A continuation of Zachary Helka’s origin story
In his first blog post, Zachary Helka opened up about the personal challenges that led him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — and how the mat became a place of transformation. From being bullied at a young age to earning a spot on the podium at the IBJJF Pan Kids Championship, his early journey was defined by grit, purpose, and the birth of Zed Honra.
But that was only the beginning.
What followed in the months and years after would test not just his technique, but his mindset, discipline, and heart. Here’s what’s happened since.
Late 2022 – Testing Himself in the Fire
In December 2022, Zachary began competing with the American Grappling Federation (AGF). The AGF’s “Challenger Division” stood out for its open format — combining ages and skill levels — giving him a more demanding field to test his growth.
Zach won all of his standard gi and no-gi brackets and shared the Challenger Division podium with his teammate and close friend, yellow belt Nolan Gawrelak (@ghostryderbjj). It was a clear sign that both skill and brotherhood were growing side by side.
Early 2023 – New Territory, New Momentum
- He trained at Fabin Rosa BJJ in Orlando with Diego Asenjo and his sons.
- He visited Kevin Machete at his home for insight and connection.
- Most notably, the first samples of Zed Honra rash guards and kimonos arrived — a major product milestone for the growing brand.
Back on the mats, Zach kept competing. He flew to Atlanta in the spring for the IBJJF Spring Open, taking 3rd place, losing in the semifinals to the eventual champion. The match left him with a bruised rib, which later escalated into a rib subluxation during an intense AGF open class match with his teammate Nolan in May.
Despite the injury, Zach didn’t back off. He continued to train under the watchful eye of Ronaldo Candido, supplementing sessions with private coaching from Kodi Dick at Ascension Genesis Athletic Center — all while balancing recovery with responsibility.
That same month, he helped prepare the Pilots HQ warehouse for Zed Honra’s incoming shipments — taking ownership not just on the mats, but in the business itself.
Video posted on a private YouTube channel to promote Zachary’s journey to the 2023 IBJJF Pan Ams. Background audio: “Warrior (Motivational Speech)” by Fearless Motivation featuring Jones 2.0, from the album Greatest Hits Motivational Speeches (2016).
Academic Acceleration & Quarterfinal Comeback
In April 2023, Zachary completed his 5th grade coursework early through Michigan Connections Academy. School advisors recommended advancing him in Math and Science based on his strong performance — an achievement made even more impressive considering his training and travel schedule.
He returned to the IBJJF Pan Kids in July, advancing to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by the eventual winner — another high-level proving ground that deepened his competitive experience.
Fall 2023 – A New Chapter in School and Sport
Heading into the fall, Zach decided to reintegrate into a traditional school setting. He enrolled at Lake Fenton Middle School for 6th grade, looking for a more “normal” middle school experience — classrooms, lockers, teams, and daily interaction with peers.
This time, reintegration wasn’t just smooth — it was empowering.
Thanks to his growing presence in jiu-jitsu and the visibility of Zed Honra, Zach entered school with a sense of grounded confidence. He made new friends quickly and experienced no bullying — a dramatic shift from his earlier childhood experiences.
Despite recommendations to place him in advanced classes, both he and MCA’s request for higher-level placement were denied, a reminder that systems don’t always match individual growth. Still, Zach pushed forward.
He joined the school’s middle school wrestling team and quickly made his mark — going undefeated in his first middle school season. He formed close bonds with upperclassmen teammates and adapted quickly to wrestling’s pace, leveraging his BJJ background to thrive on the mat.
The Cage, The Championship, and the Rising Brand
In October 2023, Zachary was booked for his first high-profile superfight at a submission-only event hosted by WXC (Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting). He was the first fighter on the card, opening for the adult matches in front of a live crowd.
His opponent: Noah Furtado.
The result: Victory by Kimura submission.
Just weeks later, his DCFC soccer team captured the Michigan Soccer Classic Championship, capping off the season with another gold — this time on the field.
More Than a Story — A Signal to Others
Zachary’s journey from bullied child to multi-sport athlete and brand founder is not about chasing perfection. It’s about choosing to show up, especially when things don’t go as planned. It’s about finding strength in structure, meaning in repetition, and pride in small acts of discipline.
In June 2023, after suffering a rib subluxation during competition, Zach could have stepped away from the grind. Instead, he leaned in — not just on the mat, but behind the scenes. While healing, he helped prepare the Pilots HQ warehouse to receive Zed Honra’s first official product shipments. From building shelves to organizing inventory, he began to understand what it meant to build something real. Not just a brand — but a mission.
He’s still just getting started. But every match, every training session, every private with a coach, every open mat, and every late night working at the warehouse — it’s all part of something bigger. A brand rooted in truth. A life rooted in honor.
“Every time he trains, competes, or sits beside me in a business meeting or design review for Zed Honra, he’s reminded of where he came from. He wasn’t just a scared kid on the bus — he was scared to stand up for himself, scared to believe he could make a difference. Now, that same kid leads with purpose, speaks with confidence, and pours himself into something bigger than just sport. He’s not just building skills — he’s helping build a legacy.”
Zachary’s path reflects a deeper truth:
This isn’t just about jiu-jitsu.
It’s about standing for something.
It’s about building a legacy rooted in honor — one that others can see themselves in.
To Anyone Who Feels Like They’re in the Fight Alone:
Whether you’re getting bullied, going through something heavy, or just unsure of who you are — don’t quit.
Get up. Learn. Struggle. Transform.
Because you’re not alone.
Train. Fight. Live with Honor.
— Zachary
