Zachary Helka’s 2025: Wrestling, Mentorship & the Next Evolution
As 2025 began, Zachary Helka made a bold but calculated decision: to press pause on jiu-jitsu competition and double down on his development as a wrestler. It wasn’t about stepping away — it was about leveling up.
What followed was a season marked by sweat, setbacks, breakthroughs, and mentorship from some of the most elite minds in American wrestling.
Committing to the Mat — Wrestling Season 2025
Zach returned for another season with the Lake Fenton Youth Wrestling Club, pushing himself further than the year before. This time, he competed not just in MMWA events, but also joined MYWAY, a broader wrestling circuit in Michigan. He placed at regional tournaments in both leagues, and once again earned his spot at both MMWA and MYWAY State Championships.
He also began thinking seriously about the academic path ahead. With his eyes on high school athletics, Zachary considered multiple options for 9th grade, including potentially attending Detroit Catholic Central, known nationally for its dominant wrestling program and high-achieving student-athletes.
Every win, every loss, and every extra practice wasn’t just about medals — it was about shaping the next version of who he wanted to become.
Learning from Legends — Jake Herbert Seminar
While his teammates at Ronaldo Candido Academy prepared for the IBJJF Kids GI PANAMs, Zach stayed focused on wrestling. In May, he had the opportunity to attend a wrestling seminar with Olympian Jake Herbert, hosted by West Bloomfield Wrestling Club.
Jake’s story of grit and mindset resonated deeply. Zach came away with not just new techniques, but a clearer understanding of the attitude and focus required at the highest level. It was a defining experience — one that reminded Zach that the real work isn’t always seen, but it’s always felt.
“Moments like these are what shape young athletes. I know this one will stay with him for a long time.”
Summer Grind at University of Michigan Wrestling Camps
Zachary’s summer was spent deep in the fire.
He attended three elite-level camps at the University of Michigan, training under some of the best names in NCAA wrestling:
Coach Sean Bormet (Head Coach, U-M)
Alex Dieringer – 3x NCAA Champion, Dan Hodge Trophy Winner
Real Woods – 4x All-American, Big Ten Champion
Jacob Cardenas – 2x All-American, 2024 Big Ten Champion
Josh Churella – 3x NCAA All-American and current U-M Assistant Coach
From the Attack & Score Camp, to the Leg Riding Series, and finally the Advanced Folkstyle Camp, Zach pushed through intense daily training in 100-degree, non-air-conditioned gyms — and never once backed down.
He showed up early. He stayed late. He rolled up mats after practice. He asked questions. And he trained with a level of focus that earned nods from athletes far older and more experienced.
One funny moment? During a drill, Alex Dieringer complimented Zach’s head position. Zach replied casually, “I learned that from Jake Herbert.”The look on Alex’s face said it all.
Building a Broader BJJ Community
Even while focused on wrestling, Zachary never abandoned jiu-jitsu. In spring 2025, he started attending a homeschool BJJ program at Great Lakes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a new initiative designed by Kelley Quijano to support homeschooled youth with physical training and social interaction.
There, Zach met Bryam Lima, a black belt competitor who now represents Zed Honra internationally. With Bryam’s support — and continued oversight from Professor Ronaldo Candido — Zach continued to refine his jiu-jitsu game in a new environment.
He also began training regularly with Kia, a motivated teen from Flint Jiu-Jitsu who traveled just to roll with Zach. That gesture meant a lot — a quiet reminder that the work Zach does inspires others beyond his own mat.
“Zach’s learning what it means to carry the message. He’s starting to realize that the way he shows up doesn’t just affect his outcomes — it affects others who are watching, too.”
Season Wrap-Up & Recognition
As the wrestling season ended in April, Zachary was awarded the Coaches’ Choice Award by the Lake Fenton Wrestling staff — a recognition not just of athletic performance, but of leadership, heart, and unwavering spirit.
Two seasons, two state finals appearances, and one powerful lesson:
You don’t have to win every match to become a champion.
Looking Ahead: A Return to the Mat
With wrestling camps completed and his teammates returning from a successful run at the IBJJF Kids GI PANAMs, Zachary turned his focus back to jiu-jitsu — this time with a sharpened wrestling base, refined top game, and renewed strategy.
Now, his sights are set on the IBJJF No-Gi Kids PANAMs in Miami.
What comes next deserves a story of its own.
To Be Continued…
- Sometimes growth comes from stepping away.
- Sometimes leadership comes from listening first.
- And sometimes, the best way to move forward — is to rebuild from the top down.
Zachary’s journey isn’t about chasing perfection.
It’s about choosing to fight smarter, grow deeper, and always live with honor.
— Zed Honra
