Spain has long been known for producing some of the best judo players in the world. From Olympic champions to World Champions, Spain has consistently put out some of the best judo players in the world.
With a rich history of success in the sport, it is no surprise that some of the best judo players in the world come from Spain. From the early days of judo to the present, Spanish judo players have consistently proven their worth in the international arena.
From Olympic gold medalists to World Champions, Spain has produced some of the most impressive judo players of all time. In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the best judo players from Spain.
So, without further ado, let’s get to learning about the best judo players from Spain.
1. Nikoloz Sherazadishvili
Nikoloz Sherazadishvili is a world-renowned judoka who was born in Georgia. He is one of the few athletes to have competed at the highest level of international judo in both Europe and the United States.
He is a member of the Spanish national judo team and has competed at the highest level in both countries. He has won numerous medals competing in both the European and World Judo Championships.
In 2021, he won a bronze medal at the European Judo Championships and became the first Georgian judoka to win a medal at the event.
He has also competed in the World Judo Championships, winning a bronze medal in 2016. In addition to his success in the competitive arena, Nikoloz is also an accomplished coach.
He has coached the Spanish National team since 2009 and has also been a coach at the University of Barcelona. He is a highly sought-after coach and has trained numerous Olympic and World champions. Nikoloz has been a major influence in the judo world.
He has a deep understanding of the sport and has been instrumental in developing the sport in both Spain and Georgia. He is a respected member of the judo community and has been credited with helping to create an international network of coaches and athletes.
His work in the field of judo has been hailed by many as a major contribution to the sport.
2. Julia Figueroa
Julia Figueroa is a Spanish judoka who has competed on the international stage. She first competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women’s 48 kg event. Unfortunately, she was eliminated in the second round by Dayaris Mestre Álvarez.
Despite this setback, Julia continued to train and hone her craft and was rewarded in 2021 when she competed in the women’s 48 kg event at the 2021 Judo World Masters in Doha, Qatar.
This competition is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport of judo, and she should be applauded for her hard work and determination.
3. Kenji Uematsu
Kenji Uematsu is a judoka from Spain who has a unique background. His father is Japanese and his mother is Spanish, which makes him the perfect combination of both cultures. Kenji has a younger brother, Kiyoshi, who has also become a professional judoka.
This is not a surprise, as Kenji likely inspired Kiyoshi to pursue the sport. Both brothers have achieved great success in judo, competing in various tournaments around the world. Kenji and Kiyoshi are a testament to the power of family and culture in the world of sports.
They have shown that no matter what your background is, you can be successful if you have the right support system and dedication to your dream.
4. Isabel Fernández
María Isabel Fernández Gutiérrez is a Spanish judoka and a highly decorated athlete. She is a winner of numerous accolades, including the Olympic gold medal in the lightweight division at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, and an Olympic bronze medal in 1996.
She is also a world champion and six-time European champion. María Isabel’s career has spanned over many years, and she has achieved a great deal of success.
Her Olympic gold medal in Sydney was a great accomplishment, and her bronze medal in 1996 was also a proud moment for her. Additionally, she has won the world championship and six European championships, demonstrating her commitment to her sport and her dedication to excellence.
María Isabel’s success is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has been a role model for aspiring judokas, showing them that dedication and hard work can lead to great successes.
She is an inspiration to people from all walks of life and is a shining example of how to reach greatness through perseverance and dedication.
5. Sara Álvarez
Sara Yaneisy Álvarez Menéndez is a Spanish former judoka who had an impressive career in the world of judo. She was able to participate in three Olympic Games, which is an impressive feat for any athlete.
She competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
She was one of the few judokas to compete in multiple Olympics and she was able to make a name for herself in the international judo community. Her dedication and commitment to judo was remarkable and she will always be remembered for her achievements in the sport.
6. Kiyoshi Uematsu
Kiyoshi Uematsu Treviño is a Spanish judoka with a unique heritage. His father is from Japan, and his mother is from Spain, making Kiyoshi a product of two distinct cultures. His older brother, Kenji, is also a professional judoka, making them a judo-practicing family.
Kiyoshi has likely been exposed to both Japanese and Spanish culture since a young age, which may have impacted his decision to pursue judo professionally.
