Zach Gehl is not your typical 20 year old. He lives in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan and co-owns a pest control business with his dad. When he isn’t working with pests, he is usually working out. The young man has aspirations to be a professional fighter and winning a championship, he trains on average six days a week.
Gehl began training in martial arts at 13 years old because he was being bullied and wanted to be able to defend himself should he have to. He instantly developed a passion for jiu jitsu and later kickboxing. Gehl is dyslexic and had a hard time learning coordination based moves but he overcame that obstacle by developing his own style of grappling as well as traditional techniques. He describes himself as not a traditional athlete, he credits hard work and being willing to push the envelope as some of the reasons for his successes.
“I am a three time world medalist in gi and no gi jiu jitsu, which I won over a two year span at worlds in Anaheim, California.” Gehl said, “I am Saskatchewan’s first martial arts competitor to be inducted into the hall of fame.”
This past August in Yorkton he sparred 150 consecutive three minute boxing rounds. This is the equivalent of 10 hours straight and is now considered a world record.
The road to success was not a smooth one for Zach. In the beginning he would get beat constantly. This only added fuel to the fire and increased his desire to be the best. He went back to the gym and quickly became an opponent to be aware of. Gehl has gone on to stand on the podium 153 times all over North America; he holds two world medals and five title belts.
Lately, Gehl has been preparing to become a cage fighter, which is a natural step for most combat athletes. In four kickboxing matches that he has competed in he was in the main or comain event three times. He has built a large fan base in Minnesota where he fights for Valhalla Combat promotions.
“I am booked to have my first mma cage fight at the end of February but this is in jeopardy due to the covid travel restrictions.” He said, “This year has been horrible for my career however I have been training as best as I can and although it sounds cliche I am in the best shape of my life and will be very ready to make my mark once again this time in cage fighting.”
Gehl is proof that with hard work and determination you can accomplish your goals. Whether it is in martial arts or controlling pests, Zach Gehl always wants to be the best!
