where the battle for your best self begins.

The Fighting Therapist embodies the fusion of MMA mastery, athletic therapy expertise, and personal training excellence. Discover a transformative journey like no other. Together, we’ll conquer new horizons in strength, healing, and well-being.

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ZAKARIA BENBOUCHTA:  MMA Fighter, Athletic Therapist & Personal Trainer in Montreal

where the battle for your best self begins.

ZAKARIA BENBOUCHTA:  MMA Fighter, Athletic Therapist & Personal Trainer in Montreal

The Fighting Therapist embodies the fusion of MMA mastery, athletic therapy expertise, and personal training excellence. Discover a transformative journey like no other. Together, we’ll conquer new horizons in strength, healing, and well-being.

Get In touch

Athletic Therapy

Combining the principles of athlectic therapy with the dynamic techniques of MMA training, our service unleashes a powerful and innovative approach to rehabilitation. Through this unique fusion, we empower individuals to overcome physical limitations and reach their fullest potential. Embrace a new chapter of healing and strength with our revolutionary approach to rehabilitation.

Personal Training

Fusing the principles of personal training with the dynamic techniques of MMA training, our service brings a fresh and invigorating perspective to fitness. By harnessing the power of these two disciplines, we offer an innovative approach that maximizes strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Discover a new level of fitness as you push your limits, challenge yourself, and achieve your health goals.

Mixed Martial Arts

Discover the remarkable journey of Zakaria Benbouchta, a true force to be reckoned within the world of MMA. His inspiring story and expertise in MMA will ignite your determination and motivation, and brings a unique perspective to your fitness journey – paving the way for your success! Embark on this incredible fitness journey with Zakaria and unleash the champion within you!

Excellent
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Drew Arpin
5 stars The Fighting Therapist. Zak does all of the heavy lifting and grunt work for you and all you got to do is show up and give it your all. He’s methodical and precise with his entire nutrition plan. He helped me put together the best fight performance, weight cut, and diet of my fight camps to date. I will 100% be back for his expertise. I cannot recommend him enough.
Francis Gaudu
Amazing experience. I have a knee injury that happened during BJJ, and the structure given truly helps.
Samantha Keys
I saw Zak to see if he could help with back/neck pain I had been experiencing daily for 10 months. I had already tried everything else you could think of (osteoporosis, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture etc ) and nothing made a difference. Zak has been designing and updating my specifically tailored program for the last three months and I’m finally seeing a difference (actually started noticing small improvements within 2-3weeks). I would highly recommend the fighting therapist for any chronic pains you haven’t been able to manage. Thanks Zak!
Nathaniel Kwok
Zak has been an excellent physio for me. He helped rehab my leg as I had pain while doing BJJ, and actually made me stronger than I was before my injury! His methods are very effective and I highly recommend him to anybody who trains in combat sports.
Jared Blatt
Ramston Rodrigues
Zak was super helpful with the entire weight cutting process! I think his knowledge about weight cutting and nutrition is world class. Highly recommend if you are looking for a nutritionist.
Sonia St-Martin
I’ve been working with Zak since January, and the results have been incredible! I started at 175 lbs, and now, just a few months later, I’m down to 155 lbs. The combination of strength training and a tailored nutrition plan has truly transformed my body. He has been incredibly supportive, pushing me to reach new levels of strength while ensuring I stay on track with my nutrition. His expertise and dedication has helped me not only lose weight but also build muscle and increase my energy levels. I feel stronger, healthier, and more confident than ever. Highly recommend!
Simon Medeiros
Zach was extremely knowledgeable and has a fantastic approach to recovery. I went to see him with a shoulder injury and he was quick to figure out what it was. He gave me some small changed to make to my training program and had me back in the gym and on my way to my regular routine right away. He’s quickly available if I need something from him and always open to help.

