Written by Caine Blackthorn
Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory is making a substantial investment outside the music industry, committing a combined $200,000 to support American judo athletes and help launch a new professional competition.
The musician and lifelong martial artist recently presented $100,000 to USA Judo through Five Finger Death Punch’s 20th Anniversary World Tour initiative. The contribution is intended to help elite American athletes prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Now Bathory is committing another $100,000 to fund PRO JUDO, a new professional tournament scheduled for November 10, 2026, in Las Vegas.
The initiative reflects a personal commitment to the martial art that has remained central to Bathory’s life alongside his music career.
From Heavy Metal Stages to the Olympic Mat
Bathory began studying judo at nine years old in Hungary. His involvement has continued throughout his career as a musician, and he currently holds a fourth-degree black belt in the discipline.
He is also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and an active martial arts competitor.
The guitarist’s latest financial contribution addresses a challenge facing American Olympic athletes: securing the private funding needed for training, travel, equipment and preparation for international competition.
Unlike athletes in some countries with extensive government-supported sports programs, American Olympic hopefuls depend heavily on private funding, sponsorships and donations.
Bathory’s initial $100,000 contribution to USA Judo aims to help provide resources for athletes working toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
It’s an investment in competitors whose dedication often unfolds far from the publicity and financial rewards associated with professional entertainment.
PRO JUDO: A Different Kind of Competition
Bathory’s second $100,000 commitment will support the inaugural PRO JUDO tournament, organized through the Professional Grappling Federation.
The November 10 event will take place in Las Vegas, bringing together established competitors and influential figures from the international judo community.
Organizers have developed an alternative competitive format intended to make the sport more accessible to audiences unfamiliar with traditional scoring.
In conventional competitive judo, an ippon can immediately end a match. Under the new PRO JUDO rules, competitors continue after an ippon, accumulating points throughout the contest.
The athlete with the highest score wins.
The format is designed to encourage attacking techniques and sustained action while maintaining a foundation in judo’s established skills.
Bathory has emphasized that the tournament is not intended to replace Olympic judo. Instead, it offers athletes another competitive platform and introduces the discipline to a wider audience.
Among those involved in developing the event are world champion and Olympic medalist Mike Swain, Olympic silver medalist Jason Morris, and Olympian Joe Marchal.
Representatives from the International Judo Federation, USA Judo and Japan’s Kodokan Judo Institute are also expected to attend.
Bringing a Rock Concert Mentality to Martial Arts
As chairman of the Professional Grappling Federation, Bathory has been involved in developing professional opportunities for grappling athletes.
His experience in music and entertainment has influenced his approach to sports presentation, particularly the importance of creating compelling events that attract audiences beyond an established fanbase.
PRO JUDO will apply that philosophy through a professionally produced, four-hour competition.
Although attendance in Las Vegas is invitation-only, organizers plan to broadcast the event live and free through PGF World platforms, including YouTube.
The inaugural tournament begins Tuesday, November 10, at 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
Giving Back Beyond the Stage
Five Finger Death Punch has a history of supporting charitable causes, particularly initiatives involving military veterans, first responders and their families.
Bathory’s judo commitment extends that involvement into competitive athletics, where financial support can make a substantial difference to athletes pursuing international success.
And for Bathory, the connection is especially personal.
Long before arena tours, platinum records and international recognition, he was a young martial artist learning a discipline that would remain part of his life.
Now he’s using the resources and opportunities created by his music career to help other athletes pursue their ambitions.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing a successful musician can do has nothing to do with releasing another record.
More information: PRO JUDO official website | USA Judo
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