🥋 The Redemption Run: Zachary Helka’s Road to the 2025 IBJJF Kids PAN No-Gi Title
After sitting out the IBJJF Kids PANS Gi Championships earlier in the year to focus on wrestling, Zachary Helka returned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a renewed sense of purpose and hunger for redemption. Watching his teammates from Ronaldo Candido Academy compete in the Gi PANs lit a fire in him — and although he initially struggled with regret, that moment became the spark that reignited his competitive focus.
🔄 From Regret to Redirection
When Zach made his way back to the mats at Ronaldo’s academy, his longtime mentor and coach, Professor Ronaldo De Oliveira, gave him pointed advice: focus on the IBJJF No-Gi PANAMS instead — where Zach’s wrestling-heavy style would shine. Without grips on a gi to slow him down, this would be the perfect platform for him to unleash his top pressure and relentless takedowns.
But the timing wasn’t ideal. With only about a month to prepare, time was short and scheduling was tight. Soccer season was in full swing, and Zach’s regular afternoon training windows at Ronaldo’s were limited by the drive and evening commitments.
🤝 Community Collaboration: Daytime Training at Long House
That’s when Zach heard that his former competitor and friend, Micah, was now homeschooled and training out of Long House Submission Grappling in Grand Blanc, Michigan — only 10 minutes away. Through a series of supportive conversations between Zach, Kia (another training partner), Micah, their parents, and Long House owner and coach Brandon, a new plan was born: early-morning and mid-day training sessions six days a week.
With detailed open mat instructions from Ronaldo and additional technical drilling from Brandon at Long House, Zach immersed himself in a dedicated No-Gi camp designed to close the gap. The chemistry and camaraderie between the boys fueled the work. They weren’t just training — they were building something bigger together.
🥇 Warm-Up in Detroit: Double Gold with Kia
In preparation for the PANS, Zach and Kia entered a local warm-up tournament in Detroit, where they both took the stage in dominant fashion. Zach secured double gold, using the moment to test new strategies and solidify his competition mindset. It was also a chance to bond with Kia as a teammate and fellow contender — sharpening each other on and off the mats.
✈️ The Trip to Miami: Victory Earned
By the time Zachary stepped onto the competition mats in Miami, Florida at the IBJJF Kids PAN No-Gi Championships, he was laser-focused. Each match was a test of the new skills, mindset, and endurance he had built during his accelerated training block. And when it counted most, he delivered — submitting his opponents en route to becoming the first youth athlete from Ronaldo Candido Academy to win a No-Gi PANAMS title.
His victory was more than just another medal. It was a reflection of everything he had learned about:
Setting goals
Asking for help
Adapting to challenges
And surrounding himself with the right people
Video From Ronaldo Candido's Instagram.
🔥 What Comes Next
Zachary’s win in Miami is not the finish line — it’s a milestone. His journey continues, and the road ahead is filled with more titles to defend, more growth to chase, and more opportunities to lead by example.
Whether on the wrestling mat, the jiu-jitsu tatami, or in the classroom, Zach is proving that success is not just about talent — it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and relentless preparation.
