After 15 weeks of quarantines, ZenQuest has resumed it’s ‘in-person’ classes as of Monday, July 6th.  As you probably know, regular classes were suspended on March 16 in compliance with orders from Massachusetts Governor Baker’s office. Since then, we’ve been in ’uncharted territory’ providing virtual classes and instructional videos online, waiting for the day when we could start to return to normal.  Now, because Massachusetts has done such a great job of getting the situation under control, we have been given the go ahead to finally reopen.
In an abundance of caution, reopening is being done with several safety measures in place.  Although the commonwealth has managed the situation well up to this point, we all must do our part in continuing the current trend.  So, our reopening will be done in four phases with the most intense safety measures in effect at first.  These will gradually be relaxed with each of the following phases.
Our Phase I safety measures include one way traffic through the building as much as possible.  Parents are required to drop off youth students and additional seating is provided outside in the playground area.  Indoor waiting areas, locker rooms and the fitness room are off limits in this initial Phase.  Students should arrive in their training attire, and are subjected to ‘no touch’ temperature checks upon entering the building.  They are also required to sanitize hands and feet before entering training rooms.  We are encouraging online, phone-in, or automatic payments as an additional precaution.  Of course, students should wait to rejoin if they have at-risks family members at home, or think that they may be feeling ill. 
Class sizes are limited to eight at this time so it is very important that students make reservations and notify us on which classes they will be attending.  To properly ‘social distance’ students are given assigned areas in their classes.  Classes are focusing on instruction and individual exercises and drills, with no partner training.  Portions of classes will consist of video presentations of drills, sparring, history and information appropriate to each martial art and age group.  We are also using ‘grappling dummies’ for Jiu-jitsu    and punching bags for Muay Thai classes in the early stages of reopening.  Some fun new children's games are being played based on social distancing. 
We have arranged for plenty of positive ventilation using a combination of window fans in the training rooms to pull air out, and other windows and doors strategically opened.  We are also using a ’fresh air exchange’ system installed in the building during class times now as well. 
Face coverings are required for everyone in Phase I.  ZenQuest is supplying custom ’Ninja’ masks at no charge while supplies last.  These ‘Gaiter’ style coverings are made of a Lycra material which balance protection with enabling the wearer to breathe during activity.  Class intensities are at a level that works with face coverings while their use is in effect.  This, too, will be relaxed in succeeding phases. 
Mats, surfaces, and equipment are all being disinfected before each class and at the end of each day.  Class durations are slightly shorter to allow for cleaning and drying between classes.  A professional cleaning service is also be used at the end of each week to disinfect the entire facility.  
As of now, we are waiting for the Governor’s office to provide more information and guidance on the duration of this initial phase and details on what follows.  We will provide more information as it becomes available.  For now, we are just happy that we can reopen and continue providing the best facility, instruction, and training environment possible. 
The effects of COVID19 have been difficult for everyone.  But, with the threat of the virus gradually subsiding in the northeast we can begin to look forward to gradually getting back to a more normal life and the activities that we love.  With some caution and intelligent strategies we are confident that we WILL return to normal while staying as safe as possible. 
For more information on our Phase I safety measures, visit our website at www.zenquestmac.com.  We appreciate your continued support and hope to see you in training again soon!

To commemorate surviving the crazy challenges of 2020 we have created a unique version of our  ZenQuest t-shirts. These are high-quality ’cobalt’ colored t-shirts with the front the same as usual, but the back says "I helped ZenQuest survive COVID19."  These will only be offered once, so get them while you can.
The shirts are partly a fundraiser for the gym/dojo and available to everyone.  To help with recovery from the COVID19 quarantines, these are offered at $30 each.  Anyone who maintained their membership through the quarantines can pick them up at a discounted price of $15 each. They are available in sizes YS through 3XL.
We will be taking orders for these from now until August 1st.  To order, simply call, email, or message us with your sizes and arrange for payment.
Thanks for your continued support!

