If there is one word that describes Jiri Prochazka, it is a warrior. The Czech former light heavyweight champion is a follower of the Japanese moral code of Bushido, which used to serve as the code of conduct for the samurai in pre-modern Japan. In addition, ‘BJP’ derives inspiration from and is influenced by Miyamoto Musashi’s famous treatise on martial arts and strategy, the ‘Book of Five Rings’.

It is this single-minded focus on martial arts and dedication to being a warrior that has seen him become UFC champion in only his third fight at the promotion. But another factor behind his massive success is his long-time coaches and the gym he trains at.

Jiri Prochazka’s coaches

Jiri Prochazka used to be what is called in Europe a soccer hooligan. This means ‘that BJP’ used to get into organized brawls with fans of rival football clubs, including, on occasion, almost medieval 30 on 30 melees. This is why his transition to martial arts was so natural. However, what started him on the path to a martial arts career was watching the 2008 cult classic ‘Never Back Down’, after which he started training in kickboxing, eventually making a transition to MMA.

The Czech turned pro in 2012, starting his combat sports journey in the European MMA circuit, making an impact straightaway with his unorthodox but exciting fighting style. For most fighters, training is a disciplined routine. For Jiri Prochazka, it’s a way of life—a dance between ancient philosophies and modern combat science. He trains at Jetsaam Gym in Brno, under the watchful eyes of Martin Karaivanov and Jaroslav Hovězák. This isn’t your average MMA camp. It’s a sanctuary for warriors, built to merge technique with purpose.

Jetsaam Gym, founded by Karaivanov in 2006, started as a humble Thai boxing club. Over the years, it grew into one of the most respected training facilities in the Czech Republic. From Thai boxing champions to the rise of Prochazka as a UFC titleholder, the gym has left its imprint on combat sports history. Karaivanov has described it as “Our goal is to create a unique center for combat sports and fitness activities with a focus on professional muay thai and MMA teams.”

Prochazka also credits much of his success to Hovězák, who introduced him to Miyamoto Musashi’s Book of Five Rings. In a past interview, the UFC star admitted, “’When it came to my training my coach Jaroslav Hovezak gave me Five Rings,’ It was an important moment because it gave me some rules to my life.”

When he is in the US, the 31-year-old trains with the legendary Xtreme Couture team. Additionally, as he recovered from a shoulder injury over the past year, he also sharpened his skill at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA in Phuket, Thailand, as well as the Mjolnir gym in Iceland. As we are now aware of the fighter’s gym and coaches, let’s take a look at his teammates.

Where does Jiri Prochazka train? His teammates

Jetsaam Gym may not house UFC stars, but it’s brimming with talent. Fighters like Petr Beranek, Andrej Kalasnik, and Jan Gottvald are Prochazka’s daily sparring partners. The camaraderie and mutual drive in this tight-knit team have laid the foundation for Prochazka’s success.

When in the United States, Prochazka trains with a who’s who of MMA royalty at Xtreme Couture. Imagine sharing a mat with the likes of Francis Ngannou, Sean Strickland, or Miesha Tate. That’s just another day for the former light heavyweight champion. Intriguingly, one of his training partners is Magomed Ankalaev, a potential future opponent. The gym buzzes with talent, competition, and the occasional clash of egos. How does Prochazka stack up against such legends? Quite well, it seems.

Jiri Prochazka’s relentless pursuit of excellence has also seen him work alongside Henry Cejudo, a master tactician and former ‘champ-champ’. Training with this caliber of fighters keeps Prochazka sharp, ensuring he remains at the top of his game. But it’s his unique approach towards his preparation outside the confines of the gym that have also raised a lot of eyebrows in the MMA sphere!

Jiri Prochazka’s training routine

While most fighters stick to gyms, Jiri Prochazka retreats to forests. There, amidst the solitude, he strikes trees 500 times a day. Sounds bizarre? Perhaps. But for Prochazka, it’s about building stability and power. In previous interviews, he has explained, “Sometimes I’m using the tree, sometimes I’m using the makiwara. The makiwara is like, a wood stick. It’s helpful for your body, to be more powerful in your punches, to be stronger. You have your core, your stomach, be stable and just better.”

When not in nature, he relies on traditional tools like kettlebells, punching bags, and makiwara boards. Yet, it’s his foray into sensory deprivation that sets him apart. While other high-profile names like boxer Anthony Joshua and NFL star Aaron Rodgers have also spent days in complete darkness to prepare, Prochazka seems to have been first to the party.

Why does he endure such a unique approach towards preparation? Prochazka explained, “It’s very helpful. There is just you and you. No other people. That was my first time when I did that without food, so just with water. It’s much more strong when you’re without food. All the processes in your body is much stronger. Your mind’s working a lot, and you have to die here first.”

Prochazka believes that true strength comes from within. By stripping away distractions, he claims to discover who he really is. In conclusion, ‘BJP’s approach to training is a blend of the ancient and the cutting-edge. From the discipline of samurai warriors to the high-tech sparring at Xtreme Couture, he embodies the fusion of tradition and innovation. His journey isn’t just about winning fights; it’s about self-discovery, discipline, and becoming the best version of himself. Now, at UFC 311, he’ll return to action to take on Jamahal Hill, a fellow former light heavyweight champion. While his last fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 303 ended in a heartbreaking knockout, could we see a new and improved version of the Czech warrior return to the Octagon this time around? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!