Zoltan Bathory Donates $100,000 to USA Judo

American judo has a new $100,000 backer, and it is a touring musician. Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch announced the gift to USA Judo on World Judo Day.

A small budget next to its rivals

The gift lands in a sport short of money. Jimmy Pedro, a U.S. Olympic judo medalist and coach, set out the figures in a 2024 interview.

France counts more than 550,000 paying members, and its federation spends about $20 million a year. Russia puts a similar sum into its national team.

USA Judo has about 12,000 to 13,000 members, and at $100 apiece their dues add up to $1.15 million to $1.5 million a year.

What the gift is for

The money was raised on the band's 2026 tour. It is meant to support top American athletes, covering training camps, equipment and other basic costs. Against the lower dues estimate, $100,000 is less than a tenth.

Bathory also credited the band's fans, saying every ticket they bought helped make the donation happen.

Why a guitarist cares about judo

Bathory was born in Hungary and took up judo at nine. At that time the sport there was state-sponsored and free. He says it shaped his life and career, and he still competes.

"I know what it can give a person, how it shapes your mind, builds discipline, and teaches you to face adversity," he said.

Outside the band he co-owns the Professional Grappling Federation and organises the Pro Judo tournament.

Our View

Next to dues of $1.15 to $1.5 million, the gift is a modest top-up, but it is aimed at elite athletes. It is unclear how the money will be paid out or divided between camps, equipment and other costs. An account of that from USA Judo would show how far the gift reaches.

Source: Bjj Eastern Europe