I would highly recommend going to see him for any injury you might have.
Mehdi Chalouh
I struggled to find someone that could help me get back to normal training after months of chronic shoulder pain and Zack's approach is unique. He works on both the physical and the mental aspect of the injury and make sure that you understand why you're doing what you're doing. I'm 80% better after just a few weeks of a step by step rehab program that he built for me and my confidence is back. If like me you've spent thousands of dollars on physio/chiro without any improvement, go see Zack and you'll see the difference.
Rachael Denton
Coach Zak has been awesome. I needed some of Xtra assistance rehabbing after my ACL injury. I signed up at about 6 months post op feeling weak and behind in my recovery. I needed a plan that would get me back to working out, gaining strength, kickboxing, skateboarding, you name it. Coach Zak programmed a routine for me with routine check-ins and was also available to answer any questions or jump on the phone with me if I needed. He pushed me to try things I wasn't sure I was ready for but because of his knowledge and passion he was able to get me to where I needed to be. I spent 6 months with him and if I have a need in the future I would definitely use him again!
jose jorge santiago
I used to think the more the better, used to demolish my body in the S&C sesh, kept me tired during the busy days and left me without energy for my sport.
they structured and show me the benefits of training like a professional, I’m able to perform better at my sport, be fittest without the injuries and the thousand hours, I used to trained.
Life changing experience
suzanna Shahbazian
Working with Zak has been a complete game changer. He provides clear, precise explanations and sets specific, realistic goals supported by a detailed plan. As a high-level athlete, I struggled to find a knowledgeable specialist who truly understood my challenges. Zak not only helps me improve but continually refines his own skills as a therapist by staying updated with the latest techniques. You can tell he genuinely cares about your progress and is fully invested. I find his approach very professional.
Benjamin Racine
I tried many different physio over the years and this is without a doubt the best one I highly recommend
Jonathan
Très humain et compétant, il tout de suite saisi la nature de mon problème. Avant, je me re-blessait pratiquement au mois et mon entorse lombaire ne cessait de s'aggraver. J'ai consulté plusieurs physiothérapeutes, et ils n'ont pas su m'aider. Maintenant, ça fait 5 mois que je suis le programme de Zakaria et je me sens beaucoup mieux (plus fort, plus flexible, pratiquement aucune douleur, etc). Je vous le recommande fortement!
Jason Gauvin
Pretty good, he help me from can’t use my shoulders to better than before my injury.
jabez anderson
10/10 told me everything i needed to do and eat in order to drop 16lbs in a little over a week and I felt great after. He also Walked me through what i needed to do to rehydrate and fight the next day
Teresa Overby
Working with Zack was very personalized. Most of our exchanges happened on the weekend, which was perfect for me. Each step along the way things were explained to me in a meaningful way. My goals were prioritized and the program worked for me!!
Andrew Rivera
Zak developed a personalized nutrition plan and helped guide me through my weight cut and rehydration for my most recent fight camp. I really felt the difference in my training and preparation for my fight compared to previous weight cuts/rehydration which were not the best and affected my performance. I put my trust in Zak and we were very successful in optimizing my performance and securing a Pro Muay Thai title! Fighters do enough with training and we shouldn't let it go to waste with a bad nutrition plan. Let Zak help you help yourself 🙏🏽
sheena connolly
I started working with Zack a little over a year ago. I was coming from an extremely fragile state having just started my recovery from a long struggle with an eating disorder. I reached out to Zack to help me begin an incredibly important and meaningful journey back to both physical and mental health. Taking into account my history and present situation, Zack created an individualized program that focused on slowly building back foundational strength. While always active and into sports, the gym scene was foreign to me and I was extremely anxious and self conscious. However Zack’s program gave me a firm sense of direction and purpose all the while he provided me with timely feedback and continuous support. It did not take long before I started seeing amazing results. I was able to put on a substantial amount of muscle mass which translated into increased strength and mobility which then allowed me to partake in all the activities I enjoyed doing pre-ED. Zack continued to tailor my program to my needs on a weekly basis, accounting for activities I wanted to reintegrate into my life, areas of weakness, and the occasional injury that popped up. I cannot emphasize enough that with Zack’s guidance, not only has my physical fitness dramatically improved but my overall sense of well-being. I have been able to get back to my passion of hiking and have, in fact, just accomplished my first high altitude climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. I owe much of my success to Zack and his expert advice and support. For anyone embarking on a journey to better health and fitness, I would recommend no one other than Zack. His knowledge surrounding training, fitness, nutrition, and rehabilitation is unrivaled and he has earned my explicit trust in all things fitness!
Sincerely, a very grateful client 🙂
Dylan Nadler
Zak is an absolute professional at what he does. Working one on one to curate an optimal nutrition plan, coach Zak has helped me achieve a healthy lifestyle without making unrealistic sacrifices. Whether you’re a high performance athlete looking to stand on top of the podium, or a business professional looking to be your best self, coach Zak will get you there - and more easily than you think.
Adam Elcan
5 stars no doubt for coach Zak. From his social media posts to the workouts he set up for me he’s what I thought I’d be getting and more!

