In addition to being well-known as the guitarist for Five Finger Death Punch, guitarist Zoltan Bathory is making a name for himself in the Jiu-Jitsu world. On March 13, Bathory was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt by his instructors, four-time World Champion and 7th degree Red/Black Belt, Master Royler Gracie, and 5th degree Black Belt BJJ World Champion Professor Mica Cipili.
Zoltan began practicing Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 after a training session with the legendary UFC Hall-of-Famer Royce Gracie.
“I’ve been practicing Judo since I was 9 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]," said Bathory.
"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 BJJ 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."
Bathory added that everyone who works in security for Five Finger Death Punch is also a Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
“All of our security guys are Jiu-Jitsu black belts, it’s a requirement for the position so I can train while we are on the road. When I’m home, I train at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academies in Las Vegas, and I also have a personal dojo in my house.”
