The Judo Pro League is back for a third season. On the program: more suspense and more adrenalin with highlights and spectacular encounters.

This year, 14 franchises will be vying for the title of French mixed-team champion. With just a few days to go before the resumption of France's first mixed professional league on October 8, we take a look at the teams involved. Find out all you need to know about the Judo des Hauts-de-France, Montpellier Judo Olympic and Dojo Nantais teams.

 

Judo des Hauts-de-France 

After a promising first year, Judo des Hauts-de-France is back in the Judo Pro League. The Nordic team has opted for continuity, with a squad similar to that of last year.

For Gérard Guilbault, President of the Ligue des Hauts-de-France, "a long story is underway" for this franchise which, under the impetus of its regional technical structure and with Lilian Barreyre at its head, continues to develop. After a year of discovery, the aim is now to structure the team's activity with the gradual arrival of sponsors and the mobilization of the Northern judoka community.

The Judo Pro League in Hauts-de-France is a collective affair, and clubs from all over the region are mobilized. "A regional team means that the best hopefuls are not concentrated in a single large club, which would avoid creating discontent among the others," explains Gérard Guilbault, who is also a club president. "I'm a great believer in this model, which avoids uprooting athletes and impoverishing clubs.

In terms of entertainment, the whole region will once again be vibrating to the rhythm of the Pro League: after Wasquehal (Nord), Tergnier (Aisne) and Verquin (Pas-de-Calais), Nogent-sur-Oise (Oise) and Amiens (Somme) will host this year's elimination matches. Waiting to host a quarter-final? That's what Luka Lomidze and his team-mates are hoping for!

"A regional team means that we don't have just one big club recruiting the best hopefuls from the others and making a lot of people unhappy," appreciates Gérard Guilbault, himself a club president. He believes "very strongly" in this model, which avoids uprooting athletes and impoverishing clubs.

As in Normandy, the three Pro League matches will be hosted in three départements: Wasquehal (Nord), Tergnier (Aisne) and Verquin (Pas-de-Calais). "Involving my department presidents, not all of whom were in favor of the project, is a way of convincing them and seeing for themselves," adds the manager, who has clear ideas: "Priority to the region and young people".

 

Montpellier Judo Olympic

For its 3rd appearance in the Judo Pro League, Montpellier Judo Olympic will be aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time. To achieve this goal. The MJO has strengthened its squad with the arrival of Hugo Metifiot, Anthony Tama and Léa Machut from Corsica Judo.

"Moms and dads" is how the directors of the Hérault club describe themselves, as they provide athletes with both sporting and personal support. "In a priority urban district, we get a lot of parents with large families, where everyone does judo," observes president Christel Lavaud. It's not unusual for the father to be a volunteer, and the mother a self-defense instructor.

At Montpellier, all categories are treated equally: for the past two years, six out of six teams have qualified for the French first division championships. Jolan Florimont, a French champion who has been with the club since he was a child, is the embodiment of this success story. "At least 30% of our youngsters go on to achieve their black belt," adds Christel Lavaud.

The Judo Pro League is "a wonderful springboard" for making a name for yourself in a city with a strong presence in top-level sport. "Thanks to this competition, which is much appreciated by local authorities, we're better regarded. The Nicollin group, which presides over the destiny of the Montpellier Hérault Sport Club footballers, has joined the adventure. "For people who don't know judo, it's an innovative and very attractive format, excellent visually, with short durations, a nice reception for our VIPs, so a nice party and a moment of sharing", enthuses the president, who continues to think local and proudly cites the gold label received in June 2023 by the Montpellier club.

 

Dojo Nantais

Unlucky quarter-finalists against SGS Judo last year, the Dojo Nantais will be making its 3rd appearance in the Judo Pro League.

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.

"The Pro League helps to bring judo back to the heart of the country," says Renaud Brossard, for whom the new competition has "added value in terms of brand awareness, bringing 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.