In the world of judo, few names carry the quiet strength and enduring passion of Eduardo Garcia. A Portuguese judoka whose journey spans more than half a century, Eduardo is a man whose life has been inseparable from the tatami.
It all began when he was just six years old. An energetic child, Eduardo was first introduced to judo by his mother in a bid to channel his liveliness into discipline. Little did she know, she had placed him on a path that would define the course of his life. By twelve, Eduardo had already tasted victory, winning his first competition in Portugal. From there, he climbed the ranks, representing the Portuguese national team from the age of 16 until a serious knee injury at 26 abruptly ended his competitive career. But where others might have seen an end, Eduardo saw a new beginning.
“I broke my knee,” – he recalls with the pragmatism of someone who has weathered many storms. “It was a difficult surgery but I liked refereeing at the time, it filled the void. I had big dreams as an athlete but refereeing became my new way to serve judo.”
And serve it he did. Eduardo went on to referee at the highest levels: World Championships, Grand Slams, European Championships, and no fewer than three Paralympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016). A testament to his sharp eye, calm demeanour, and unconditional love for the sport, refereeing became as much a calling as competing ever was. Yet, Eduardo’s story doesn’t end at refereeing. In 2003, he embraced a new challenge, veteran competition. That same year, he became European Champion, a title he reclaimed in 2023 and 2025, proving that class is indeed permanent. Across two decades, he has earned several veteran European medals and a veteran world title on home soil (Lisbon 2021).
Remarkably, Eduardo has balanced his veteran career with refereeing and coaching. “My life is judo,” he says simply. He is guided athletes like Nuno Antonio and his own wife, Beatriz Martin, an Olympian and veteran World medallist herself, not to mention their son, who also follows the judo way. Eduardo’s commitment extends beyond the mat. As President of the Lisbon Federation and a physical education teacher for students aged 3 to 18, he lives the values of judo daily. At Fundação Salesianos, his Lisbon-based judo club, he continues to nurture the next generation of judoka and his motivation does not seem to fade: “I like the fight,” – he smiles. “Judo is brutal, but it is a very good education. It is not easy for the body but it gives so much more.”
Through shifting rules, changing roles, and the inevitable wear of time, Eduardo has remained steadfast. “If my body allows, I will continue. My only limit is the body, and sometimes the money,” – he laughs, referencing the travel costs of international competition. His eyes are now set on the veteran worlds in Paris, where he plans to compete once more. As a competitor, a referee, a coach, a leader, he is a living embodiment of judo’s spirit and a true treasure of the European judo community.
Author: Szandra Szogedi