As we reopen and transition back to our normal 'in-person' classes following the quarantines, we will put less emphasis on providing virtual classes and videos online.  This was an amazing way to help students continue their training remotely during an unprecedented time.  However, at this point we need to focus our energies on providing six days of regular classes...PLUS all of the new safety measures and cleaning required by the commonwealth.
We will provide a limited number of virtual classes for a short time by ’live streaming’ our in-person classes.  These can be accessed via our special Facebook group called ‘RTS’ or Remote Training Support.  Please look for email announcements for the dates and times of those classes.  Eligible students can go to the group via the Facebook ZenQuest page and submit a request to join in if they don’t already have access.  For information on access please refer to the article entitled ’Enrollment Alternatives’ on page 2.  There are also many videos available on ZenQuest’s website and YouTube channel.   
An alternative to consider going forward are virtual or in-person private lessons.  Some students have already taken advantage of this alternative to in-person training with great success.  This is a great way to enjoy customized instruction at a pace and focus that works for the individual student while social distancing.
We will revisit providing virtual classes in the future shall the need arise.  For assistance with our virtual classes or gaining access please contact us at 413-637-0656 or train@zenquestmac.com.  Thanks again for your support!​

​The following are precautions to maximize safety during the first phase of ZenQuest’s reopening.  Phase I will be the most restrictive and last a minimum of three weeks.  Each subsequent Phase will ease these safety measures, following the Massachusetts and CDC recommendations.  Thank you for your understanding and support!
 
Arrival - Students must arrive between 5 and 10 minutes early prior to the start of their class.  Late arrivals may need to wait for their next opportunity to train.  Youth students must be dropped off at the front door once arrangements have been made for their attendance.  All students will be subject to a touch-less body temperature screening upon arrival.  Face coverings must be worn while in the building during Phase I of the reopening.  Students may pick up one free ZenQuest face covering at the front desk.  Additional face coverings will be available for a nominal fee.  Students and families should make membership arrangements via phone, email, or message if possible.  Arrangements can be made at the front desks if needed.  
 
Social Distancing - Students should arrive ready for their class as locker rooms will be unavailable in Phase I.  Students must remove shoes upon entry and carry them to the shelves in the Fitness Room.  The reception area will only be available for information, transactions, and placing orders.  Families may wait for younger students in the playground area or at their vehicles.  Foot traffic will be controlled with designated directions as much as possible in the building using arrows on the floor.  Students may retrieve uniforms or gear from the locker rooms only upon their return.  If a student should need to use the bathroom, all surfaces must be cleaned immediately after their use. 
 
Classes - Classes will be limited to a ten-student maximum during Phase I and, therefore, students must designate which classes they will attend during this time.  Instructors will assist youth students in entering and exiting the classrooms.  All hands and feet must be cleaned with the sanitizer provided prior to each class.  Students will have designated training areas in their classes and must stay within their area and remain in the classroom as much as possible until their class is completed.  Water bottles should be placed in a corner of the student’s area.  Except for ‘grappling dummies’ in jiu-jitsu, use of equipment will be minimized during this phase.  Class times have been shortened and spread out more to allow for cleaning before each class.  Students must limit their attendance to one class per morning or evening session.
 
Attire - All Karate and Jiu-jitsu classes will require the Gi or uniform.  All student clothing and gear must be clean for each class.  Students are encouraged to bring sanitizing wipes to clean their own gear and area after use.  Jiu-jitsu students are encouraged to bring an extra Gi top to place on their grappling dummy for training.  Grappling dummies must be stripped and cleaned after each use.  
 
Departure - Youth students may be picked up at the fitness-room door adjacent to the playground.  At the end of each class, students must exit through the fitness-room doorway.  Students will exit in the order of students closest to the doorway first or next.  They will then retrieve their shoes and proceed to exit the building through the exterior fitness-room door.  Parents should be ready to receive youth students to avoid confusion.

