Five Finger Death Punch founder and guitarist, Zoltan Bathory, recently competed at the 2021 IBJJF American National Championship, bringing home some silverware in the process.
Bathory competed in the Master 5 division in both the super-heavy and absolute division, taking silver in both competitions. Commeting on the cometition in a post on his official Instagram page, Bathory said, “American National Jiu Jitsu Championship [ International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation] – Got Second Place in the Superheavy Division – and Second Place in the Absolute Division (which was absolute war) – I love my extended family – this Jiu-Jitsu community where we can fight scorched earth full force – and then after the fight we are back to being best friends… – – I had a great time (my broken toe not so much) – thanks everyone I shared the mat with. – and my team Gracie Humaita Las Vegas Team Mica – Mica Cipili“
A lifelong martial artist, Bathory is no stranger to success in the sport having achieved the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt accolade in March 2021, adding to his existing Judo Blackbelt, Wing Chun Kung Fu practitioner status and U.S. Army modern combatives close quarter combat instructor certificate.
The 5FDP founder began his jiu-jitsu journey in 2008 after a training session with the legendary UFC Hall Of Famer Royce Gracie, stating “I’ve been practicing judo since I was nine years old, but I was always interested in jiu-jitsu as i knew about the Gracie family’s open challenge (which later became the UFC).”
“Famous martial artists would travel to Brazil to fight them and the Gracies remained undefeated decade after decade. Many years later as an adult I finally had an opportunity to go to the source and train with probably the most recognized martial artist of all time next to Bruce Lee, the legendary Royce Gracie. After the session I asked him for a white belt and then began my jiu-jitsu journey. For a while, I would travel around the world with Royce’s brother Royler Gracie who is one of the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters of all time. I’d partake in his seminars everywhere he’d go. Later I joined Professor Mica Cipili’s Gracie Las Vegas team which I’ve called home for the last 12 years.”