Piauí's Judoist pioneer, Abdias Queiroz, dies at the age of 88

CBJ extends its sympathies to the family and friends at this difficult time.

Brazilian judo said goodbye, this Saturday, 17th, to one of its great masters and enthusiasts. Abdias Queiroz, a pioneer of judo in Piauí, died at the age of 88, in Teresina, due to complications of an abdominal surgery. This information was confirmed by his son Danys Queiroz, vice president of the Brazilian Judo Federation.  

Born in Quixadá, Ceará, Abdias came to Teresina in the early 1970s to work as a self-defense instructor for the Piauí Military Police. After settling in the new state, he brought his family, who had remained in Ceará, and began teaching his children judo at home, using improvised tatami and judogis. He trained nine black-belt children and helped spread judo throughout the state.  

In 2012, he saw Sarah Menezes become an Olympic champion, trained by one of his students, Expedito Falcão. For his dedication to the sport, he received several honors throughout his life, including the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch in Rio 2016 and the title of Citizen of Piauí in 2015.  

The CBJ praises the legacy left by Abdias Queiroz in promoting the philosophy and values of judo and supports the family, friends and students of the teacher during this difficult time of grief and farewell. 

The wake will be held at the Pax e União Funeral Home in Teresina from 8 p.m., and the burial will take place at the Jardim da Ressurreição Cemetery in Teresina at 10 a.m. on Sunday the 18th.