Founded in 1957, making it one of the city's oldest sports clubs, the Dojo Nantais is now one of the biggest in France, with 1,200 members. "We attract members from beyond Nantes, but our local involvement is recognized," explains Renaud Brossard, who has been president for the past four years. The Dojo Nantais attracts fighters from all over the Loire-Atlantique department. At present, the club's activities are spread over four sites, in order to maintain a strong presence in the neighborhoods and to continue the development of judo and associated disciplines.

"As the President of the French Judo Federation has said, the Pro League helps to bring judo back to the heart of the country," adds Renaud Brossard, for whom the new competition has "added value in terms of brand awareness, which brings in private partners". Until now, however, "it was difficult to publicize our discipline in its traditional form, because a day of competition is long and not always attractive".

While he is not keen to keep his top players "at all costs", the manager at least wants to "offer them a choice". For example, world bronze medallist Manon Deketer spent three seasons in the Pays de la Loire before joining Etoile Sportive du Blanc-Mesnil. The manager also cites Barbara Harel, a native of Nantes and double European champion in 2000 and 2006.