What does it take to build yourself from the ground up, mind, body, and spirit?
In this episode of Coffee Time, Master Carlos sits with Zoltan Bathory, founder of Five Finger Death Punch and lifelong martial artist, for a conversation about discipline, destiny, and the warrior’s path.

Zoltan’s journey begins in communist Hungary, where he trained in martial arts, explored science, dealt with street fights, and grew determined to escape. He built a guitar from a coffee table, read every book he could find, and decided at age seven he’d reach America despite no passport.

He explains how martial arts reshaped procrastination, strengthened emotional discipline, and taught facing the enemy within. Studying patterns in judo, psychology, and behavior helped build a successful band and stay grounded on major stages.

Zoltan describes sneaking philosophy books from libraries, learning English by translating The Shawshank Redemption, and spending hours in bookstores he couldn’t afford. Meditation, spiritual experiences, and time with Sri Lankan monks shaped his worldview.

Carlos and Zoltan explore his arrival in America, becoming a New Yorker, moving to California, and forming Five Finger Death Punch. He recalls 100,000 fans chanting their name and emotional stories performing for troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Japan, Germany, and more.

Military tours: performing in darkness to avoid rockets, hearing cannon fire, soldiers in mosh pits, training with elite units, rolling backstage with black belts since 2007.

Martial arts creates stronger humans; facing difficulty builds character. These principles shaped his life.

If you enjoy resilience, mindset, and growth through challenge, this episode will stay with you.

💬 IN THIS EPISODE
Childhood in communist Hungary
Seeing truth in details
Martial arts & overcoming fear
Impossible becomes unlikely
Reading to build the mind
Music as rebellion
Escaping Hungary
Learning English
Meditation & spiritual practice
Becoming a New Yorker
Forming Five Finger Death Punch
Performing for soldiers
Training with world-class martial artists
Earning his black belt
Rolling with black belts on tour
Connecting with PGF

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome
02:11 Meeting Zoltan at WNO
06:45 Childhood in Hungary
14:30 Seeing Through Propaganda
22:10 Science, Music, Guitar
31:05 Impossible vs. Unlikely
39:48 Coming to America
48:52 Learning English
55:20 Becoming a New Yorker
1:00:30 Creating Bands
1:12:11 Warrior Mindset
1:24:42 Jiu-Jitsu on Tour
1:38:55 PGF and Community
1:49:20 Final Thoughts

🔗 LINKS
Watch: https://coffeetimewithcarlos.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeTimeWithCarlosMachado
IG: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetimewithcarlos/
Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosmachadojiujitsu/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/coffeetimewithcarlos
Carlos BJJ: https://www.facebook.com/CarlosMachadoBJJ
Listen: https://podcast.coffeetimewithcarlos.com