His multicultural background likely gives him a unique perspective on the sport, which he has likely been able to share with his brother. The two siblings have likely been able to learn from each other and draw inspiration from each other’s different approaches to judo.
With both Kiyoshi and Kenji as competitors, the Uematsu Treviño family is a force to be reckoned with in the world of judo.
7. Almudena Muñoz
Almudena Muñoz Martínez is a renowned former judoka competitor from Spain. She is best known for winning the gold medal in the women’s –52 kg division at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
Muñoz’s incredible performance at the 1992 Olympics was just the beginning of her successful career in judo. She also went on to compete in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States.
Although she did not win a medal in that competition, her presence in the international event was a testament to her determination and ability. Muñoz’s legacy in judo continues to this day, and she is an inspiration to many aspiring judokas around the world.
8. Ana Pérez Box
Ana Perez Box is a world-class judoka from Spain. She achieved great success in 2021 when she won the silver medal in the women’s 52 kg event at the World Judo Championships held in Budapest, Hungary.
This was an incredible accomplishment for Ana, as it was her second major world title in two years. Previously, she had won the silver medal at the 2019 Judo Grand Slam in Ekaterinburg, Russia, in the -52 kg category.
Ana is an inspiration to many judokas around the world and her performance is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her success at the World Judo Championships in 2021 is a further testament to her skill and determination.
She is an example of what can be achieved with passion and commitment.
9. Laura Gómez
Laura Gómez is a highly accomplished Spanish judoka. She represented her country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women’s 52 kg event. Gómez put in a commendable effort at the Olympics but was eventually eliminated in the second round by the Romanian judoka, Andreea Chițu.
Gómez is a proud athlete who has trained hard to reach the Olympics, and despite her elimination, her efforts were greatly appreciated by her country.
She is an inspirational figure for all judokas and athletes, as she has demonstrated that dedication and hard work can lead to great success.
10. María Bernabéu
María Bernabéu Avomo is a Spanish judoka with Equatoguinean roots. She has been competing for Spain for many years, and she was part of the Spanish team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Recently, she was selected to represent Spain again at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, where she was part of the women’s 70 kg event. Her presence in this event is a great accomplishment and a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport of judo.
She is an inspiration to many athletes, and her success is sure to motivate others to strive for greatness.
11. Carlos Sotillo
Carlos Sotillo is a Spanish judoka or practitioner of the Japanese martial art of judo. He is a highly accomplished judoka, having competed at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics.
Representing Spain at these three Olympic Games, Sotillo gained recognition due to his impressive performance in the competition. At the 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, Sotillo competed in the men’s 95kg category.
Despite not achieving a medal, he was able to demonstrate his skills and his proficiency in the martial art.
Two years later, at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, he was able to secure a bronze medal, becoming the first Spanish judoka to win an Olympic medal and the first Spaniard to win a medal in judo. In 1992, Sotillo competed in the Barcelona Summer Olympics, becoming the first Spanish athlete to compete in three consecutive Olympic Games.
Although he was unable to win any medals, his performance once again demonstrated his expertise in the martial art. His commitment and dedication to judo over the course of his Olympic career has been an inspiration to many aspiring judokas.
12. José Antonio Cecchini
José Antonio Cecchini is a renowned retired Spanish Wrestler. He had the honor of representing his country in Sambo, Judo and Greco-Roman Wrestling. In 1979 and 1981, he achieved a great feat by winning a gold medal at the World Sambo Championships.
Furthermore, in 1980, he participated in the Summer Olympics in judo, though he was unfortunately eliminated in the second round by Slavko Obadov from Yugoslavia. José Antonio Cecchini has undoubtedly made a remarkable contribution to his country’s wrestling history.
His achievements are a testament to his skill and dedication to his sport.
13. David Alarza
David Alarza Palacios is a Spanish judoka who has been involved with the sport since a very young age. He first began practicing judo at the Judo Brunete Club in Brunete, Spain. From a young age, Alarza demonstrated an impressive aptitude for the martial art.
He displayed great focus and dedication to the sport, which has allowed him to excel in his judo career. Alarza has competed in tournaments both nationally and internationally, winning numerous awards and medals.
He has also trained with some of the world’s best judoka, further developing his skills and technique.
