On Sunday morning, the Multipurpose Palace hosted the Pepe Merino Judo Trophy, an event that in its first edition was a complete success and that everything seems to indicate that it was born to stay. The day, in addition to witnessing many fights on the three tatami mats placed in the Multipurpose Palace, served to pay tribute to the key figure of judo in Guadalajara, Pepe Merino, who 60 years ago (February 4, 1965) taught at the city the first class of this art.
The trophy was non-competitive, so all participants received a medal. After each and every judoka received their award, the most emotional moments of the morning began. First was the turn of a series of recognitions to important people in the world of judo. Quino Ruiz, world champion in 1984, European medalist and participant in the Olympic Games, received recognition. As a coach, among other successes, he is the coach of Fran Garrigós, Olympic medalist in Paris 2024. Jorge Cano, member of the national team and champion of the Zagreb Grand Prix in 2023, was also recognized, as well as the Jumadi school, Judo Galapagos, José Antonio Martín, Corredor del Henares School, Judo Club Pedro Muñoz, Pedro José Moreno and the Inokuma school in Guadalajara.
After Armengol Engonga, Sports Councilor of the Guadalajara City Council, gave a replica of the Palacio del Infantado to Pepe Merino, one of his first students, Salva Meléndez, presented him with the brown belt that Pepe Merino gave to Salva 60 years ago. It was also emotional when Pepe Merino himself received the framed black belt given to him by Rafa Ortega, 16-time champion of Spain, when he realized that Pepe was not wearing his black belt despite passing the exam. In short, a whole judo festival full of emotion.