If you’re looking to learn about the gym and learn about your body follow him. If you’re looking to take your training to the next level message him!
Drew Bain
Arshia
I recently visited Zak for physiotherapy, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. Zak is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely cares about his patients' well-being. He took the time to understand my specific needs and provided a personalized workout plan that has already shown great results. Highly recommend him to anyone seeking effective and compassionate physiotherapy care.
Arshia AR7 Hemmatyar
James Vanglath
On top of being an amazing human being, Zack has been a great mentor and friend. Started off as being my therapist to later on being my personal coach. I have regained full control and mobility of my right shoulder which was previously injured in wrestling back in 2012 (sub-luxation of the right rotator cuff). He has also educated me on so many aspects of weight training and diet which has helped me train my clients in a more efficient and safe way by extension. I am a more complete athlete and trainer myself thanks to him. Today, he is my striking coach and has cornered me at my last boxing fight in 2022. Our journey continues as the learning process is a neverending path. I truly have high regards for this man and wish him the best on his career as a pro fighter. Definitely recommended and worth the travel if you are looking to fulfill your personal fitness / martial arts goals.
Sagar Modi
Zak has been a game-changer for me. I started training with him to fix hip issues from my hockey days, and in just a month, my pain was gone. We moved on to strength and conditioning, which was great, but the real transformation began in November 2023 when I started his nutrition program.

With Zak's guidance, I've lost 25 pounds over the past eight months. His balanced approach lets me enjoy dinners and wine while staying on track. As a dad of two young kids, the boost in my energy has been incredible. I can keep up with my kids, work long days, and still feel great.

Zak's knowledge and support have truly changed my life for the better. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.
Manpreet Kooner
I started training with Zak six weeks postpartum after giving birth to my beautiful daughter. Not only has Zak helped me get back in shape physically, but he has also been a tremendous support mentally. I've had a lifelong issue with my knee, and thanks to his expertise, it's now cured. I feel great! Zak provides one-on-one private training and his personalized approach is exceptional. Highly recommend!
Trevor Nash
Zak came highly recommended and didn’t disappoint! He was the only one willing to work with a youth athlete in a weight management situation. His knowledge and plan of attack exceeded our expectations and his hands on approach saved our son when we weren’t able to accompany him to the event. Even after a large weight cut, he felt energized and ready to go!
Jonathan Prentice
Been working with coach Zak for about 5 months now and extremely happy with my results and his knowledge for all aspects of health and fitness. I am stronger and faster and have seen direct results within my jiu Jitsu ans striking because of his MMA specific workouts. Highly recommend!!!!
TaeKyung Mosher
Coach Zak is awesome. He is highly intelligent and motivated in his field, and it shines through in his coaching and programming. He also listens to what your goals are and actually helps you to achieve them. You can trust that this approach will get you the results you're looking for whether it is inter-fight-camp fitness or getting fight ready. I am also a physical therapist, and I only have the highest praise for Coach Zak.

I've only been working with Zak for 2 months, but it has been a rewarding experience. I'm an elite amateur muay thai athlete, and I'd been struggling with female athlete triad and low energy availability. I had 5 weeks to prepare for the IFMA World Championships, and I was extremely concerned that I would perform poorly. He immediately took action and adjusted my nutrition and, more importantly, my work load. While I was in camp (working hard and cutting a little weight) he was able to get me to a place where I had more energy, improved sleep, and, most importantly, significantly improved performance. My period even returned in that short time!!

He was in close contact with me and my Muaythai coach for the entire camp and even while I was traveling to make sure everything was running smoothly. We would text every day to check in.

I made weight 5 times and fought 5 times over 10 days, and I had the best performances that I've had in 2 years!! I truly believe that my success is largely due to Coach Zak. I would not have had the energy or brain capacity to get the job done without him.

He gave me back my fight life!

Now that I'm out of camp, I'm excited to be working on building strength. He keeps his programming simple but highly effective.

I would recommend Coach Zak to any combat athlete looking to reach that elusive 'next level.' 10/10 would recommend!!
Charbel Azar
Zach helped me get back to full time training after a bad injury. The recovery was perfectly planned in a easy to follow method and u could not be happier!
Michel Georges
As a chiropractor and fighting/fitness enthusiast— I can’t express how valuable and essential Coach Zaks programming has been for me.

