Summer is an important time to be fit, and an amazing time to train at ZenQuest.  With a full schedule of classes available to all ages, there’s always a way to attend classes and keep a healthy routine of interesting exercise. 
According to Harvard Health Publications, martial arts training burns an average of 750 calories per hour.  It is very difficult to duplicate this with ’main-steam’ exercise programs like running or bicycling, party because these activities usually rely heavily on continuous self-motivation.  The motivation is always in the dojo or martial arts gym.  Between the instructors, friends, and the art itself...you will typically forget about what a chore exercising is once you step on the mats.
Another advantage to centering your exercise around a martial arts program is the social aspect.  In most other activities, including running, swimming, yoga, spinning, or even main-stream gyms, the participants are isolated and do not interact with each other much.  The training in Kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, Karate or even MMA is based on interaction with others in a positive way.  A dojo with the right rules in place and a constructive learning environment is an enjoyable place to be for all.
During the coming summer months the schedule at ZenQuest will remain the same with only two exceptions.  First, the Thursday morning Uechi Karate class will be adjusted from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  This is to try to provide more flexibility for student schedules.   The second adjustment is that there will be no Sunday morning Jiu-jitsu for the summer season.  We hope that this doesn’t present too much inconvenience for students who’ve been attending this class.
Remember that keeping a routine of training each week will make you fitter, lower your stress, and make you feel better about yourself.  It’s not too late to work on that ‘beach bod’ that you so want!  See you in training.

A new promotional video is out on our website and social media platforms.  The video features a variety of ages in each of the martial arts offered at ZenQuest including Muay Thai, Karate, Jiu-jitsu and MMA.  It’s high-energy, dynamic, and captures the positive spirit of the gym.
The clip was created by our student DeSean Scales.  DeSean, who runs ‘D. Scales Photography’, recently took it upon himself to produce the piece simply for the love of the school.  According to Desean “My goal was to get people as hyped about ZenQuest as I was.  I wanted to motivate people to come in and check us out, and to show the different types of martial arts available to them. I also wanted to show the diversity and how it doesn't matter who you are, we're a place that doesn't judge and we welcome all with open arms.”  He added “I was one of those people who thought that martial arts gyms were full of competitive people who are just always serious.  I thought that going in and not knowing anything, people would laugh or mock me because I was the new guy.  But, from day one here, everyone made me feel welcome...like I've been here for years and that's a main reason why I decided to make a promo.  I just wanted to show others like me that it's not what you might think, and to help them get rid of any doubts or fears they might have. ZenQuest has changed my life in many ways and I'm grateful to have met all the amazing people who go here.”
Big thanks to Mr. Scales for making this video and for his commitment to ZenQuest!

ZenQuest recently completed it’s latest round of ‘Advanced Concepts’ clinics for Jiu-jitsu, Karate and Muay Thai.  These are a great way to provide advanced techniques, strategies and insight to intermediate and advanced students in their chosen arts.  As usual, this round was a blast.
This time around we started with AC Muay Thai on Saturday, May 11.  This was for students with Blue ‘Prajiet’ Arm Band above.  After some discussion about issues related to advanced training and instruction we got right into technique and strategy.  For this workshop, we focused on ways to catch kicks and follow-ups.  This included some striking counters and takedowns.  At the conclusion of the clinic some students received rank promotions including: Tilo Jackson to Blue Prajiet, Jennifer Sommerville to 1-Stripe Blue Prajiet, Chris Bradley to  to Purple Prajiet. 
On Saturday, May 18 advanced Uechi-Ryu Karate students ranked Nikyu (Brown Belt) and above attended their AC seminar.  After some discussion this group spent time working on advanced Kata or forms, and a series of drills known as ‘Yakusoko Kumite Daini.’  These drills feature relatively harsh responses for real world self-defense situations.  Advanced promotions in this art are scheduled formally rather than performed in the AC clinics.
Advanced Jiu-jitsu students met on Saturday, May 25 for their Advanced Concepts seminar.  Students ranked Blue Belt and above also began by covering some advanced and instructional issues.  They then were taken through strategies for applying and countering submissions known as ‘Neck Cranks’.  These are relatively dangerous holds that involve applying pressure to the neck and spine.  At the end of the clinic several promotions were given, including:  Jennifer Sommerville to Blue Belt, Russell Moody & Glenn Giumarra to 1-stripe Blue Belt, Frank Scago to 4-stripe Blue Belt, Matt Gerlitz to 2-stripe Purple Belt, Tim Somerville to Brown Belt, and Jedd Hall to 4-stripe Brown Belt! 
Thanks to everyone who attended these AC Clinics and congratulations to everyone who earned promotions.  See you all at the next round of Advanced Concepts!

