In the realm of martial arts, there exists a concept that can be called ‘Martial Materialism.’ Also known as ‘spiritual materialism’ in endeavors like Yoga or meditation, this is a tendency for some practitioners to focus on external achievements and status symbols rather than personal growth and development. This phenomenon raises important questions about the true essence of martial arts practice and the balance between external prowess and inner transformation.
It’s normal for us to process the world through our ‘ego’ or the part of our minds between our conscience and sub-conscience. Our ego generally makes it possible for us to interact with our world, and provides us with a sense of self-esteem and self-importance. As ’normal’ people, we need our ego as a defense mechanism against potentially threatening aspects of reality. Part of personal development in the martial arts is letting go of our ego and finding more inner calm and peace. Although we can refer to this as ’spiritual’ development, it is not intended to be in conflict with the spiritual aspects of one’s religious beliefs.
Martial arts, rooted in ancient traditions and philosophies, have long been associated with philosophical and spiritual teachings. Practitioners are often drawn 

Many of our students and parents will remember when we had a fitness room between our two training rooms.  This room had some fitness equipment in it like treadmills, a stationary bike, a squat-rack, a weight-bench, a variety of weights, etc. There were also shelves and hooks in that room for storing different targets used in classes. The room also served as a place where family members or prospective students could watch classes at times.
During the pandemic most of that fitness equipment was sold off because the gym was in financial survival mode. Once we were able to reopen (following a four-month closure), that room was used as a place for students to hang jackets and place shoes. At that time there was one-way traffic through the building and students would exit from the side door in the fitness room. Once we were able to go back to our normal mode of operation, we were faced with a choice of rebooting the fitness room, or simply converting the space to additional training space. With classes busier than ever, we chose to incorporate that space into the back training room in 2022. Unfortunately, eliminating the fitness room also meant that people would no longer have a place to easily view classes. 
As an alternative we are now in the process of creating a situation where classes can be viewed electronically. So, we will soon have a camera in each of the training rooms and a video monitor in our reception area. Parents and prospective students will be able to watch classes in real-time from the comfort of the waiting room. This is a closed system which cannot be shared or published anywhere except at ZenQuest. We expect the system to be fully functional by the end of this month. 

On Saturday, March 16 ZenQuest held another ‘Advanced Concepts’ clinic for Uechi-Ryu Karate. After touching on training and instructing, the seminar focused on advanced targeting in serious self-defense situations. Senseis Connie and Mark used an exercise known as ’Seisan Bunkai’ to highlight vulnerable areas of the body and the effects of striking them in different ways. These clinics are for ZenQuest’s Uechi-Ryu students ranked Brown Belt (Nikyu) and higher. 
AC clinics for Muay Thai, and Jiu-jitsu are scheduled as follows:
 
Sityodtong Muay Thai (for 2-Stripe White Prajiet and above) -- Saturday, April 13
Demian Maia Jiu-jitsu (for Blue Belt and above) -- Saturday, April 27
 
These are scheduled to begin at 1:15 PM and each last about 90 minutes. 
ZenQuest’s Advanced Concepts clinics are a great opportunity for our intermediate and advanced students to learn and practice advanced techniques and strategies in their respective art(s). These are provided to enrolled students at no extra cost. All eligible students or those receiving special invitation are encouraged to attend. Attendance is not mandatory, but is considered for advanced promotions and instruction roles.

On Saturday, March 30th four ZenQuest students took part in the 2024 NAGA championships in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Each member of team ZenQuest medaled, bringing a total of six medals back to the gym. Individual results were as follows:
 
¨   Ryan Thebeau - 3rd Place in Men’s/ 150# Max./ Novice/ No-Gi.
¨   Elias Casey - 3rd Place in Men’s/ Beginner/ 190# Max./ No-Gi
¨   Shawn Chambers - 3rd Place in Men’s/ Beginner/ 170# Max./ No-Gi, AND 3rd Place in Men’s/ White Belt/ 170# Max./ Gi
¨   Philippe  Peligrad - 2nd Place in Men’s/ Novice/ 180# Max./ 30+ Years/ No-Gi AND 2nd Place in Men’s/ White Belt/ 180# Max./ 30+ Years/ Gi
 
Everyone on the team fought well and had moments where they really shined. In addition to the four competitors, several team members came out to support them.  Thanks to the competitors for an amazing job and thanks to everyone who showed up to support them!