His name is Quino Ruiz. Until two years ago he had the record as best male judoka ever in Spanish judo. He was European champion, world championship runner-up and for many years he was the Spanish number one in his category. Now he is a coach and in his hands he has a diamond that was rough and is now one of the most sought-after jewels on the market. Friends call him Niko.
Quino and Niko: friends, confidants, student and sensei, second father and adopted son, nail and flesh, the shy and the outgoing. It’s a great cocktail: explosive, Spanish fury.
We know the history of these two men, some details, a secret or two. What fascinates us is the degree of absolute trust, of blind faith, that exists between them. When one speaks the other nods. They agree because they understand each other, as if the destiny of both were to travel together the path whose kilometre zero is located in the Caucasus, specifically in Georgia.
Nikoloz Sherazadishvili was born there 25 years ago. The rest is well known; the war between Russia and Georgia, the exile and death of his father. Nikoloz landed in Spain at the age of fifteen and with an uncertain future in a town near Madrid.
For seventy years Brunete has been known as the headquarters of the most prestigious cavalry regiment in the Spanish army. Since 2018, no one talks about tanks anymore and everyone associates the name of the town with judo.
“When I saw Niko on the mat, I immediately understood that he had an immense talent,” confesses Quino. There were years of work and sacrifice, of learning different customs. Spanish judo does not swim in economic abundance. Resources are lacking, it is not a secret. Quino takes from his pocket what is needed and whenever it is necessary to cover holes, always thinking about his pupils. It is an almost artisanal system.
"I will never say no to Quino," says Niko. “I neither can, nor do I want to. I owe him everything." It is what is called loyalty, affection and respect.
In 2018 Niko restored Quino's confidence by winning a first world title in the history of Spanish men's judo. The world discovered an educated, agreeable boy and a depository of offensive judo. The diamond became a jewel, although a detail or two still had to be polished.
"In the first round, he's always a bit nervous," says Quino. "So am I."
Niko likes to attack, his judo philosophy does not contemplate winning otherwise, he does not like shidos. “If there is no other option, I accept it, especially when the adversary refuses to attack, but I do not like that way. Judo is a combat sport and the goal is to score ippon."
Three years have passed. Niko is no longer one of many. He has been the leader in –90kg ever since, without interruption. He has won tournaments and specialists agree that he is the best in his category.
"Now everyone is afraid of him and is analysing him," says Quino. It is the price of glory.
It is obvious that we would ask about the final in Budapest: Niko against Davlat Bobonov (UZB).
“Bobonov is very fast and has an explosive seoi-nage. We know him well; Niko knows what to do."
Quino never raises his voice, he is sparing with words, but he always aims well and does not make superfluous comments.
We have already reported the final. From now on Niko is the most awarded judoka in Spanish judo history, with two world titles.
On the other hand, we have not spoken of Quino's tears. The number of victories does not matter. Each medal is a reminder of the consensual sacrifices, the enormous amount of sweat and the difficulties of competing at the highest level without counting on the same conditions as the richest countries. They are not tears of revenge or resentment, quite the contrary. Quino is a rock, but a sentimental one, a good person.
Japanese television has interviewed Niko twice in three days. "He's very famous in Japan," says Mariko, who coordinates, questions, and translates all the interviews for Fuji Films.
Niko appears and right away announces the keynote to all media. "These are the best World Championships in Spain’s history." Because the story of Niko and Quino is also the history of Francisco Garrigós, Julia Figueroa and Ana Pérez Box, all medalists in Budapest. It is the story of those who are there, but do not win, not this time, but they support, console and encourage with words or with their mere presence.
It is the history of judo that comes from every region of Spain. It is the story of great coaches and even better men, Sugoi Uriarte and Quino Ruiz and also judoka María Bernabeu, Alberto Gaitero, Laura Martínez, Salvador Cases, José María Mendiola, Alfonso Urquiza, Cristina Cabaña, Isabel Puche and Sara Alvarez. It is the story of a team that, for the first time in history, occupies second place on the world championship medal table, after 5 days of competition.
It is a modest budget for a team with huge ambitions. They are young people who fight with their hearts and guts, who apply established tactics and push their own limits. It is a matter of will, confidence and self-esteem. We call it judo, values and education. In Spain they call it fury.
