Our first trip to Thailand was nothing short of a wild ride. After an ungodly long trek across the globe, we landed in Bangkok on a Tuesday afternoon.  We caught a taxi for the hour ride south to the Chonburi area of Pattaya, where the headquarters for Sityodtong Muay Thai is.  Shortly after arriving at our hotel, the head of the HQ, Kru Toy Sriwaralak arrived at our hotel and threw us in his car.  He took us about a mile down the road to where the legendary HQ ‘camp’ is.  As we walked around and soaked it all in Kru (teacher in Thai) talked to us about the history of the camp and it’s founder Grandmaster Senanan Yodtong. 
After the tour of the camp Kru said “Do you want to see Muay Thai fights tonight?  One of our fighters has a match.”  After blurting out “YES!” he said “I’ll be back at 7 PM to pick you up.”  Sure enough he scooped us up at 7 sharp and we headed to MAX Muay Thai in heart of Pattaya city.  He walked in like he owned the place and grabbed two intensely discounted VIP tickets and showed us where to sit.  Over the next hour and a half we got to see some incredible action about 12 feet from the ring.  It was clear from watching Kru Toy that he had an important role in the production of the event and coaching many of the fighters.  The Sityodtong fighter lost a close decision, which was determined by the fact the he had showed his back to his opponent a couple of times toward the end of the bout.
After returning to the hotel we crashed HARD.  The following morning we walked down to HQ camp to train.  Training was from 10 AM to Noon, and like the nerds that we are, we were there and ready to go at 10.  Kru Toy introduced us to Kru “Dit” and Kru “Wara.”  They are two of the workhorses of the camp, performing most of the instruction and training there.  Since we were the only ones there for the first hour we were grilled in one-on-one training with  Kru Dit and  Kru Wara.  This was a bit challenging given the jet-lag and 90-degree heat, but invaluable tuning up our own skills and learning to be better coaches. 
      The following five days consisted of a repeat of that first day, except on Sunday, when we did roadwork because there’s no training at the HQ.  We were essentially given intense private instruction in the morning by virtue of the fact that it happened to be a slow time of year.  In addition to getting some ‘tweaks’ on the technical aspects of our Muay Thai, we were given some amazing new moves that we will share with our students.  However, the GREAT news is we are doing a lot of things right thanks to our primary teacher, Kru Mark DellaGrotte! 
In addition to the amazing training, we spent a lot of time soaking in the culture, language and FOOD of Thailand.  Interestingly, Thai fights are often a part of regular TV there, and we took complete advantage of that.  We visited some incredible cultural sites like the ‘Sanctuary of Truth’, the ‘Thepprasit Market’, the ‘Crocodile Farm’, the ‘Million Years Stone Park’, the ‘Suanthai Cultural Park’, and the ’Pattaya View Point.’  On our request our new instructors and friends took us to many Thai eateries that were off the beaten path and had the most phenomenal food imaginable.  An important Thai phrase to know is “Phed Keinpie” or “not too spicy.” 
Whenever we travel, there are always some unexpected moments that stand out as absolutely incredible experiences that are burned into our minds forever.  There were several moments like that on this trip, but one of the most memorable was speeding through crowded city streets of Thailand on the back of a motorbike.  Just to add to the excitement on that, our drivers would cover their faces on dusty dirt roads and drive with one hand.  All good with a warrior’s spirit and small leap of faith. 
We'll soon post about the incredible Okinawa leg of our trip and Sensei Connie's promotion. For now, we'd like to thank everyone for keeping ZenQuest moving forward while we were away including all of the instructors covering classes, Dee Bradly for running the front desk, and Kyle Pezzano for keeping the place clean in our absence.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU everyone!!! 
 
Senseis Connie and Mark
 

​Occasionally, the weather will become intense enough during the winter months to present a serious travel risk for our students and instructors.  This can result from a single, severe weather event happening at the time of classes; or from an accumulation of events leading up to the time of classes.  Other indicators can be other major organizational closings and local travel advisories.  If it appears that travel will be too risky during class times, the school will close for that time.  Students can verify these closures by checking the school’s website or Facebook page, checking their e-mail, and by checking for a message on the ZenQuest phone at 413-637-0656.  

