Now that we’re almost nine months into the COVID19 pandemic, it’s important to remember that there will come a time when we return to normal.  Some people have speculated that we may never be able to get back to the way our lives were pre-coronavirus.  This is not only untrue, it is very negative and not where we want to be mentally.  In this very challenging time, it is important to stay as positive as possible and look forward to a better time in the future.
Why should we think that things will return to normal?  That’s easy.  We’ve had several pandemics throughout history and things have always returned to normal once they ran their course and subsided.  A good example of this is the 1918 pandemic known as the ‘Spanish Flu.’  This outbreak resulted in about one-third of the world’s population infected and over 600,000 American deaths, but things did eventually return to normal. 
Back then communities struggled with ways to minimize the impact of the outbreak without modern technology, communications, or medicine.  Similar to our current situation, the best strategies for that were social distancing, sanitizing, masks and quarantines.  Studies have shown that areas that did those things during that pandemic faired much better while that virus raged on for months.
First appearing in the spring of 1918, the Spanish Flu virus ran it’s course until enough ‘herd immunity’ developed and things began returning back to normal about one year later in the spring of 1919.  Technology for vaccines and treatments against viral infections were not as advanced at that time, and an effective vaccine was never developed to deal with the Spanish Flu pandemic.
Today, we are faced with a very similar dilemma with COVID19 that the world faced over a hundred years ago.  Although we are far more advanced in medicine, it takes time to develop safe and effective vaccines and treatments for a new or ‘novel’ disease.  Until then we do have the proven strategies of social distancing, using masks, and sanitizing. Unfortunately, portion of the population are uncooperative and do not want to follow these.  Despite having much better technology and communications, the message is lost on many people and the virus is free to infect far more than necessary.
A complete return to normal from the COVID19 will require a large portion of our population to have either recovered from the disease or been vaccinated against it.  Infectious disease specialist, Dr. W. David Hardy, recently stated in an interview with Healthline magazine that this will happen “When there is strong scientific evidence that the vaccination has rendered 65 to 70 percent of the population.”  For that, though, he said the people need to “trust in science.” 
Experts are now predicting that a COVID19 vaccine may be available as early as January of 2021.  With time for distribution that may mean returning to normal in late winter or early spring of next year.  Dr. Hardy places his bets on the new normal as “the second or third quarter of 2021.”  Further, advancements in treatments and drug therapies will also minimize the effects of the virus for those who do become infected as time progresses. 
Recently, Massachusetts Governor Baker lessoned the restrictions for certain areas in the Commonwealth with low Coronavirus metrics.  This applied to the Berkshires and allowed ZenQuest to increase the number of students allowed in each class slightly.  We are hoping that our area continues to do well with low infections and spread, and this trend continues.  
So, what will a return to normal at ZenQuest look like?  We are bound by the orders and guidelines provided by the Massachusetts Governor’s office.  It’s possible that they will just keep things the same until enough of the population is vaccinated and the all clear signal is given.  Its also possible that we will continue to see the current restrictions reduced gradually up to that point. 
It’s difficult to say exactly, but we can imagine how that would likely play out.  If things continued to go well in the Berkshires we could see additional safety measures relaxed in stages including (not necessarily in this order):
 
·  Elimination of one-way traffic and return to free movement throughout the building
·  Reopening common areas like the reception area, changing rooms, and class viewing area
·  Reduced social distancing and a return to partner drills (possibly with designated partners)
·  Reduction in extreme sanitizing and cleaning
·  Returning to free sparring and rolling
·  Elimination of masks requirements
 
We’re all looking forward to returning to normal in and out of the Dojo.  Until then we must stay vigilant with the only measures we have to control COVID19...social distancing, disinfecting, and masks.  Experts also say that getting flu shots and otherwise staying as healthy as possible can help keep your immune system strong in the event of an infection.
So, here’s to staying focused and doing our best until better days arrive! 

