Jose Manuel Cortes Leaves a Lasting Mark on World Judo

Jose Manuel Cortes is being remembered across the judo world after news of his passing brought sadness to the international community. A highly respected referee from Spain, he built a reputation in judo through decades of work marked by fairness, professionalism and deep commitment to the sport.

Former IJF Head Refereeing Director Juan Carlos Barcos paid tribute to his friend and colleague in emotional words, highlighting both his passion for judo and his humanity. Barcos said Jose Manuel was someone who lived for judo, helped the sport grow in Spain and beyond, and was always there for his friends.

That combination of technical excellence and personal warmth helped define Cortes’ place in the sport. The International Judo Federation described him as one of the most respected referees of his generation, a figure whose influence reached well beyond the competition tatami.

Across a long international career, Cortes officiated at three Olympic Games, an achievement reached by only a small number of referees. He also worked at World Judo Tour events, world championships and other major competitions, where he became known for calm authority and consistent decision-making.

What stood out was not only his command of the rules, but the way he applied them. According to the tribute, he combined authority with humility and never lost sight of the spirit of judo.

His impact was felt far beyond the final call on the tatami.

European judo also recognized his level. In 2013, Cortes was named European Referee of the Year, underlining the regard in which he was held on the continent and internationally. But for many people who worked with him, the strongest memories are not only about awards or assignments. They are about a thoughtful, approachable person who was always ready to share what he knew.

After finishing his career as a referee, he stayed deeply involved in the sport. As an IJF Referee Supervisor and a member of the IJF Refereeing Commission, he helped educate and support new generations of international referees.

That role gave him another way to shape modern judo. His experience and judgment contributed to the standards of refereeing, while his mentoring helped keep fairness and respect at the center of competition.

Jose Manuel Cortes helped shape the people who now shape the sport.

The legacy he leaves is not limited to the events he officiated or the titles he held. It also lives in the referees he guided, the standards he helped strengthen and the many members of the judo community who benefited from his knowledge and generosity.

For Spanish judo, for European judo and for the wider international scene, this is the loss of a respected official, mentor and colleague. The IJF extended its condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the Spanish judo community.

Jose Manuel Cortes will be greatly missed, and his contribution to judo will not be forgotten.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation