Judo

When we talk about perseverance, dedication, and passion for sports, the name Fran Garrigós stands out. This Spanish judoka has not only made his mark on the tatami but also in the hearts of those who follow his journey. With his recent bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Fran proves that the road to greatness is paved with effort, discipline, and a touch of humility.

More Than an Athlete, a Lover of Life

Although judo is his passion and profession, Fran has other hobbies that recharge his energy: practicing sports, enjoying action series, and spending time with his family. “I love traveling and indulging in a burger or pizza after a tough week of training,” he confesses. Favorite series? Anything action-packed to unwind after an intense session on the tatami.

The Origins of a Champion

Did you know Fran started practicing judo at just four years old? It was a decision made by his parents, and from the very beginning, he was hooked. His first mastered technique was the seoi nage, which quickly allowed him to stand out in children’s competitions. Since then, he has continued to grow and refine his technique.

Routines That Build Champions

Fran’s success is no coincidence; his training routine is relentless. From Monday to Friday, he trains twice daily: gym sessions in the morning and tatami sessions in the afternoon. Saturdays are reserved for physical conditioning, depending on the season. One of his recommendations for improving grips and throws is clear: pull-ups, rope climbing, and randoris (training matches).

His favorite technique is the sode tsurikomi goshi, a throw he perfects with constant repetition and grip variations. His advice for mastering it? Start with basic movements and gradually add resistance.

The Strategy of a Mental Warrior

Before facing an opponent, Fran thoroughly studies their matches, focusing on left-handed rivals like himself. “It’s key to know their strengths and weaknesses, but the most important thing is to stick to the planned strategy,” he explains. Additionally, he places great emphasis on ne-waza (ground techniques), as they can make all the difference in evenly matched bouts.

Regarding his mental preparation, he works with psychologist Pablo del Río, focusing on controlling what’s within his power and letting go of the pressure of outcomes. His pre-competition ritual is simple but powerful: stay present and avoid being distracted by what might happen next.

Moments That Define a Career

Among his most memorable matches is the semifinal of the 2023 World Championship against Takato, a favorite whom he managed to defeat to reach the final. But not everything has been easy. Fran vividly recalls his painful defeat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he was eliminated in the first match. That moment made him question whether to continue in judo, but he found in that frustration the motivation to come back stronger.

Beyond the Tatami: Life Lessons

For Fran, judo has been more than a sport—it has been a school of life. “The most important lesson it has taught me is that with effort, sacrifice, and discipline, you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” he affirms. Outside the tatami, he applies the principles of Kodokan, such as respect and efficiency, to everyday situations.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Fran is a living example that dreams can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. His advice for new judokas is to set clear short, medium, and long-term goals. While he acknowledges making mistakes early on, such as neglecting his weight or ignoring some technical advice, he values these experiences as essential parts of his learning process.

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Fran is clear: “Beyond the results, I’d like to improve judo in Spain and show the next generations that with hard work and effort, you can achieve whatever you set out to do.”

The Future of Judo and His Vision

With judo constantly evolving, Fran highlights the sport’s global growth and how more and more countries are reaching the podium. He’s convinced that judo will continue solidifying itself as one of the most competitive and professional sports on an international level.

A Legacy in the Making

Fran Garrigós is not just an Olympic medalist; he is an example of resilience and dedication. From his first steps in Brunete to claiming bronze in Paris 2024, his story inspires those seeking to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. With every match, Fran builds not only his own history but also a legacy that will take Spanish judo to new heights.

A judogi is more than just a uniform. It represents dedication, discipline, and respect in every training session. However, with time and frequent use, the judogi can start to wear out, lose color, or even develop unpleasant odors. Additionally, a poorly cared-for judogi can become a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially affecting your health and that of your training partners. That’s why having a proper cleaning and care routine is essential.

Essential Tips for Washing Your Judogi

Always wash it in cold water (maximum 40°C / 104°F)
Hot water can shrink the fabric and damage the fibers of your judogi. Always use cold water to protect its integrity without rubbing the fabric.

Avoid using the washing machine
While it’s a quick option, the washing machine can damage the fibers and the lapels of the uniform, especially in aggressive cycles. If you decide to use it, choose the gentlest cycle and make sure to turn your judogi inside out to protect the seams and patches.

Ventilation is key
If you can’t wash your judogi immediately after training, be sure to air it out. Hanging it outdoors will help prevent moisture buildup and bad odors. Odor is harder to remove if not addressed promptly.

How to Properly Dry Your Judogi

Drying is another crucial aspect. To keep your judogi in optimal condition:

Avoid direct sunlight
Sunlight can accelerate the fading process and deteriorate the fabric. Instead, hang it to dry in the shade, where there is good air circulation.

Don’t use a dryer
A dryer can shrink your judogi and damage the fabric, significantly reducing its lifespan.

Never wring it out
Letting it drip dry naturally will prevent distortions in the fabric and seams.

How to Remove Tough Stains Like Blood or Sweat

Blood and sweat stains are common in intense training sessions, but you shouldn’t leave them on your judogi. To remove them:

Use an appropriate detergent or stain remover
Be sure to check the labels of the products you use and choose one suitable for your judogi’s fabric. If it’s made of pure cotton (100% cotton), you shouldn’t exceed 30°C (86°F) when washing.

Follow the stain remover instructions
Most of these products indicate the amount to use and the required action time. If the stain persists after the first attempt, repeat the process until it’s completely gone.

Additional Recommendations

We recommend having two judogis
If your judo training is intense, having at least two judogis will allow you to alternate between them. This will reduce wear and tear from frequent washing and prolong their durability.

Don’t use bleach or harsh detergents
Even for white judogis, it’s better to use a proper stain remover that respects the fabric. Bleach or harsh detergents can damage the judogi and speed up its deterioration.

Wash your belt and judogi separately
It’s important not to mix these items to avoid color bleeding. You can handwash the belt to prevent it from losing color and shrinking.

All cotton garments shrink in the wash
We recommend consulting your distributor or club coach for advice on the right size.

Conclusion

Caring for your judogi is not just a matter of hygiene; it’s a sign of respect for your martial art, your dojo, and your fellow practitioners. By following these washing and care tips, you’ll keep your uniform in excellent condition for a long time, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your development on the tatami.

Summer vacation is over, and we are back to our usual routine.
If you are considering a new activity to improve your physical fitness, we would like to introduce you to Judo.

Judo originated in Japan and has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world. (Fran Garrigos of Team Daedo won the bronze medal at this year’s Paris Olympics 2024!)

Here are three advantages of starting Judo:

1. A Sport Where Height and Build Do Not Matter

Judo is a sport where a smaller person can defeat a larger person. By mastering attacking and defensive techniques and performing them well, you can win or lose a match regardless of your size.

2. Mental and Physical Training

In addition to physical conditioning, Judo also teaches courtesy and respect. Judo emphasizes appreciating your opponent. Even as rivals, practitioners develop a spirit of sportsmanship and gratitude, which fosters personal growth.

3. Making Friends

Judo is a sport that relies on an opponent, making it a great way to meet and socialize with others. Training in Judo provides an opportunity to connect with people and creates a community outside of school or work.

What Do You Need to Start Judo?

Starting Judo is quite simple. All you need is a Judogi (uniform) and a belt, that’s it!
Judogi prices vary by manufacturer, but if you are new to Judo, Daedo’s JUDOGI for beginners (JU1108) is an excellent choice.

It is affordably priced for beginners and available in a wide range of sizes for both children and adults.

Why not explore a new world of learning through Judo?