We hope that everyone is healthy and looking forward to getting back to 'in-person' classes. All indications from Governor Baker's office are that plans are going well, and that we WILL be able to reopen for classes on Monday, July 6th.  Of course, if the official timeline changes we will make adjustments and let you know. 
We've developed intelligent strategies for making ZenQuest as safe as possible during the reopening. 
After extensive cleaning and disinfecting the gym is essentially ready to go at this time. As you may know, ZenQuest will reopen in four steps or phases. Phase I (July 6th to July 26) will utilize the most extensive safety precautions. A modified class schedule for Phase I is available at this LINK. We will also continue with our virtual classes and instructional videos until we resume in-person classes. This week's schedule is noted above.
Each phase is scheduled to last for three weeks.  The most intense social distancing measures will be utilized in the first phase, and these will gradually be relaxed with each following phase after.
Phase I social distancing measures will include one way traffic through the building as much as possible.  Parents will be required to drop off youth students and additional seating will be provided outside in it’s picnic and playground area.  Indoor waiting areas, locker rooms and fitness room will also be off limits in this initial Phase. 
Students will be subjected to temperature checks upon entry of the building.  They should also stay home if they have at-risks family members at home, or think that they may be feeling ill.  Students will be required to sanitize hands and feet before entering training rooms and on breaks.  The school will encourage online, phone-in, or automatic payments also to promote social distancing. 
Window fans placed in the training rooms, combined with open windows and doors will keep fresh air flowing through the building.  The building is also equipped with a ’fresh air exchange’ system from when the Berkshire Montessori school occupied the space, and we will  begin running that during classes as well. 
Class sizes will be limited to 10 and students will have assigned areas in the class.  Classes will initially consist of instruction and individual exercises with no partner training in Phase I.  Portions of classes will consist of presentations of drills, sparring, history and information appropriate to each martial art and age group.  Some of this will be presented by instructors while other portions will be done using video.  The school has also acquired ‘grappling dummies’ for it’s Jiu-jitsu classes in the early stages of reopening.  Children's games will be limited to those that can be performed with social distancing. 
Face coverings will be required for everyone in Phase I.  ZenQuest will supply custom ’Ninja’ masks at no charge while supplies last.  These ‘Gaiter’ style coverings are made of a Lycra material which balance protection with enabling the wearer to breathe during activity.  Class intensities will be at a level that works with face coverings while their use is in affect.  This, too, will be relaxed in succeeding phases.
Cleaning of mats, surfaces, and equipment will all be stepped up significantly.  These will be disinfected between classes and at the end of each day.  Class durations will be slightly shorter to allow for cleaning between classes.  A professional cleaning service will also be used at the end of each week to disinfect the entire facility.  
Details for Phases II and III will be issued soon.  These will include less social distancing and a gradual return to more partner training and group interaction.  The current reopening schedule is as follows:  Phase I - July 6 to July 26, Phase II - July 27 to August 16, and Phase III - August 17 to September 7.  With the end of reopening Phase III, operations would return to normal with appropriate considerations at that time.  This plan will, of course, be adjusted based on guidelines from the CDC and Massachusetts if needed.
In the preparation for reopening, the entire facility has been cleaned and disinfected from top to bottom.  This includes all surfaces in the building including floors, mats, walls, cubicles, shelves, tables, chairs, desks, lockers and fixtures.  Similarly, all equipment is being disinfected including targets, kick shields, Thai pads, focus mitts, weights, kettle bells, fitness balls, medicine balls, punching bags, etc.  All of this has made ZenQuest a very clean environment to train in going forward.
The effects of COVID19 has been difficult for everyone and even tragic for some.  But, with the threat of the virus gradually subsiding, we can begin to look forward to gradually getting back to a more normal life.  With some caution and intelligent strategies we are confident that we WILL return to normal while staying as safe as possible. 
We appreciate your continued support and hope to see you in training again soon!

