On Saturday, March 29 we held our latest 'Advanced Concepts Jiu-jitsu' clinic. For this one we focused on some high percentage Arm-Drag strategies from closed guard. At the conclusion of the session several students leveled up, including Levi Giumarra to Yellow Belt; Shawn Chambers, Robert Inesta, and Michael Siktberg to Blue Belt; Andy McMahon to 1-Stripe Blue Belt; Craig Jones and Carlo Petrucci to 2-Stripe Blue Belt; and Matt Moreau to Purple Belt!
Long time student Matt Gerlitz also earned his Black Belt. Matt has been consistently training and helping with teaching...always focused on learning and advancing his Jiu-jitsu since 2012. After his promotion Matt spoke to the group about the importance of regular attendance and consistent training.
Thanks to all who attended and congratulations to everyone promoted!
Advanced Concepts clinics are also scheduled slated for Muay Thai and Karate as follows:
 
·   Sityodtong Muay Thai - Saturday, May 3 (2-Stripe Prajiet and up)
·   Uechi-Ryu Karate - Saturday, June 7 (Brown Belt/Nikyu and up)
 
These will all begin at 1:15 PM and last about 90 minutes. Students ranked appropriately are encouraged to attend if possible. ZenQuest’s Advanced Concepts clinics are a great opportunity for eligible students to learn and practice advanced techniques and strategies in their respective art. ZenQuest’s AC clinics are provided to enrolled students at no extra cost. So, join us if you can!

​From March 2019
 
Probably the greatest benefit of practicing a martial art is an improved state of mind. Through consistent training we can learn to improve our concentration, focus, and awareness. In order for any of THAT to happen, we also need to learn ‘Fudoshin.’ This is an important principle that applies to every martial art at ZenQuest, and is taught in each class. Fudoshin is a Japanese word that translates to “immovable mind.” The best way to understand what that means is to think of it as a mind that cannot be distracted or moved from it’s momentary focus. It is a state of emotional stability, calmness and peace...even under great pressure. 
During the feudal period in Japan the warriors of the day, known as the Samurai, learned that having a strong and unyielding mind was crucial to their success in battle. Those who could stay focused and calm in battle succeeded, and those who buckled under pressure perished. Although most of us will never have to defend ourselves in a life and death

As you probably know, the mats and equipment at ZenQuest get cleaned on a regular basis. We also have an additional cleaning that happens each week to keep the place looking and smelling fresh. On top of all of that, we hold a ’spring cleaning’ each year to give the place a really thorough scrubbing, along with some minor repairs.
Originally, Senseis Connie and Mark would do this with a few instructors offering their help. Over the years more and more people would join in until a virtual army would show up to pitch in.  This year will mostly be dusting and cleaning as usual, with some paint touch-up and installation of shelves in the storage room. The start time for this will be 10 AM and is expected to go for a couple of hours. Morning treats will be available for the participants, and a lunch at the Arizona Pizza is planned at the conclusion of the event. So, please join us!

In the spring of 2011 we installed a playground on the west side of the building. Since then hundreds of kids have enjoyed the structure, which features swings, slides, and a climbing wall. In recent years we’ve done our best to maintain the playground, but it is now nearing the end of its useful life.
Right now the plan is to go one more season with the current structure and then replace it with a new playground in the spring of 2026. The new structure will be at least as big and fun as the old one. In the meantime, we ask that parents and children be careful while playing on the current structure. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!