​Sensei Connie recently earned her Black Belt or ‘Faixa Preta’ in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu!  The coveted rank was awarded by Master Demian Maia during a seminar at ZenQuest on Saturday, April 20.  Sensei or ’Professor’ Connie is the first female outside of Brazil to receive the Black Belt from the notorious grappler. 
Since starting her jiu-jitsu training in March of 1998, Sensei Connie has gone through a pregnancy and baby, three knee surgeries, a head-on collision, and a serious illness that lasted over two months.  This on top of all of the usual challenges facing students in BJJ, and a less-than-optimal instructor for over 12 years.  Despite these challenges Sensei Connie continued to train, teach and improve until reaching her goal. 
As Master Demian presented Connie with the belt he stated “I’ve seen a lot of progress in her over the last few years, and she has now earned the Black Belt.”  He also added “When I give the Black Belt, I give it not just because of technical ability, but because of personal development.  In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, or any martial art, you have the tool to improve yourself as a person.  Some people use this, and some people don’t.  Connie has been in martial arts all of her life, and she is someone who has used this tool to become a better person.”
Sensei Connie has no intention of stopping at this point.  She will continue to enjoy teaching and learning in this amazing art. 
Congratulations to ’Professor’ Connie on her promotion and continued success! 

ZenQuest held its second annual Open House on Saturday, April 27th.  The event kicked off at 9:00 AM and featured tours of the facility, free trial classes, enrollment information and specials, and children’s games and giveaways.  Visitors had the opportunity to speak with the ZenQuest fight team and watch them in some exhibition matches.  Different snacks and goodies were also available via a Bill Wright Scholarship Fund bake sale. 
Free self-defense clinics were provided for kids and adults.  These included some discussion about avoiding and de-escalating confrontations and bullying.  Participants were then given some fundamental ‘striking’ strategies by way of practical blocking and countering drills.  Lastly, everyone learned some escape techniques for common holds.
In addition to being a fun and productive day, students and visitors received some new ’swag’ in the form of ZenQuest water bottles and ’fidget spinners’.  Several new students decided to enroll before the day was over, too!
Thanks to everyone that made this day possible and thanks to all visitors for coming to check us out.  See you next year!!  

On Saturday, April 20th the one-and-only Demian Maia dropped into ZenQuest.  The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Master provided a three-hour seminar that covered both ’Gi’ and ‘No-Gi’ strategies.  Over forty participants soaked up a variety of techniques including 'pulling' and 'jumping' guard, passing the guard, and submissions.  Participants came from as far away as New Jersey to learn from the legend.
About half-way through the clinic, Demian presented Coach Connie with the Black Belt.  She has been training and teaching Jiu-jitsu for over 21 years and, despite different setbacks during that time, she worked through the challenges and persevered.  Congrats to Professor Connie!
Demian has amassed an incredible body of work on the mat and in the MMA cage. In Jiu-jitsu competition, he was a 5-time World Champion, and winner of the prestigious ADCC.  He's also one of the most successful Jiu-jitsu fighters in the history of Mixed Martial Arts.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this incredible training, and special thanks to Demian and his crew for making the trip!!

​Six students recently earned Dan or Black Belt ranks in Uechi-Ryu Karate at ZenQuest. Congratulations to the following: Tyler Woodbury promoted to Jun Shodan or Jr. Black Belt; Sharon Gittzus, Kathy Petrucci and Joe Weinberg promoted to Shodan or 1st Degree Black Belt; Mathieu Moreau promoted to Sandan or 3rd Degree Black Belt; and Beth Yanskiewicz promoted to Godan or 5th Degree Black Belt.
This was one of the best formal exams we've ever had. The candidates all did exceptionally well in the different areas required, according to the standards set by the Okinawa Karatedo Association.  There was a time, back in the old 'Okinawan Karate School', when students would earn their Black Belts in two years...or less. Essentially, once someone memorized the compulsory material for required, they were promoted. However, there is much more to development and learning in the martial arts than just memorization.
Once again, congrats to all those promoted! Thanks to everyone who supported them in their training and preparation.  Special thanks to Katya Bowen for score-keeping.

ZenQuest has scheduled it’s next round of Advanced Concepts clinics for Jiu-jitsu, Karate and Muay Thai.  These are a great opportunity for intermediate and advanced students to practice more advanced techniques and strategies in their chosen art.  The next round of clinics will happen as follows:
 
Sityodtong Muay Thai - Saturday, May 11 (Blue Prajiet and above)
Uechi-Ryu Karate - Saturday, May 18 (Nikyu and above)
Demian Maia Jiu-jitsu - Saturday, May 25 (Blue Belt and above)
 
This training is essential to important insight and progress for these students.  So, those who qualify are strongly encouraged to attend.   For more information, please see Senseis Connie or Mark.  See you there!

​New water-bottles and ‘fidget spinners’ are available at ZenQuest!  These were rolled out at our recent Open House event, and available now for only $4 each.    
The first wave of our brand new sweatshirts has been wiped out, but we will have more available soon.  These are black with the school name on the front, and our three core martial arts noted on the back.  These will be available in children’s and adult’s sizes (up to XXXL) and costs $45 each.  A limited supply will be available again soon, so pre-ordering will guarantee you the sizes you need.  T-shirts with the same design will also be available in the next order for $28 each.
An order of custom Karate Gis will also soon be available.  These will be high quality uniforms with custom patches and print.  They’ll be available in all sizes and cost $60 each.
Lastly, we will soon have more custom ZenQuest training shorts costing $45 each.  These will be slightly better quality than before based on adjustments to previous versions.
Let us know if you’d like to pre-order any of the items coming.  We’re shooting for June/July on the next shipment.