This Wednesday, September 24th, marked the inauguration of the Dojo du Ray, named Loïc Pietri. This vast project to redevelop the Ray area aims to maintain and strengthen the sporting identity of the neighborhood.
The Dojo du Ray dons new colors. “This inauguration makes me happy. Judo in Nice shines through its clubs and members. It is a very formative discipline for young people with a good mindset. Nice had to have a large dojo of this size,” said Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice. Started in September 2024, the construction of this judo space cost 2.7 million euros.
With a capacity of 300 people, this dojo will meet the needs of judo, a leading discipline in Nice. Indeed, more than 22 clubs and 2,100 members from Nice fill the various dojos along the French Riviera.
A significant project
This redevelopment project for the Ray area involved the creation of a new dojo covering approximately 1,300 m², located in the basement of the Ray housing project. It includes four tatami areas, as well as necessary changing rooms and facilities for its proper functioning. “This space contains 250 seating places, a weight room with a sauna, a meeting room, and storage areas. The site will be fully automated by the end of 2025, with video intercom, video surveillance, and intrusion alarms all connected to the centralized management team of our sports service,” assured the mayor of Nice.
This dojo, serving all residents of Nice, complements the judo offering since the city has 24 dojos, including 22 that have been renovated since 2024. This facility is shared among several associations, naturally including Olympique Judo, with 760 members, Nice Judo Alliance with 230 members, and the Pôle Espoir with 100 young judoka clubs. Christian Estrosi also emphasizes that this dojo is ready to accommodate schools. “This center can be made available for local schools. 24 hours per week will be dedicated to our schools, accommodating 600 children.”
Loïc Pietri, a notable figure in Nice judo
It was essential to give this new dojo a name. What better way than to honor a child of Nice judo: Loïc Pietri. His achievements are absolutely impressive. French Champion, European Champion, and Junior World Champion in 2009, team European vice-champion in 2011, and World Champion -80kg in 2013 at just 23 years old. A historic first for Nice judo. The successes didn’t stop there. In 2015, he became World Vice-Champion -80kg, and seven years later, French Champion again.
Retired for the past year, Loïc Pietri is now a coach in Monaco, while remaining faithful to Judo Nice Métropole. He is thrilled at the idea of having a dojo named after him. “This is the neighborhood of my childhood, so there are naturally a lot of emotions. As an athlete, it is an accomplishment. Today, we have a real dojo, and just that will allow us to achieve better results. If my journey can inspire, I hope to continue to pass on and share this passion.”
