Brazilian judo is recognized worldwide for its excellence and for the great talents that have emerged over the years. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Brazilian male judokas of all time, highlighting their achievements, curiosities, life trajectories and legacies that have made them icons of the sport.
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Best Brazilian male judokas of all time: a bit about the fight
The history of judo in Brazil dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when Japanese immigrants brought with them not only their culture, but also their martial arts;
Judo was introduced to the country by Japanese masters who settled in various regions, spreading the teachings and techniques of the gentle art.
In the early years of the spread of judo in Brazil, pioneers such as Geo Omori, who founded the first judo dojo in the country in 1922, and Ryuzo Ogawa, responsible for spreading judo in the northeastern region of Brazil, stood out;
Continue reading to discover the best Brazilian male judokas of all time!
These trailblazers faced challenges and prejudice, but planted the seeds for the growth and development of Brazilian judo.
From the 1950s onwards, judo began to consolidate itself as a sporting practice and philosophy of life in Brazil;
Judo clubs and academies were founded all over the country, providing an environment conducive to training and competition. The creation of the Brazilian Judo Confederation in 1969 was an important milestone for the organization and promotion of the sport.
Continue reading to discover the best Brazilian male judokas of all time!
In the following decades, Brazilian judo rose to international prominence, winning medals and titles in prestigious competitions such as the Olympic Games, World Championships and Pan American Games.
Judokas like Aurélio Miguel, Rogério Sampaio, Tiago Camilo, Sarah Menezes, Mayra Aguiar and Rafaela Silva have stood out as ambassadors for Brazilian judo, taking the country’s name to the top of world podiums.
Read on to discover the best Brazilian male judokas of all time!
Best Brazilian male judokas of all time
See our list of the best Brazilian male judokas of all time:
1. Flávio Canto
Titles: Olympic medalist, World Champion.
Team: Instituto Reação.
Curiosities: he founded the Reação Institute, a social project that uses judo as a tool for social inclusion.
History: born in 1975 in Rio de Janeiro, Canto started judo at the age of 7 and went on to become one of the biggest names in the sport in Brazil.
Highest record: bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
2. Aurelio Miguel
Titles: 2x Olympic Medalist, World Champion.
Team: Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.
Curiosities: he was the first Brazilian to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.
History: Born in 1964 in São Paulo, Aurélio started judo at the age of 11 and went on to become a legend of the sport.
Highest record: gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
3. João Derly
Titles: 2x World Champion, Olympic Medalist.
Team: Grêmio Náutico União.
Curiosities: he was the first Brazilian to win two world judo titles.
History: born in 1981 in Porto Alegre, Derly started judo at the age of 9 and became one of the best in the world in his category.
Highest record: World champion in 2005 and 2007.
4. Rogério Sampaio
Titles: Olympic medalist, World Champion.
Team: Clube Paineiras do Morumby.
Curiosities: he was the first Brazilian to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.
History: Born in 1967 in São Paulo, Sampaio started judo at the age of 8 and went on to become one of the biggest names in the sport in Brazil.
Highest record: gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
5. Tiago Camilo
Titles: 2x Olympic Medalist, World Champion.
Team: Instituto Reação.
Curiosities: he was the first Brazilian to win two Olympic medals in judo.
History: born in 1982 in São Paulo, Camilo started judo at the age of 5 and went on to become one of Brazil’s greatest judokas.
Highest record: silver medals at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics.
6. Leandro Guilheiro
Titles: Olympic medalist, World Champion.
Team: Clube Pinheiros.
Curiosities: he was a two-time world judo champion in 2007 and 2009.
History: Born in 1983 in São Paulo, Guilheiro started judo at the age of 7 and became one of the best in the world in his category.
Highest record: bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics
7. Carlos Honorato
Titles: Olympic medalist, World Champion.
Team: Esporte Clube Pinheiros.
Curiosities: he won the gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games.
History: born in 1970 in São Paulo, Honorato started judo at the age of 10 and became a benchmark in the sport.
Highest record: silver medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
8. Henrique Guimarães
Titles: Olympic medalist, World Champion.
Team: Instituto Reação.
Curiosities: won the bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
History: Born in 1972 in Rio de Janeiro, Guimarães started judo at the age of 6 and went on to become one of the sport’s biggest names.
Highest record: bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
9. Bruno Mendonça
Titles: Olympic medalist, World Champion.
Team: Associação de Judô Avenida.
Curiosities: he was the first Brazilian judoka to win a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
History: Born in 1980 in São Paulo, Mendonça started judo at the age of 8 and achieved international prominence during his career.
Highest record: bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
10. Daniel Cargnin
Title: Bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Curiosity: Cargnin started judo at the age of 5, inspired by his father, who is also his coach;
History: Born in 1997, Daniel Cargnin is a rising talent in Brazilian judo. He has won a number of national and international championships, standing out for his refined technique and determination in competition.
Highest record: bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
List of the 10 best Brazilian male judokas of all time
- Flávio Canto
- Aurélio Miguel
- João Derly
- Rogério Sampaio
- Tiago Camilo
- Leandro Guilheiro
- Carlos Honorato
- Henrique Guimarães
- Bruno Mendonça
- Daniel Cargnin
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