In six months of working with him he has
- Helped me overcome the worst low back injury I’ve ever had
- Reprogrammed my workouts when I had a radiculopathy going down to my fingers from my neck (I chose to trust the PT programming he had instead of taking meds or going to an MD) and it went away in a few weeks.
- Built my strength up to where I expected to be and look absolutely large and in charge in the process.

The goal was to look like a silver back gorilla…
6 months down and I’m trusting him to continue my programming for the remainder of the year 🙌🏽
Mark Heaney
Zack helped recover from grade 3 ACL tear & meniscus repair. Not only is my operation leg & full body stronger than even, I learnt how to structure my training in a way that will reduce future injuries! Couldn't recommend more for athletes looking to return to sport!
Sandra Sterlin
I had been searching for a personal trainer for quite some time. My criteria for a trainer were patience, knowledge, attentiveness to my needs, and the ability to customize the program to suit those needs. I wasn't looking for a quick fix, but rather a change in my habits.

A friend recommended Zakaria, and it turned out to be an excellent suggestion. Zakaria is incredibly passionate about his work and genuinely committed to seeing progress. He is invested in your results and dedicated to ensuring that you learn throughout the process to maintain them in the long run.

Zakaria is extremely responsive to your feedback. If there's something you don't like, he will explain why it's important and be open to making changes to your program.

Thanks to Zakaria, I now enjoy strength training (which I've always avoided to prioritize cardio). My strength has increased tremendously during the past months. While I haven't yet achieved my goals, I'm confident that I will reach them in the next three months. I've learned along the way to trust the process and that consistency is the key to success. I already have new goals for the future, and I trust Zakaria to help me achieve them!
Mike Leites
Incredible knowledge, pragmatic advice, and always available for answers!
Extremely professional
Shawn Kahan
Zach has helped me on my journey of body transformation and has led me down a life changing path. His knowledge of nutrition and how to target specific goals through exercise is incredible. I began with a starting weight of 274Lbs and suffered with migraines and body aches. Within 6 months I had lost 50lbs. After a year and half I have not only reached my objective of 200lbs, but it has maintained. Lost fat, built muscle, increased cardio. I have not had a migraine since the weight came off!! The biggest take away is that I now understand food and how to manage calories. Creating a lifestyle where food does not have to be an inconvenience. I can honestly say, Zach changed my life. My family thanks you.
Eugénie Crevier
Jon Solorzano
Enjoyed the program, I definitely made the right choice in having The Fighting Therapist help get me back to training after having shoulder labrum and bicep tendon surgery. Highly recommend if you are looking to bounce back from an injury or ready to take your strength and conditioning up to the next level! The questions I had while going through the process he answered in great detail. Definitely be back once medical bills are all caught up!
Eliane Lagrange
Been training with Zak for a couple months now and I'm so happy with his service, he's always there to answer my questions and to motivate me ! Also been seeing changes on my body that I couldn't see before no matter how much I trained. 100% recommend 🙂
Emerick St-Louis
Clearly the best there is around here. Had lower back pain for almost 2 years, and now it’s gone! Clear, simple, easy exercises, and very well explained. Nothing bad to say about his service

Thanks a lot Zack, I feel much better!
Sidney Sereda-Climenhage
Zack is hands down the most knowledgable and professional therapist I have ever worked with. Working with Zack is an educational, motivational and confidence building experience. He will make you believe in your body.

Not only has he helped me rehab multiple injuries in a very short time but he has equipped me with the knowledge and foundation for a lifetime of strength training. It has been beneficial in just about every aspect of my life.

The training program he created for me was tailored to my needs, goals, and equipment available to me. He has taught me how to apply different variables and modalities to the program he showed me as needed making me feel a lot more independent and in control of my rehab.

Whether it's for injury rehab, optimising your health or reaching your athletic goals..

Zack is the best in town.
Thomas Case
Zak has been extremely helpful in my elbow surgery recovery. He has programmed things wisely to minimize my risk of injury and maximize my progress in a timely manner, I have no doubt his programming is the reason my recovery has gone smoothly and I’d highly recommend him to any athlete. Thanks Zak! 💪
Daniel Lipkovich
Zack is incredible! He's patient, knowledgeable, and consistently delivers results. He's guided me through both weight loss and a knee injury, and I can't thank him enough for his support. If you're looking for training or physio, Zack's the guy to turn to!
Russel Niere
Through Zach's workout program, I was able to heal a knee injury while still being able to gain overall strength and power. This man knows his stuff !
Bilal Bazzi
I signed up for a 12 week summer program with TheFightingTherapist and I gotta say, it was a massive success. I reached my weight goal and gained so much strength. He definitely helped me push past my limits and I’m more than satisfied with the service.