His hard work and dedication have paid off, and he has become one of the most accomplished Spanish judoka in the world. While Alarza is highly focused on judo, he also makes time for other activities.
He has taken part in numerous charity events and fundraising activities and is committed to giving back to the community.
He also spends time helping new judoka hone their skills, showing them the same enthusiasm and dedication he had as a young judoka. David Alarza Palacios is a true testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
His accomplishments in judo, as well as his involvement in his community, have made him an inspiration to many. He has shown that with a strong will and determination, anything is possible.
14. Joaquín Ruiz
Joaquín Ruiz is a Spanish judoka, an athlete who practices the martial art of judo. He is best known for competing in the Summer Olympics, which take place every four years. Ruiz participated in the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Summer Olympics, representing his home country of Spain.
During these Olympic Games, he competed against judokas from all over the world in the sport of judo. In judo, athletes use throws, joint locks, and other techniques to score points and win matches. It is an exciting sport that requires a great deal of skill and strength.
Joaquín Ruiz used his years of training and experience to compete against judokas from many different countries.
He was able to make it to the Olympics three times, a great accomplishment for any athlete. Throughout his Olympic career, Ruiz was able to establish himself as a strong competitor in the sport of judo.
Though he was not able to achieve any medal wins, he was able to represent Spain proudly and show the world his skill and athleticism. His hard work and dedication to the sport of judo made him an important figure in the world of judo.
Joaquín Ruiz is a true inspiration to those who dream of competing in the Olympics.
15. Miriam Blasco
Miriam Blasco Soto is an incredible athlete from Alicante, Spain. She is a professional judo competitor and represented her country at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Her achievements were outstanding, as she won the gold medal in the Women’s Judo 56 kg division.
Her success was recognized and celebrated in her hometown of Alicante, with a major street in the city being named after her; La Avenida Miriam Blasco.
This honour is a testament to the hard work and dedication Miriam has put into judo, and her inspiring accomplishments will no doubt continue to motivate athletes from all over the world.
16. Francisco Garrigos
Francisco Garrigos Rosa is a Spanish judoka who achieved a great milestone in his career in 2023. He won the gold medal in the men’s 60 kg event at the World Judo Championships held in Doha, Qatar.
This was a great accomplishment for him and a testament to his skills and dedication. In 2016, he had the opportunity to compete at the Summer Olympics in the men’s 60 kg event. Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the second round by Tobias Englmaier.
Despite the setback, Francisco Garrigos Rosa still remains a successful judoka who has achieved many great accomplishments in his career. He is an inspiration to many aspiring judokas who are looking to make it to the Olympics.
17. León Villar
León Villar was an accomplished Spanish judoka, competing at two Olympic Games. He was one of the most successful athletes from Spain, earning medals at both the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.
At the 1992 Games in Barcelona, he won the bronze medal in the men’s half-middleweight judo event. Four years later, at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Villar once again earned a bronze medal in the men’s half-middleweight judo event.
Villar’s success at the Olympics made him a popular figure within his home country, and he was recognized for his athletic prowess. He was a role model for many young Spanish judokas, and his success served as an inspiration to aspiring athletes from Spain.
His legacy in the sport continues to this day, as many Spanish judokas strive to emulate his success.
18. Ana Carrascosa
Ana Carrascosa Zaragoza is a Spanish judoka who has achieved great success at the international level in the women’s 52 kg category. She has won a bronze medal at the World Judo Championships on two occasions.
At the European level, Carrascosa has earned a gold medal at the European Championships, two silver medals, and one bronze medal. This impressive list of accomplishments is a testament to her skill and dedication in the sport of judo.
Carrascosa’s success at the World Judo Championships has been especially impressive. Winning two bronze medals at the tournament is an incredible feat. It demonstrates her ability to consistently perform at a high level in the face of tough competition.
Her success at the European Championships shows that she is not only a world-class competitor but also a top competitor in her home continent. Overall, Carrascosa has had an impressive career as a judoka.
Her numerous successes at the World and European level are proof of her skill and determination. To achieve this level of success requires hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the sport.
Ana Carrascosa Zaragoza is clearly a judoka with the tenacity and drive to succeed.
19. Sugoi Uriarte
Sugoi Uriarte Marcos is a Spanish judoka who has achieved great success in the sport. He has won a silver medal at the 2009 World Judo Championships and competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. At the 2012 Olympics, he made it all the way to the semifinals.
