading the expansion of Krav Maga Global (KMG) centers across Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa and other cities.
She holds a Graduate Level 3 Certification from Krav Maga Global and is a Certified General Instructor as well as a Women’s Self-Defense Instructor from KMG. Dipika has conducted impactful training sessions for several prestigious organizations, including Infosys, UB Group, HDFC ERGO, the U.S. Consulate, and legal advocacy groups such as Majlis Legal Centre.
Her sessions are focused on equipping participants with practical, real-world techniques to enhance personal safety, situational awareness, and self-confidence.
Rekha Vyas
Puppetry Instructor
Rekha is a renowned professional female hand shadow artist, founder of PepUp, and a gifted puppeteer who uses hand shadowgraphy and diverse puppetry to bring stories to life.
Since launching PepUp in January 2015, she has created interactive shadow storytelling kits for children and delivered performances and workshops at major festivals (Kala Ghoda, Sangeet Natak Akademi), schools, and events across India.
Trained under masters like Amar Sen Rekha blends traditional art with modern creativity to spark imagination, emotional growth, and nostalgia across generations.
Gizelle Gomes
Art & Craft, Storytelling Instructor
Gizelle is a Psychology & Sociology graduate who turns big developmental theories into playful, powerful learning experiences for kids!
From designing creative SEL activities to crafting individualized learning plans, Gizelle blends heart and science to support children aged 2.5 to 12. She’s worked hands-on in special needs education, child development, and curriculum design—always keeping inclusion, creativity, and emotional well-being at the core.
Whether it’s a storytelling session, an art-based workshop, or a developmental assessment, Gizelle brings empathy, creativity, and purposeful learning into every space she enters. Her work is deeply rooted in a child-first approach, meeting each child where they are, and helping them grow with care, curiosity, and confidence.
Aftab Panhalkar
Fitness and Games
Aftab is a dedicated football coach with over 7 years of experience, currently holding an AFC C License. He serves as Head Coach for the U–10 squad and as Assistant Coach for the U–17 team at a leading football academy in Mumbai, working with players across age groups from U5 to U21.
Under his guidance, teams have achieved success in several tournaments, and he has also contributed to AIFF Youth League matches, demonstrating his ability to prepare players for competitive settings.
Trained in child safety and protection, Aftab combines technical skills, age-appropriate training, and a safe, supportive coaching environment to foster athletic growth and confidence in young players.
