How Is Jiri Prochazka Associated With the Book ‘The Book of Five Rings’? Why Is It So Important to Him?

Jiri Prochazka is a UFC light heavyweight star. The Czech Republic athlete is a famed mixed martial artist with a profound background in amateur Muay Thai. Apart from participating in combat sports, ‘Denisa’ also follows the Samurai moral values and Miyamoto Musashi’s philosophy.

Musashi’s ‘The Book of Five Rings’ has made a remarkable impact on Prochazka’s mindset. The light heavyweight professional adopted the book’s ideas in his life to excel in his art.

Jiri Prochazka and the Book of Five Rings

A martial arts follower from the get-go, Prochazka watched Pride FC, especially the MMA heavyweight GOAT Fedor Emelianenko’s fight, and knew he wanted to go on in the same profession.

As he grew up and started his journey as a combatant, his coach introduced him to ‘The Book of Five Rings’, and the Czech fighter followed the principles of the book ever since.

Prochazka has talked about the book frequently. Bushido and moral codes are some of his favorite lessons from the books. ‘The Body of Rock’, i.e., an unmovable mind, is a note from the book which he has highlighted in his interviews.

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“I started to live that and I’m so glad for, that he helped me a lot with these rules,” said Prochazka in an interview with ESPN talking about the importance of the book in his day-to-day life.

“It was a full change of myself… because I was another person, and I am glad for that,” the former Rizin world champion added.

The Book of Five Rings: Importance and story behind writing it

Japanese Swordsman Miyamoto Musashi wrote the book on the art of Kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship). The book talks about martial arts. That said, its teachings are not just limited solely to martial artists.

Musashi wrote the book to educate the readers about the Japanese art of Kenjutsu and to empower people with his teachings and understanding of the mindset of a warrior.

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Since the book is from ancient times, Musashi has discussed the importance of wielding the sword appropriately. Besides, it has philosophical lessons that help readers in their daily operations as well.

What does the Book of Five rings teach?

As aforementioned, the book is not only for people with martial arts backgrounds. The book has a rich philosophy that could be used in any aspect of life.

The Book of Earth, The Book of Water, The Book of Fire, The Book of Wind, and The Book of Void all talk about the various elements of a battle on different levels.

Leadership, fundamental principles, timing, martial arts, and consciousness are some key concepts of the book.

The Book of Water: This talks about having a steady flow in the spirit and adapting to circumstances, calm, but when necessary–form a chaotic sea.

The Book of Fire: This talks about having an edge over the enemy. Study the enemy before the attack; Let them make mistakes and counter their powerful assets. Find a higher spirit than your counterparts, which can only be achieved by evaluating their spirit first.

The Book of Void: Concise approach and natural instincts are the way to counter unseen factors.

The Book of Wind: This talks about perception and sight as viewing factors. While perception is focusing on the counterpart’s spirit, the way to win is about understanding the opponent precisely.

The Book of Earth: This talks about the fundamentals of martial arts, training, and leadership.

The Book of Five Rings and Mixed Martial Arts

Prochazka not only performed the martial arts in its physical form but also invested himself in learning it as a whole.

The Czech Republican fighter has had two coaches throughout his career. And his second coach was the one to introduce him to Miyamoto Musashi’s book. ‘BJP’ believes the Bushido moral codes from the book build the foundation of his martial arts.

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Since the book is about winning, it talks about putting time into the training, understanding before executing, attention to detail, and no wasted energy. And Prochazka’s approach inside the Octagon carries these lessons as he comes to win at all costs.