Most martial arts use a series of colored belts, armbands, or clothing to reward progress and experience gained over time.  These usually start with lighter colors, beginning with white, and advance to darker shades as they go up.  This ‘light to dark’ scheme comes from ancient times when students would start out with a white belt, which would naturally darken from use over time.
Rank systems establish a structure in the gym or dojo to make it clear to everyone who the more and less experienced practitioners are.  This helps tremendously in training and learning because it clarifies who the best people are to go to for information and details.  It also clarifies who makes policy and standardizes technical preferences within the school. 
Although a rank structure clarifies many things for students and instructors in the gym, it is common that there is an unseen element within the system.  This is, included in each level, there is a range of abilities.  Some students will be exemplary in the level that they’re in, while others will be on the more challenged side of that level.  In between these ends there will be a variety of skill level and understanding for each student. 
There are many different areas that qualify where each student measures up in their rank level.  In addition to natural talent some of the areas that students should be aware of and apply themselves to are: attendance, attitude, coachability, etiquette, partnering, work-ethics, technical expertise, sparring or rolling abilities, teaching contributions, understanding of their art, personal development and overall support for the gym.  Most students will find some of these areas coming easy for them while other areas require more effort.  All students should strive to excel in all of these aspects of development because, in addition to determining where they land in their rank level, they also are considered for promotion to their next rank level.
One easy way to understand the ‘spectrum’ within each rank level is to use a common grading system borrowed from mainstream schooling.  This employs a letter system using A, B, C, D, and F.  Additionally, we can use + or - with each letter to more accurately evaluate the student.  The best students who excel in all of the areas noted will fall into the A or A+ category.  Students who barely make it into a rank will qualify as D or D-.  Students who rate at F will not be promoted.  In some cases, if a student is toxic or disruptive to the group, they may eventually be asked to leave the dojo.
Other considerations with this are the ‘Sempai/ Kohai’ effect.  This basically involves the progression from someone who has just started at a rank level, and someone who has been there for a while.  Naturally, when someone is promoted to a new level, or starts out as a beginner, they will not be as knowledgeable or adept in that level as they will be when they reach the end of that level, and are ready to advance to the next level.  Through training and learning over time, they will progress in their art and as a person.  So, ‘Kohai’ or new Black Belts will generally be less skilled and knowledgeable than ‘Sempai’ Black Belts. 
Some martial artists will rise to a level of exceptional skill, notoriety or position in a certain aspect of their art.  They may become a pioneer in their art, furthering the style that they learned or even creating a ’new’ art.  They might become a champion in competition and make a name for themselves around the world.  They might simply rise to a high level of skill and understanding in their art and gain a genuine mastery in all it’s aspects.  They become AA, AAA or AAAA level figures in the martial arts. 
Sometimes martial artists can excel in one or more areas of their art, but fail miserably in others.  For example, if a practitioner fails to develop mentally and stay humble along the way, their accomplishments will be overshadowed by a poor attitude and weak mentality.  As we advance with our accomplishments in the martial arts, we have a responsibility be ‘rounded’ and develop as a complete practitioner, treat others well, and set a strong example with our attitude and behavior.    
So, as you train, strive to be the rounded A student or better.  Try to excel in ALL areas of your art, including the ‘mental’ aspects.  Do your best in technical drills, learn to optimize the physical aspects, follow the rules for etiquette and treatment of others, and work towards being more positive, relaxed, and calm.  If you’re going to do it, do it well and go for the A!

In addition to fitness, self-defense skills or rank achievements, the martial arts also offer a variety of other benefits.  The most important of these are ’life-skills’ like focus, self-discipline, attention to detail, responsibility and perseverance.  These can also be among the most difficult for students to learn...especially younger students. 
Though it may not always be obvious, the majority of the drills and activities conducted in the children’s classes at ZenQuest have value in developing important life-skills.  Even games that are played at the end of class typically teach things like sportsmanship, respect for others, attention to detail, and a sense of honor.
At ZenQuest we provide a variety of strategies to help our students, including kids, learn these qualities.  Generally, they involve a time-tested strategy of matching consequences with choices and actions.  Hard work, dedication, positive attitude, and good conduct is rewarded with praise, privileges, and rank promotions.  Conversely, a lack of effort, poor attendance, negativity, and bad choices result in negative consequences like verbal queues and warnings, time-outs, and delays in rank promotions.
For this to work, it is essential that children’s parents support these strategies.  Of course, it is easy for parents to reinforce positive consequences for positive choices and behavior.  But it can be much more challenging for us when our child is given a corrective consequence for a poor choice.  Although this can be the most difficult challenge in parental support, it is also the most critical time to be supportive.  Often times it may only take one negative consequence to reinforce a boundary or correct a poor choice.
Parental support on simple things like attendance and timeliness is also very important for a young student’s success.  With the Instructors and parents all pulling in the same direction, children can learn important life-skills that will last a lifetime.  As they say, teamwork makes the dream work!

