Yaakov Friedman Builds World-Class Fencing Champions From Small Galilee Town
Yaakov Friedman, 71, is the driving force behind Maccabi Ma'alot, a fencing club in the small mixed Jewish-Arab city of Ma'alot-Tarshiha in northern Israel. Since founding the club in 1994, Friedman has transformed it into a global fencing powerhouse, producing over 44 medals in world and European championships and more than 100 World Cup medals. The club, located in a modest 65-year-old hall near Ma'alot's water tower, trains around 60 fencers annually, mostly children and youth recruited from schools, sports centers, and the streets.
Friedman’s approach combines relentless dedication, personal investment, and a unique talent identification method. He personally scouts potential athletes, sometimes inviting children directly from school or even those seen loitering with cigarettes. His coaching style is highly individualized, adapting training to each athlete’s personality and physical traits rather than enforcing a rigid system. He also provides free personal training sessions to ensure no child is excluded due to financial constraints.
Originally from Belarus, Friedman immigrated to Israel in 1990 after facing discrimination and hardship in the Soviet Union. Starting with minimal resources, he built the club with support from the local municipality, which invested in facilities and an athletes’ dormitory. The club’s success is also attributed to the influx of Russian-speaking immigrants who brought fencing expertise and a culture of discipline and commitment.
Among the club’s notable athletes are Jonathan Cohen and Dov Wilensky, who recently contributed to Israel’s historic fourth-place finish at the senior World Championships. Other champions include Nicole Feigin and Alexandra (Sasha) Kravitz, who have won European and World medals. Friedman’s athletes often continue their careers abroad, especially in the United States, where they receive scholarships and professional opportunities unavailable in Israel.
Despite tensions with the Israeli Fencing Association and reluctance to integrate fully into the national system, Friedman remains committed to his vision of excellence from a peripheral town. He emphasizes the importance of balancing sport with education and preparing athletes for life beyond fencing. The club also fosters a strong community spirit, involving families and creating a supportive environment that extends beyond the sport itself.
Looking ahead, Friedman is determined to continue coaching and nurturing new talent, confident that his club can produce Olympic-level fencers for the 2028 Games and beyond.
