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.
Does Jiri Prochazka train alone? Who is his coach?
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Jiri Prochazka used to be what is called in Europe a soccer hooligan. This means ‘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. Since he embarked on his mixed martial arts journey, Prochazka has been training at the ‘Jetsaam Gym’ in the city of Brno in his native Czech Republic.
As far as his team goes, Martin Karaivanov serves as the head coach and kickboxing instructor, with Jaroslav Hovezak as MMA coach, and Zdenek Dohnal as the strength and conditioning coach.
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When he is in the US, however, the 31-year-old trains with the legendary Xtreme Couture team. In addition, as he was recovering 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.
While there are no other fighters signed with the UFC in Jiri Prochazka’s Jetsaam Gym, Petr Beranek, Andrej Kalasnik, and Jan Gottvald are some of the fighters he sharpens his skills against in his long-time gym. In addition, the former champ has trained with former two-division champion Henry Cejudo.
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At the Xtreme Couture gym where he trains when in the States, he counts the likes of former middleweight champion Sean Strickland , former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou , and former women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate among his teammates. Interestingly, even former light heavyweight title contender and possibly Prochazka’s future opponent Magomed Ankalaev is also part of the Xtreme Couture family.
What are your thoughts on Prochazka’s training situation? Let us know in the comments.
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