Coming off a transformative 2023, Zachary Helka entered 2024 with momentum, a sharpened mindset, and his sights set on earning a gold medal at the IBJJF PAN Ams. But as the year unfolded, Zach’s path would demand more than just physical preparation — it would require introspection, strategic evolution, and an even deeper commitment to the warrior’s journey.
Starting the Year in Motion
Zach kicked off the year in January with a local jiu-jitsu tournament in Detroit, eager to keep his competitive edge sharp. But while BJJ remained a core focus, his middle school wrestling season had ended early, so he joined the Lake Fenton Blue Devil Wrestling Club to extend his season and enter Michigan’s MMWA state wrestling series.
On March 2nd, Zach competed in his first open regional wrestling tournament as a novice — a stacked 16-man bracket in Howell. Despite being new to the sport, he dug deep and fought his way to a 2nd place finish, earning a spot at the MMWA State Championships.
Just over a week later, on March 12th, he stepped onto the mats at Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center for his final wrestling event of the season. Though he didn’t place, he secured a win on the state stage and gained invaluable experience. It marked the close of a successful first season: undefeated in middle school duals and a state-level competitor through the club circuit. His success was made possible by the support of the Lake Fenton Wrestling program and coaches like Dave Polidan, Doug Foguth, Zach Corcoran, and others who believed in his potential.
The National Jiu-Jitsu Circuit & Major Milestones
By spring, Zach returned to his jiu-jitsu roots with a grueling national travel schedule that took him across the country to compete against top talent in the sport:
IBJJF New York International Open
IBJJF Atlanta Spring Open (🥈 2nd Place – narrow final loss)
AGF Detroit (🥇🥇🥇🥈 Triple gold in gi + no-gi Challenger divisions; silver in higher weight no-gi division)
IBJJF Dallas International Open (🥈 2nd Place – hard-fought points loss)
IBJJF American Nationals (Las Vegas) (🥇 National Champion)
IBJJF Kids PAN Ams (Orlando) (Quarterfinal finish)
Major business milestones
On April 16, 2024, the Zed Honra trademark was officially approved by the USPTO, and shortly after, the brand was registered on Amazon — unlocking new growth for the movement Zach helped inspire.
In June, the Alpha Gi BJJ Kimono became the #1 New Release in Men’s Kimonos on Amazon, proving that the brand wasn’t just resonating with the message — it was delivering on quality and community.
Family Victory in Vegas
Just days after hearing the success of the Alpha Gi on Amazon, Zachary and his family traveled to Las Vegas for the IBJJF American Nationals Championship. There, he earned his first National Title, winning the Junior 3 Lightweight division.
But the trip became more than a competition — it became a reward for years of hard work. As a family, the Helkas visited iconic landmarks like the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Sedona, creating memories tied to the sacrifices they’ve made together.
“We celebrated Zach’s victory with sushi and got VIP access to the UFC weigh-ins, But the best part was watching this journey turn into something that brought our whole family closer.”
Lessons in Orlando & Leadership on the Mat
In July, Zach competed at the IBJJF Kids PAN Ams in Orlando — one of the most prestigious youth jiu-jitsu events in the world. He came out aggressive, technical, and focused, but lost a tightly contested quarterfinal match to the athlete who would go on to win the division.
While the result stung, Zach’s impact went beyond medals. Just one year prior, only three teammates from his academy competed at PANS. In 2024, 15 teammates joined him — many of whom were inspired by his example.
The tournament revealed something deeper: a shift in mindset. Zachary realized that his game was becoming predictable, with so much competition footage and online exposure available. That self-awareness sparked a decision to refocus his training.
A Return to Academics — and Wrestling Strategy
After completing a strong 6th grade year at Lake Fenton Middle School — where he received multiple awards for academics and student character — Zach made the decision to return to Michigan Connections Academy for 7th grade.
The transition back to virtual learning was driven by his desire for a faster-paced academic environment. While Lake Fenton had recommended he advance to 8th-grade math, the system required formal testing for grade acceleration — something the Helkas were prepared to take on.
One unexpected downside of returning to virtual school: Zach became ineligible to wrestle for the school team. Although initially told he could still compete, eligibility rules prevented him from returning. Still, he chose to continue wrestling with the Lake Fenton Blue Devil Wrestling Club, where he could keep sharpening his edge.
By year’s end, Zach had identified his next evolution:
He believed that his ground game in BJJ had been studied and exposed. Too many competitors had access to his videos, tactics, and style. So, he committed to rebuilding from the top, focusing on wrestling pressure, takedowns, and control — preparing to surprise opponents in 2025 with a completely restructured approach.
More Than Medals
2024 wasn’t just about medals. It was about maturity. Zach learned to navigate wins and losses, lead others by example, and shift strategy when the path ahead became too familiar.
He’s building more than skills — he’s building a mindset.
Looking Ahead
With wrestling season approaching, a top-game rebuild in progress, and more national tournaments on the horizon, Zachary is preparing to step into 2025 stronger, smarter, and more strategic than ever.
This isn’t about being seen — it’s about being ready.
Train. Fight. Live with Honor.
— Zed Honra
