About our club
Maccabi Rephael Tel Aviv: a club that grows with its athletes, from their first class to the international stage.
Our story
Professional judo. Personal growth. One community.
In 2009, Itai Goren founded the club as Rephael Center in memory of his father, Rephael Goren. Lotan Alkobi, his childhood friend and longtime training partner, joined him about two years later. They trained together as members of Israel's national judo team and at the Wingate Institute's sports academy.
Olympic bronze medalist and four-time European champion Arik Zeevi later joined the coaching team. Together, they combine experience coaching children and teenagers with the demands of international competition. Shira Hayat coaches in the club's team and Olympic class.
In 2022, the club began working with Maccabi Tel Aviv and adopted its current name, Maccabi Rephael Tel Aviv. This partnership marked another step in the club’s growth and the expansion of its professional program.
Today, the club brings together neighborhood classes across Tel Aviv, advanced teams and athletes competing in Israel and abroad. Respect, perseverance and mutual support are part of every stage.
A path for every age
From first steps to the competitive team
Classes welcome girls and boys from age four, with groups suited to age and experience. Younger children discover movement, balance and the fundamentals of judo through engaging training. As they develop, technical skills and competition opportunities are introduced at the right pace.
Athletes who want to pursue competitive judo can join advanced teams, training camps and competitions. The connection between neighborhood classes and the central training program at Hadar Yosef gives young athletes room to grow within a familiar club.
The coaching team
National-team experience and everyday personal attention
Itai Goren and Lotan Alkobi lead the club. Both are former members of Israel's national judo team with years of experience coaching children and developing competitive athletes.
Arik Zeevi coaches the club's competitive team. He won Olympic bronze in Athens in 2004 and was European champion four times. Alongside the wider coaching team, the club combines high professional standards with personal support for each athlete.
Shira Hayat brings her experience as a former national-team athlete to the club team and Olympic class. Coaches who grew up in the club also help guide the next generation.
Beyond the mat
A club and a community
Training, competitions and camps create friendships that last. We aim to offer each child a place to belong, while giving ambitious athletes the tools to reach their potential.
The club also takes part in community activities, including adapted judo opportunities and volunteer projects.
Ready to begin?