Saipe named as Maccabi GB sensei

Martial arts expert Andrew Saipe has been handed the task of chairing Team Maccabi GB’s judo and karate teams at the 2015 European Games in Berlin.

Named as Maccabi GB’s Chair of Combat Sports, he will also act as manager of the karate team and says he’s looking forward to the task ahead.

He said: “I’m extremely honoured & proud to have been appointed in my new role. Having attended the Maccabiah Games twice before, it’s difficult to explain what a tremendous experience it is to be involved. Representing British Jews on an international stage against other Jewish competitors who are at the top of their game, in so many different sports, is truly awesome.

“On a simple level, my mission is to have as many Jewish athletes involved in Martial Arts throughout the UK, under the Maccabi GB umbrella, with a view to representing Team Maccabi GB at forthcoming Maccabiah events. All martial arts are welcome to become involved but, at present, the European Maccabi Games will only feature Karate & Judo.”

Saipe has more than 25 years of Martial Arts experience, including training as a Karate 3rd Dan black belt, and has won a number of accolades as an England team member of the SKU AND SSU Associations.

He represented Team GB at the 1993 Maccabiah Games and won bronze in the open men’s heavyweight karate in 1997. He also chaired, managed and coached the team in Vienna in 2009 and again for the 19th Maccabiah Games in 2013, where GB returned home with a silver medal in the masters judo category.