 Although we haven’t been able to conduct our normal 'in-person' classes during the quarantines, we are providing virtual classes and videos online so that students can continue their training remotely.  Staying fit and continuing your practice during this time is important in many ways.  Aside from keeping your physical and mental health strong, this will reduce stress and anxiety, and allow you to make the best of the situation.  It contributes to your growth in the martial arts and your progress toward your next promotions, and will allow you to ‘hit the ground running’ once we do reopen.
At this point the majority of our online classes and videos are being provided via ZOOM.  This is an interactive video meeting app that is more like an actual class.  We also provide some classes by ’live stream’ using a special group on Facebook called ‘RTS’ or Remote Training Support.  We typically provide six classes each week for adults and kids.  Eligible students and families can go to the group via the Facebook ZenQuest page and submit a request to join in.  They can also easily get links for the ZOOM classes by request.  There are different ways to gain access to these virtual classes if you haven’t already.  For information on access please refer to the article entitled ’Enrollment Alternatives’ on page 2.  There are also many videos available on ZenQuest’s website and YouTube channel.   
Something else to consider going forward are virtual private lessons.  Some students have already taken advantage of this alternative to in-person training with great success.  This is a great way to concentrate on promotion material or customized instruction at a pace and focus that works for the individual student.
For assistance with our virtual classes or gaining access please contact us at 413-637-0656 or train@zenquestmac.com.  Thanks again for your support!
 

As you know ZenQuest’s ‘in-person’ classes have been suspended since the orders given by the Governor of Massachusetts on March 16. At present, the Governor's office is developing a four-phase plan for the reopening of businesses. The plan will determine when businesses will open based on societal need and risks. The details for the plan have not been determined at this time, but it’s anticipated that gyms and martial arts schools will not likely be among the first business to reopen.  
Of course, we are excited and looking forward to reopening for in-person classes as soon as we can. In the meantime, we’re providing online classes, instructional videos, and tips so that students can continue to train remotely. These have been for Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Self-defense and Strength & Conditioning. This is a great way to continue to learn and stay sharp during this challenging situation, and we strongly encourage all of our students to take advantage of this.
In the process of getting ready for reopening, the entire facility is being cleaned and disinfected from top to bottom.  This includes all surfaces in the building including floors, mats, walls, cubicles, shelves, tables, chairs, desks, lockers and fixtures.  Similarly, all equipment is being disinfected including targets, kick shields, Thai pads, focus mitts, weights, kettle bells, fitness balls, medicine balls, punching bags, etc.
We are also developing intelligent strategies for making ZenQuest as safe as possible when that happens. These will be most intense at first, and then gradually relaxed as time progresses and things return to normal. Precautionary measures will include controlled traffic through the building, limited class sizes, drop off for youth students, temperature checks, social distancing measures, alternative payment options, and negative air flow in the training rooms. Our building also has a ’fresh air exchange’ system left over from when it was occupied by the Berkshire Montessori school, and we will be begin running that during classes when we reopen.
In addition, we will modify several aspects of our classes for the time being. Classes will initially consist of instruction and individual exercises, with partner training gradually phased in over time. We will have designated places for students in the training rooms. Portions of classes will consist of video presentations and review of drills, sparring, history and information appropriate to each martial art and age group. Classes consisting of ‘Stations’ or strength & condition drills will also be more frequent initially.  We will also limit children's games to those that can be performed with social distancing.
Face masks will be required for everyone at first. ZenQuest will supply custom ’Ninja’ masks at no charge for students who’ve maintained their memberships during the quarantines, or if they re-enroll during the first phase of reopening. These will also be available at a discounted price in the following phases of returning to normal. These are ‘Gaitor’ style masks made of a Lycra material which balance protection with enabling the wearer to breathe during activity.
 Of course, all of the other precautions that were in place before the quarantines began will still be in place. Cleaning of mats, surfaces, and equipment will all be stepped up significantly. Students should stay home if sick and will be asked to leave class if there are any indicators of illness. Students should also stay home if they have at-risks family members at home. Students will be required to sanitize hands and feet before entering training rooms and on breaks.
We will reopen and get back to training together as soon as possible.  It has been difficult for many of us to deal with the quarantines and the challenges that they pose on us. However, we need to continue to deal with this in an intelligent way that minimizes risks for everyone, while also trying to keep our lives as normal as possible. With the steps outlined by the authorities, and our own safety plan we are confident that we WILL gradually return to normal while staying as safe as possible.

