Legendary Spanish Judoka Javier Delgado Receives 7th Dan

Earlier this week former competitor Javier Delgado received his 7th Dan. This will come as no surprise who remember him competing in the 2010’s era with his best result being a silver medal in the Continental Open. Those who follow Spanish judo will know that Delgado is an 8-time national champion with 12 national medals in total.

Sharing the post to Instagram, we can see the moment when Delgado is awarded his 7th Dan by his sensei Eugenio, the same man who awarded him a black belt over 30 years prior.

A rough translation of the caption from Delgado is as follows: “A special, beautiful, exciting day, surrounded by people I love and who I know love me. For all of you I dedicate this 7 • Dan. For the people who are by my side day by day and endure this crazy that I am without hours or measure.
I will try to stay good judoka, working on the line that I think our sport should go. Safeguarding the rules you do years taught me my elders “old school judokas” carriers of the legacy of Jigoro Kano (every day I like that judo more, is it that I’m getting old) I will try to evolve and adapt to these new times but without stopping looking for the rearview mirror, nor letting anyone disrespect me even if it makes me uncomfortable in some areas. I will continue with my character and personality that’s what I promise you for the road ahead of me with this new degree. Looking forward to keep learning and improving as judoka.
P.s. Thanks to “the teacher Eugenio” for coming and making the effort to accompany me. Over 3 decades ago you put my black 1•dan belt on and today you put this on me… “How strange is life”.