We had weekly meetings as a group but he also took the time to check up on us individually throughout the whole program. Any questions we’re answered and he even took the time to communicate with us while he was on a vacation! The programs were easy to understand and they weren’t too intense but just enough for you to push past your standard workouts .If you have goals you think you can’t achieve, he will help you make it happen. If you have aches and physical soreness you can’t fix , he can help.
If you need help recovering post injury …yes he can help!

I don’t usually write this much but the service was that good. 10/10 would recommend.

Shoutout to my man Zack for taking me to new heights!
Jason Dixon
Zack has helped me understand how to take care and improve my body in areas of mobility, muscle building, and nutrition. He Also has given me the knowledge to better grasp how to handle injuries or limitations, that otherwise appeared unchangeable. Through consistency and precise steps, Zack shows you how to achieve significant goals with your body.
Arash Shafei
I can't speak highly enough of Zakaria. He is hands-down the best athletic therapist I've ever had the privilege of working with. My journey with Zakaria began in December 2022 after I suffered a basketball injury resulting in a torn ACL, partially torn MCL, and bilateral meniscus tear. We wasted no time and started the rehabilitation process in January 2023 following my surgery.

Zakaria's depth of knowledge when it comes to multi-ligament knee rehab protocols is truly remarkable. Not only does he incorporate traditional rehab techniques for his clients, but he also integrates research-backed strategies derived from scientific literature.

Fast forward to today, and I'm now 11 months into this rehabilitation journey and back on the basketball court, thanks to Zakaria's amazing support and expertise. I owe my progress and recovery to him, and I couldn't have come this far without his guidance.

If you're in need of a dedicated, knowledgeable, and highly skilled athletic therapist, I wholeheartedly recommend Zakaria. His commitment to his clients' well-being is truly exceptional, and I'm living proof of the remarkable results he can achieve.

Thank you, Zakaria, for your outstanding work!
olivia S
I pulled my quad playing soccer and Zac helped me so much to rehabilitate it. He was very thorough and knowledgeable and gave me a series of exercises to help me get my strength back. I highly recommend!!!!!!
Alyssa Valenti
Zak is awesome! I went to him for a few injuries and all resolved within no time. He takes the time to properly teach you what is needed for you to recover quickly. He also answers questions quickly and can get you an appointment asap. I highly recommend booking with him whether it’s for an injury or for your fitness goals. He’s the besssst!
Pa Ab
In just a few short months, i've lost weight and got considerably stronger following my custom program. It took my injuries into account. I have three herniated discs in my back and for the longest time i dreaded having to pick anything off the ground. Today, i'm back to running, lifting and living a virtually pain free life!

Unleash your inner warrior

Need to recover from an injury? Want to get into top shape? Try our MMA-Infused program, to elevate your fitness goals.

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MMA-Infused Personal Training and Athletic therapy

Enrolling in athletic therapy or personal training sessions under the guidance of an MMA specialist presents a distinctive and comprehensive strategy for attaining your fitness and recovery goals. 

Discover a holistic approach to personal training and athletic therapy services with an MMA-inspired program. Zakaria Benboutcha, who has honed his skills in the rigorous world of mixed martial arts, brings a unique blend of precision, strength, and resilience to your fitness journey. With our MMA-infused personal training and athletic therapy services, you’ll not only achieve your fitness goals faster but also enhance your overall well-being. Unlock your full potential, minimize the risk of injuries, and kickstart your mind and body transformation with The Fighting Therapist.

Located in Ville Saint Laurent, clients across the Greater Montreal and Vaudreuil rely on Zakaria’s profound expertise,  mental fortitude, and all-encompassing methodology for their fitness or recovery endeavors.

Not in Montreal?  Online remote coaching now available!

Personal Training redefined

In the realm of combat sports, training carries immense significance. Yet, what if training were approached from a novel perspective that blends martial prowess with therapeutic insight? We offer a distinctive outlook on the training regimen. Our approach goes beyond the mere development of strength and technique; it also emphasizes the body’s durability and wellness. Immerse yourself in a training methodology that gives equal priority to performance and health, where every punch, kick, and grapple is driven by a profound comprehension of the mechanics and requirements of the human body. Welcome to The Fighting Therapist, where combat sports and therapeutic expertise converge seamlessly.