ZenQuest will host a free clinic for Law Enforcement, Corrections and Security personnel who's job includes restraining or arresting uncooperative individuals at times.  We will cover essential strategies for common situations, with consideration to the equipment that these personnel frequently carry, and professional and legal boundaries that they are typically subjected to. This is being developed in cooperation with local Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers, and presented as a community service with no charge to active personnel.  For more information or to reserve a spot please contact us.

As summer draws to a close we can begin to make plans and goals for the coming fall.  The Back-to-School season is also a great time to recommit to helping kids learn the skills of success!  These include focus, self-control, preparedness, fitness, calmness and perseverance.  When learned at an early age, these important qualities can last a lifetime.
Autumn is typically the beginning of the busiest season for children’s classes at ZenQuest.  During this time we do our best to organize the classes to ensure a healthy and positive environment for all.  This requires limiting the size of classes based on students’ ages and the instructors available for each class.  So, students and parents are asked to designate which classes they will be attending during this time by submitting one 'Class Selection Form' for each student under the age of 14. 
Very soon students of our children’s programs will be receiving a Fall Registration packet in the mail.  In it is everything you need to make your registration quick and easy.  This will include:
​
·   A Current Class Schedule.  The only change to the schedule at this time is that the Monday evening Cobras & Adults class will return to just being a Cobras class.  Adults students are, of course, encouraged to attend the other classes available to them in the schedule.
·   A Class-Selection Form.  These forms are the primary way to reserve your preferred classes for youth students at ZenQuest going into the fall and winter seasons.  It is important that these forms are returned as soon as possible (with tuition if not currently enrolled.) 
·   A Tuition Guide. There are no changes to tuition or fees at this time.  Please consider our “Easy Pay” tuition option to lock your tuition rates in for any future adjustments.  Applications are available upon request.  
 
Please remember that submitting Class-Selection forms is the best way to insure reservation of your preferred classes during the coming fall and winter season.  Students currently enrolled through September 15th, or on an Automatic Payment Plan do not need to include tuition payment with their selection forms.  Waiting lists will be generated for students whose forms are received after their chosen classes are filled, or who are not properly enrolled. 
Class Selection forms will indicate the most appropriate programs for each student based on their age, size and experience level.  If you have any questions about which classes your child should attend, please let us know.
Please remember that ‘Partial Participation’ discounts are reserved for students of ages eight and younger.  Students ages nine and older must enroll on a ‘Full Participation’ basis regardless of attendance.  Full Participation does qualify students for unlimited classes in Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Martial Arts Strength & Conditioning (appropriate for their age of course.)
Once your Class Selection forms are submitted, you can assume that you have been assigned your first choice of classes, unless contacted otherwise.  For students who’ve continued classes throughout the summer, please remember that you must also submit these forms to reserve your spots for the fall season.  Remember to be prompt in submitting your completed selection forms as class lists are generated on a first-come-first-served basis.    
Please call us if you have any questions or need help with selecting classes.  We look forward to having you for another great season of fun and learning at the oldest and best martial arts school in the Berkshires!!

**UPDATE**  9/12/18
By now, students of our children’s programs should have received a 'Fall Registration Packet' in the mail.  In it is everything you need to make your registration for the busy season at ZenQuest quick and easy.  Most important are the fall 'Class Selection forms.'  These are used to reserve your preferred classes as we limit class sizes during this time.
For your convenience, we've provided a link HERE for the 2018 Fall Registration information and Class Selection Form.  If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to review the information and complete a form for each child student under your care attending classes during the coming fall season.  Thanks!