The COVID19 quarantines continued well past the point that was originally anticipated and affected us all in many ways.  We know that this has placed a burden on many of our students and families, and this has certainly placed a burden on ZenQuest.  We appreciate those who have continued to support the gym/dojo during this time and can’t thank you enough. 
As we transition back to normal it is important for students to indicated how they would like us to address their enrollment or any credit they may have had at the time the quarantines began.  If you are in that group and have not done so yet, please take a moment to evaluate the alternatives below and contact us.  As we see it, there are five different ways to deal with this:
 
Continued Enrollment  Several students and families have chosen to simply continue their enrollment through the quarantines. This is a very considerate way to support the gym or Dojo and help ZenQuest to survive this unprecedented challenge. Continuing enrollment in this way provides full access to all of ZenQuest’s online classes and support, and provides discounts on equipment and private online training.
 
Partial Enrollment  This is for students who’s normal membership has lapsed, but want access to online classes.  These students can arrange for a monthly payment of $25 to have full access to all online classes and videos. ZenQuest has amassed a library of online classes  via Facebook live and ZOOM, and these are available on our special Facebook ‘Remote Training Support’ group.  New classes will continue to be live streamed for a limited time.  Students may also choose to arrange for private online trainings.  
 
Enrollment Conversion  Students who had a balance of enrollment time when in-person classes were suspended may convert that time into access to online classes. For example, if a student had a month of time remaining as of March 16th, they can use the monetary value of that time towards access to online class time at $25 per month.  Once this time has expired, they can decide how to proceed from there.  Students can also convert a balance of enrollment to online private trainings.
 
Enrollment Donation  Students who had a balance of enrollment time when in-person classes were suspended may simply donate part or all of that time to the gym and then restart their enrollment upon their return. This will also contribute to insuring the survival of the Dojo during and following the quarantines.
 
Enrollment Pause  This is for students who want to pause their membership going back to the date of start of class suspensions.  Any balance of enrollment on the books at that time would be preserved and be restarted upon their return.  This would mean no access to exclusive online classes or videos, and the student will be considered to be out of training during this time.  Students who’ve utilized the online content should expect an appropriate adjustment to remaining enrollment time.
 
Please call 413-637-0656 or contact us via email at train@zenquestmac.com to let us know what you decide.  Again, we sincerely appreciate the kindness and generosity shown by the students and families continuing their enrollments and supporting us through this challenging time.  If you would like to arrange for payment or contribution in this way please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Although we haven’t been able to conduct our normal 'in-person' classes during the COVID-19 quarantines, we are providing videos and classes online so that students can continue their training remotely.  Staying fit and continuing your practice during this time is important in many ways.  Aside from keeping your physical and mental health strong, this will also contribute to your progress toward your next promotions.
Currently, the majority of our online classes and videos are being provided via a special group on Facebook called ‘RTS’ or Remote Training Support.  We typically provide six classes each week for adults and kids, and may add more classes to this in the future.  Eligible students and families can go to the group via the Facebook ZenQuest page and submit a request to join in.  There are different ways to gain access to these virtual classes if you haven’t already.  For information on access please refer to the article entitled ’Enrollment Alternatives’ on page 2.
We are also looking into developing an exclusive page on the ZenQuest website soon for an alternative to using Facebook to access these classes.  Also, some classes may be offered using the meeting room app ‘Zoom” in the future.  We initially avoided this choice due to security concerns, but they seem to have been corrected at this time.  Like our Facebook live classes and videos, access to the exclusive website support can easily be arranged by contacting us. 
Something else to consider going forward are virtual private lessons.  Some students have already taken advantage of this alternative to in-person training with great success.  This is a great way to especially concentrate on promotion material at a pace and focus that works for the individual student.
For assistance with our virtual classes or gaining access please contact us at 413-637-0656 or train@zenquestmac.com.  We will  continue providing a limited amount of additional support material on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram periodically.  Thanks again for your support!