ZenQuest has been voted the ‘Best Martial Arts Academy’ in the Berkshires AGAIN!  The distinction is given by the area’s premier news agency, and is solely based upon voting by the Berkshire Eagle’s readers.  This makes the award even better and we are humbly proud. 
This is the fourth year in a row for ZenQuest going back to 2017.  We believe that this is a direct result of doing everything possible to provide the best programs, instruction, facility and training environment possible.  It’s nice to know that our students and fans appreciate that and we will continue to do our best to make things even better going forward. 
We’ve definitely seen our share of challenges in reaching this point.  This year has been no exception with a forced closure for almost four months, and then opening with intense safety measures in place.  But it is our pleasure to set the example that, in spite of life’s challenges, we all must continue to remain calm and navigate through the best we can.
This award would not be possible without the dedication and support of our students, families and parent organizations.  To them we say thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

We recently changed the service used for our 'Easy Pay' tuition program.  The majority of students enrolled this way previously have been able to continue taking advantage of this convenient and cost saving option with little or no changes required.  This provided seamless continuity in their enrollment going forward.  Many newer students have also recently switched over to ZenQuest’s Easy Pay enrollment.  Doing so provides several advantages to students and parents.  
Convenience  Once you set up your Easy Pay virtually nothing else is required of you to maintain your tuition at ZenQuest.  Payments are automatically made each month through an account of your choice.  There is no need for keeping track of interval enrollments, wasting time with payments, or awkward social distancing issues.
Tuition Discount  Enrolling via Easy Pay automatically reduces your tuition to the equivalent of our three-month or quarterly rates.  In other words, you get to pay the discounted monthly rate as if you had done a three-month enrollment.  
Tuition Lock  Enrolling in Easy Pay locks your tuition so that it will not go up at all when there are periodic tuition increases that happen.  The longer you stay enrolled with it, the more your tuition is effectively discounted.  Some long time students are taking advantage of as much as 50% off.
Commitment  Easy Pay is perfect for students who want to commit to a longer term study of the martial arts.  Enrolling this way takes the indecision and inconsistency out of your training and leads to real results.
To take advantage of enrolling this way all that is needed is to fill out an Easy Pay form and submit it at the ZenQuest front desk.  Tell us which credit card account you would like to use for this and we take care of the rest.  A double payment is made on the ‘front end’ of this enrollment and that extra month can be used on the ‘back end.’
Please contact us if you have any questions on this or would like to go ahead with ZenQuest’s Easy Pay.

​Special edition ZenQuest shirts are finally on their way!  These are 100% cotton ‘cobalt’ colored Gildan brand t-shirts with our usual ‘ZenQuest Martial Arts’ on the front.  The back side of shirt says ‘I helped ZenQuest survive COVID19.’  Several of these shirts are reserved for those who pre-ordered them, but there will be a limited supply of extra available.  These are expected to be available at the front desk in early November.  Thanks to everyone who pre-payed for these.
 

​Remember that it is important that all students know and stay mindful of all of the safety precautions currently in place at the gym/Dojo.  This is crucial to the safety of everyone and preventing a problem with COVID.  This includes arriving for each class no earlier than 5 to 10 minutes prior to it’s start.  After a temperature check, shoes must be carried to the ’fitness room’ and placed on one of the shoe racks.  Next, sanitizer must be applied to hands and feet at the training room entry door, then students should proceed to a ‘social distancing’ spot in the room for their class, filling in the spaces farthest from the door first.  Water bottles and spare masks can be placed at a back corner of their space.  During the class masks must stay on and instructions should be followed carefully.  Once the class is finished, students can gather their belongings and exit the training room in order, one at a time.  Shoes should be put on near the exit door, then the student may proceed to the playground area and walk to the front of the building.   Parents should be ready to receive their children at that time.  At all times, please minimize congregating in the ‘fitness room’.  With everyone staying vigilant about safety we can all keep our risks to a minimum and continue to practice the martial arts that we love.  Thanks for your cooperation with this!
 

