Jiu-Jitsu Professor Reveals Touching Story of Deceased Cosplayer Danilo Palomino

Danilo Palomino, a 39-year-old cosplayer from Guayaquil, Ecuador, known in pop culture circles as the ‘Ryu guayaquileño’ or ‘Gordito Sushi,’ died suddenly on August 16, 2026. Beyond his passion for cosplay, Palomino discovered a profound sense of purpose, discipline, and happiness through the practice of jiu-jitsu over nearly six years.

Palomino first arrived at the Dojo Leo Iturralde academy in northern Guayaquil in 2014, seeking to learn jiu-jitsu. He presented a disability card and explained his financial limitations for class fees. His professor, Leonardo Iturralde, and his wife, recognizing Palomino's intellectual disability and hyperactivity, decided to offer him a scholarship. Iturralde recalled teaching Palomino as a "challenge" but also "fun," noting that Palomino sometimes required discipline due to his desire to be the center of attention.

Despite his challenges, Palomino found a strong sense of community and belonging at the academy. He became an integral part of the team, sharing, learning, and feeling accepted among peers united by their passion for martial arts. Iturralde shared personal anecdotes, mentioning that Palomino liked to be called "Perseo" and that his inspiration was Britney Spears.

Iturralde also revealed a secret he kept from Palomino, intending it solely to bring him joy. Palomino had competed multiple times but had never won a match, partly due to the absence of special categories for individuals with his characteristics. Iturralde's intention was to create a situation where Palomino could experience the happiness of winning, though the article does not detail how this was achieved.