He has been involved in judo since he was five years old, and is currently married to fellow Olympics judoka Laura Gómez. Uriarte is trained by Laura’s father, showing his commitment to the sport and his dedication to becoming the best judoka he can be.
Uriarte has achieved a great amount of success in his judo career and continues to hone his skills in order to compete at the highest level.
20. Cecilia Blanco
Cecilia Blanco is a Spanish judoka who has competed in two Summer Olympics. Her first Olympic appearance was in 2004 in Athens, where she competed in the 70 kg event. Unfortunately, she was eliminated from the competition after losing the repechage semifinals to Qin Dongya.
Her second Olympic appearance was in 2012 in London, where she was once again eliminated from the competition after losing her second match to Raša Sraka.
Blanco is an impressive athlete who has earned the respect of her peers by persevering and competing in two of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. Her dedication and passion for judo have no doubt been a catalyst for her success.
21. Ignacio Sanz
Ignacio Sanz Paz is a retired Spanish judoka who had a successful career as an Olympic athlete. He competed in the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics, representing Spain in the sport of judo.
During the 1980 Olympics, Ignacio achieved a remarkable result by placing fifth overall, a remarkable feat for a Spanish athlete at the time. He also competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics, although he was unable to replicate his success from four years prior.
Despite his lack of success in the 1984 Olympics, Ignacio’s fifth-place finish in 1980 remains a highlight of his career. His success is a testament to the dedication and hard work that he put into his training and competition.
His legacy in the sport of judo will continue to serve as an inspiration to aspiring judokas in Spain and around the world.
22. Óscar Peñas
Óscar Peñas García is an exceptional athlete who has competed in the Summer Olympics three times. He is a male judoka from Spain and has competed in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Summer Olympics, making him one of the most decorated Spanish athletes in history.
He has trained extensively in the martial art of judo, which is a form of unarmed combat for sport. His success in the Summer Olympics has been largely attributed to his dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence.
He is an inspiration to many young athletes and is an exemplary model of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
It is a testament to his strength of character and skill that he was able to compete in three consecutive Summer Olympics, an achievement that is not easily accomplished.
23. Vanesa Arenas
Vanesa Arenas is a Spanish judoka, a practitioner of the martial art of judo. She has competed at the highest levels of the sport, including the 2000 Summer Olympics.
At the games, Arenas competed in the women’s extra-lightweight event, which is one of the weight classes in judo. This particular event allows competitors to weigh in at a maximum of 48 kilograms (105.8 pounds).
She was one of the first Spanish judoka to compete at an Olympic level, and her performance at the games was a great success. She was able to make it to the quarterfinals, and her overall showing was an impressive one.
She has since retired from judo competition, but her legacy as one of Spain’s first Olympic judokas remains.
24. Begoña Gómez
Begoña Gómez Martín is an accomplished Spanish judoka and former Olympian. She was born in Madrid, Spain, and has made a name for herself in the judo world. Gómez is highly respected in the sport and is the wife of Carlos Sotillo, a three-time Olympic judoka.
Gómez has been involved in judo for over 20 years, starting her training when she was just a child. She has achieved many accomplishments in the sport, including winning a bronze medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
She has also won several national and international championships, including the Spanish National Championship and the European Championship.
In addition to her athletic success, Gómez has also been involved in judo coaching, and has served as a coach for the Spanish National Team. Gómez’s husband, Carlos Sotillo, is also a renowned judoka with an impressive Olympic record.
He is a three-time Olympic judoka, having competed in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Summer Olympics.
In addition to his Olympic success, he has also won several international championships, including the European Open Championship in 2002. Together, Gómez and Sotillo have been a successful judo couple.
With their combined knowledge and experience, they have been able to help each other reach their goals. They are both passionate about the sport of judo and have worked hard to promote its growth and development.
They have also used their influence to mentor young judokas and help them reach their own goals.
Conclusion
The best judo players in Spain are some of the best in the world.
Their commitment to the sport and their impressive results have earned them a place in the world of judo. They have achieved success both nationally and internationally, and have set the bar for excellence in the sport.
Their accomplishments have also served to inspire the next generation of judo players in Spain.