We’ve seen some difficult challenges over the last six months or so.  Although there are different levels of severity in the way that people have been affected by the global pandemic, it’s probably safe to say that everyone has been affected in some way.  Many of us have faced quarantines, problems with employment, financial hardships, lack of normal activities, reduction in services, new safety precautions everywhere, restricted travel, political turmoil and, of course...infection and illness.
One of the potential consequences of this is a wave of psychological damage both short and long term.  Experts are assessing the impact of COVID19 and are noting a variety of effects ranging from anxiety and depression to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  In the short term, many people’s priorities have changed with a sense of being forced to exist in a survival mode taking over their thoughts and actions.  People have been taken way outside of their ‘comfort zone’ leading to insecurity and stress.  With big changes to our normal routines our identity and sense of who we are may be shaken.  The combination of isolation and sheer boredom can clearly affect our state of mind in negative ways.
All of this can put us at risk for a variety of negative conducts and consequences such as overeating, substance abuse, episodes of rage, and even destructive behaviors.  These can all create a compounding effect that will result in making things worse for ourselves and more difficult to get back to a happy and productive lifestyle.
In order to avoid imploding during these challenging times we must constantly move our thoughts from a negative stream that will trigger the ’fight-or-flight’ response to more positive thinking.  Sometimes that means simply shutting down negative thoughts and feelings and calming ourselves.  Another technique is to change our stream of thoughts to positive memories, future activities, or even the better aspects of our present situation.  Plan some activities, take a class, learn a new language, PLAN A VACATION! 
Dr. Shauna Springer of Psychology Today says that, during the pandemic “We must  be relentlessly intentional and creative in:  1) Finding ways to be productive in new roles that tap existing strengths, 2) Continually connecting with each other using all modes available to us now, and 3) Doing business that will hold our economy stable through the crisis.”
Keeping busy in this way serves as an important distraction from the negativity of the situation.  The feeling of accomplishment in new projects and goals can help us to feel good in challenging times.  Physical activity and exercise is especially great in this way AND promotes overall health and happiness.  Just the practice of planning our activities helps us to look more forward to a better time.  Setting a routine for ourselves and sticking to it also puts more structure in our lives, creating a ‘comfort zone’ in uncomfortable situations. 
In the long term, we should try to learn and grow from the challenges life throws at us.  Experts refer to this as ‘Adversarial Growth’ or ‘Post Traumatic Growth.’  Most people are familiar with PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and some situations are so severe that it can be extremely difficult for someone to return to a healthy frame of mind afterwards.  However, some situations can be traumatic for us and we will bounce back or even grow from the experience.  Some people become MORE motivated to do well or even thrive in spite of the hardships that life has given them.  We need to learn to live by the famous quote by Friedrich Nietzsche “What doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.”
According to a study at Penn. State, there can be five elements to Adversarial Growth:
 
¨   Improved relationships with others
¨   Identification of new possibilities in one’s life
¨   Increased personal strength
¨   Elevation in attitude and spirit
¨   Enhanced appreciation of life
 
These positive changes relate to the development of important qualities of character, such as diligence, generosity, love, purpose, and humility.
For most of us, life is hard.  The only way for us to be successful and happy is to keep a positive outlook and continue to fight for our success and happiness.  We must learn to turn negatives into positives.  Over time, we can actually reprogram our brains to be more optimistic and productive...in spite of hardships.  It’s up to us to see the opportunities we do have and make the best of them!

We are in the process of changing the service for our 'EasyPay' tuition program.  Students enrolled this way will still be able to take advantage of this convenient and cost saving option with little or no effort required.
For students who use a credit card for this purpose, virtually nothing extra is needed, unless contacted directly by Sensei Connie.  You will likely just see 'Square' listed as the new vendor for your payments.  Students who use a checking or savings account for this will need to provide Debit Card or Credit Card info to continue taking advantage of this tuition option. This can be done either in person, over the phone, or via email.  New information must be provided by October 31 for this purpose.
Please contact us if you have any questions on this, or if you need to provide new information. For students who are interested in taking advantage of EasyPay going forward, let us know and we will be happy to provide you with a form to get you set up.  Remember that enrolling in EasyPay locks you tuition so that it cannot be increased as long as you remain enrolled with it.

On Tuesday, September 29th, Governor Baker announced that certain areas of Massachusetts with low COVID19 risks could move into Step 2 of Phase 3 in the commonwealth’s reopening plan.  Consequently, ZenQuest will increase the maximum number of students of 10 per class.  This will take effect on  Monday, October 5th.  For the time being we must  continue to limit students to a maximum of three classes per week. 
We ARE limited in the number of students allowed in each class and many of our classes are full or nearly full at this time.  In order to accommodate current trends in attendance we have made some adjustments to the class schedule. These are as follows:
 
¨    We've added a class on Wednesday evenings for Jr. Tigers and Tigers students (ages 4-1/2  to 8-1/2) at 5:00 PM.  The existing Saturday 'Tigers' children's Karate class is discontinued   for the time being.
¨    We've also added a Pythons Jiu-jitsu class (ages 6-1/2 to 12-1/2) on Friday evenings at  4:15 PM.
¨    The existing Saturday 'Pythons' children's Jiu-jitsu class will shift from 9:15 AM to 9:00 AM  and be held in the front room (rather than the back room.) For this, students should arrive 5  to 10 minutes early.
¨    An additional Muay Thai class (ages 12 and up) has been added to Saturdays at 9:15 AM.  We will still offer our 11:45 AM class as usual.
 