We’ll be hosting a special "Shugyo" training and demonstration in honor of Sensei Shigeru Takamiyagi on October 20th.  Shugyo (shugyō) or 修行 means training to refine your character while acquiring a better understanding of your martial art.  Its purpose is to “tighten the slack”, toughen the body, and polish the spirit. After the training and demonstration, a group will go for some food at Enzo.  There is no costs associated with the training and the meal will be ordering from the menu. This is open to all experience levels of Uechi-Ryu students interested (ages 10 and up.)  Please come lend your energy and spirit for some great training and discussion about an incredible figure in the history of Uechi-Ryu Karate!

​      Matt "Machine" Bienia captured his third amateur MMA lightweight title belt at ‘Cage Titans XL’ at the Plymouth Memorial Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts on August 18th.  Matt took a unanimous decision, winning all five rounds, against champion Chris “the Bearded Dragon” O’Brien in a grinding war.  True to form, the Machine was relentless and dominated the striking, cage, and grappling modes of the fight.  On the ground, Matt put on a grappling clinic with positioning and numerous submission attempts that took their toll on O’Brien.  The former champ showed amazing sportsmanship afterwards towards team ZenQuest in spite of some intense and, at times, hilarious pre-fight trash talk.
      After two years away from the cage, Neil “Beast Mode” Von Flatern made his long-awaited return to face undefeated Welterweight champion, Trevor “Scarecrow” Gudde.  At 6’7” Trevor is a lanky 170 pound striker who, like Neil, has a purple belt in Jiu-jitsu.  Beast Mode shocked onlookers by landing some intense strikes against the champ in the early part of round one.  About half way through the round, Travis bailed on his usual strategy of using his reach in kickboxing and changed to a grappling game instead.  Neil was caught off guard for a moment and wound up caught in a rear-choke at about 2:20 in.  Although it was a loss for Beast, he walked away with his head held high due to a personal win with a big improvement in his striking against a very tough opponent.
      Almost fifty members and fans traveled from western Massachusetts to cheer on Team “Z”  The fighters and coaches were also impressed with the organization and quality of the Cage Titans event.
Congratulations to Matt and Neil on their success!  As always, thanks to our fans and sponsors for their continued support.
 

We’ve been voted ‘Best Martial Arts Academy’ in the Berkshires for the second year in a row!  The “Reader’s Choice Awards” contest is run by the area’s largest source for both online and printed news.  We are pleasantly surprised and honored to receive this awesome award.
We’d like the thank everyone who voted for us.  We’d also like to thank our students, instructors, families, supporters, and parent organizations for all that they do to make ZenQuest amazing! 
We will continue to do everything we can to provide a great facility, world class instruction and a positive training environment...and shoot for another ‘repeat’ next year.
Thanks again to everyone!

Senseis Connie and Mark will be traveling to Asia this November to brush up on and advance their knowledge of both Muay Thai and Karate.  First, they will visit Pattaya, Thailand to train at the headquarters for Sityodtong Muay Thai for one week.  They will train for as much as five hours each day at the world renown Sityodtong training camp.  The Sityodtong camp in the town of Chonburi was established by Grandmaster Senanan Yodtong.  He was one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters and trainers in history, producing no less than 57 champions.  Master Yodtong’s legacy continues under the direction of Kru Toy Sityodtong, who will coach and supervise Coaches Mark and Connie while they’re there.
After Thailand, the Flynns will head to Okinawa for two weeks.  As on their previous visits, they will train with several of the leading Masters of Uechi-Ryu in the world.  Sensei Connie has been invited to test for her Nanadan or 7th Degree Black Belt in Uechi-Ryu, and she’s excited to meet the challenge.  To qualify for the exam, Sensei Connie is required to train four hours per day for two weeks.  Three of ZenQuest instructors will be joining the Flynns for the Okinawa trip, including Senseis Matt Moreau, Beth Yanuskewicz and Michelle Moreau.  The group is looking forward to some amazing training, and soaking in the sights and culture of the birthplace of Karate. 
During this trip our regular schedule of classes will be conducted as usual, so please continue to help our other instructors to ‘hold down the fort’ at that time.  Remember  that everyone benefits from this kind of trip, which is guaranteed to improve the quality of instruction at ZenQuest!