Written by Gary Rosenberg
This past Memorial Day weekend, the Maccabi USA Karate Team, composed of athletes from across the country, gathered for a training camp in Syosset, New York, at the dojo of Sensei Avi Azoulay, the U18 and Open Karate Chair. On hand to give their expertise were several former team members and coaches, including Sensei Alex Sternberg, a former chair, who played a key role in bringing karate to the Maccabiah more than 50 years ago and who has been instrumental in making it one of the most exciting events in the Games.
The 2025 Maccabi USA Karate Team comprises seven Junior competitors, four Open athletes, and one Masters competitor, all experienced and talented martial artists.
The training included an intensive 4-hour session on Sunday and an additional two hours on Memorial Day Monday. The team had a unique opportunity to practice sparring (freestyle combat), kata (stylized form presentation), and team kata—along with physical conditioning, reaction training, and focused drills—under the tutelage and guidance of experienced black belts, all gold medalists and former Maccabiah participants.
Also assisting the athletes were Sensei Dov Sternberg, former gold medalist and coach, as well as Sensei Warren Levi, also a former gold medalist. And former international medalist Ilyse Sternberg captured the excitement in dozens of action-packed photographs.
Open coach David Munden reviewed the competition rules for the Games, as the team and coaches bonded over a delicious Kosher meal hosted by Sensei Avi.
The athletes also received team t-shirts courtesy of Dr. Sternberg and Masters team member Dr. Leeber Cohen displaying a beautiful design by Sensei Gary Rosenberg, U18 coach.
The workouts built enthusiasm as the athletes trained to get ready for M25 with instruction from the assembled group of senseis. The excitement for the upcoming Maccabi experience was palpable throughout, especially at the close of the event, as the team members wished each other safe travels home and “see you in Israel!”
Gary Rosenberg is the head coach of the U18 Karate Team. Between the U18, Open and Masters divisions, Maccabi USA will take 12 athletes and 2 coaches to Israel to compete in karate at the 2025 Maccabiah. Maccabi Media will provide extensive coverage here at www.maccabiusa.com and on our various social media platforms.