These changes took affect on Monday, September 21st.  A complete schedule can be seen and printed from the website or picked-up at the front desk. Please contact us with any questions and let us know if you would like to change any class reservations. 

The coronavirus situation has been difficult for everyone in different ways.  For those who become infected, the consequences can range from asymptomatic and unaffected to very ill and devastated.  Those of us who are not infected by the virus are faced with a variety of inconveniences.  These are things like quarantines, wearing masks, restricted travel, or being unable to enjoy our favorite restaurant or sports events. 
Aside from the somewhat obvious, there can be some more hidden effects for many of us as the situation drags on.  Not the least of these are the way that the pandemic effects us mentally and emotionally.  Many people are now having to deal with the consequences of a long period of reduced activities and socialization, boredom, and fear.  All of this can leave us struggling with increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression and even PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  They are also prone to something called COVID fatigue or ZOOM fatigue.  This is the ‘burnout’ we can experience from the long term consequences related to the pandemic. 
Now, more than ever, is a good time to commit to martial arts training.  Practicing martial arts has all of the benefits of other fitness activities but tends to reduce our stress, anxiety, and depression more.  There are several reasons for this.  First, intense physical exercise stimulates body chemistry to make us healthier and happier.    Punching, kicking, and throwing things also tends to purge stress by venting our frustrations and addressing the ’fight-or-flight’ instincts triggered under stress.  But just as importantly, martial arts training typically includes a regular practice of focus, calmness and stability.  Regular training in this mindful physical activity is designed to help us extend these crucial traits into every aspect of our lives.
All of these aspects of martial arts practice can have a synergistic effect and make a huge difference in how we process the world and react to the things that happen from day to day.  Even as the crazy ‘rollercoaster’ of 2020 plays out, we can stay calm, focused and happy.  We can avoid emotional crashes and the feeling of helplessness.
All of the classes at ZenQuest include mindful activity that will reduce stress and help students ‘stay up’ in their mental and emotional state.  Even with the restrictions on training that are required at this time, classes are continuing to provide this essential training.  In fact, some aspects of the current class modifications require a heightened sense of mindfulness and provide new perspective on a student’s chosen art.  
So, as Sensei Toshio Higa used to say, “please continue” your training through this challenging time.  If you’ve thought about training in the past but haven't actually started, do yourself a favor and consider doing so now.  Learn to ‘stay up’ in your life!

With ‘back-to-school’ now upon us and the fall season around the corner, parents normally sort out their children’s activities for this time.  But, this year brings uncharted territory and uncertainty for many parents and kids.  With continuing concerns about the Coronavirus, many school systems are starting the year with some or all learning via remote learning.  This is expected to possibly continue until there is a vaccine and/or cure for the virus and experts are predicting that this will likely take months. 
With these remote learning or hybrid models children are faced with struggling with excess screen-time and greatly reduced activity levels.  In view of this new reality, having kids get out for in-person activities in a very controlled environment will be more important than ever.  With strict safety precautions in place, children CAN reap the benefits of physical activity and socialization.
ZenQuest is prepared to strike a balance between safety and activity for kids during this time.  With social distancing, face coverings, temperature checks, limited class sizes and durations, controlled foot traffic, positive ventilation, extensive cleaning and sanitizing, and appropriate activities, we are confident that we can provide our children’s classes while also minimizing risks.  We believe that kids can have some relief from the unique challenges they’re faced with in the coming months and are prepared to help.  For a full listing of the safety measures being used at ZenQuest please visit our website at www.zenquestmac.com. 
Please contact us ASAP if you plan on having your children attend classes during this time.  Class reservations are on a ‘first come first served’ basis.  Due to controlled class sizes there is limited space available in our children’s classes at this time.  We are looking at adjustments to the schedule to accommodate as many students as possible.  Let us know if you have any questions or concerns in this matter.  As always thanks for your continuing understanding and support.