The ZenQuest fight team sponsorship program is alive and well!  Five local businesses recently stepped up to support “Team Z” in their next year of adventures.  They are:
 
  Jedd L. Hall Attorney at Law - Silver Level
  Chocolate Springs Café - Silver Level
  Victory Force Options Training - Gold Level
  Manhattan Pizza Co. - Gold Level
  A-List Luxury Car Services - Diamond Level
 
Sponsorships of the fight team cover expenses incurred by the fighters and coaching staff including training, travel, supplies and equipment.  In addition to the pride and satisfaction associated with helping Team ZenQuest in pursuing it’s goals, sponsors are recognized in several ways.  This includes mention in the ZenQuest’s newsletter, on social media platforms, and in appearances and interviews.  Sponsors are also displayed on the front page of our website with links to each businesses’ own site.  Their names or logos are also included on fight-banners, which are displayed at each event that the fight team participates in and at other special events.  Sponsors also appear on "Walkout" style T-shirts worn by the fighters, coaches, and supporters.  Lastly, for the first time, top level sponsors will also appear on the Fight Shorts worn by ZenQuest’s top fighters when they compete. 
The ZenQuest MMA team currently has amassed a record of 10-2 over the last few years.  The bulk of that record came via our fighters Matt Bienia and Neil Von Flatern.   Matt currently holds Lightweight Champion belts for two area promotions.  These are “Kaged Kombat” of Saratoga, NY, and “Reality Fighting” of New England.  Neil has challenged for a welterweight title once, and is in the process of returning to the cage to resume his MMA journey after a string of unfortunate set backs.  Both Matt and Neil have risen to a level of earning individual walk-out shirts and fight banners (example shown below.)  Matt and Neil are currently scheduled for matches on June 23rd in the AMMO Fight League’s “Battlegrounds” event. 
In addition to Matt and Neil, we have some other fighters who are “cooking” or working towards the day when they compete.  We also have some unsung heroes who are not currently preparing to fight, but participate in the team trainings and do the tough job of sparring with the fighters just to support the team.
As always, thanks to the fight team and everyone else who supports them.  Huge thanks to our sponsors for helping the ZenQuest fight team continue in their latest endeavors! 

Based on recent feedback from students, we are now offering a MAS or Martial Arts Strength class twice each week.  This class provides a variety of exercises to improve strength and conditioning for students aged 12 and up.  This training will benefit students of any of the programs at ZenQuest including Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts...but is also great just as a separate exercise program for anyone.
      Officially starting this month (May), the MAS strength and conditioning classes will be on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM.  Students are welcome to join in for 45 minutes of fun but intense drills that will surely improve your overall strength, fitness, and quality of life!  For more information please contact us.

More MMA action is coming up for Team Z!  Two of ZenQuest’s fighters are currently scheduled as part of the AMMO Fight League’s “Battlegrounds” event on June 23.  First, Neil “Beast Mode” Von Flatern will make his return to the cage against Jason Fransisco of Plus One Defense Systems of West Hartford, Connecticut.  Jason is a brawler and wrestler with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss.  Neil picks up with a record of 4 wins (3 finishes) and 1 loss.  The two will scrap in the welterweight division at 170 pounds in what should be a terrific fight.
Matt “Machine” Bienia is scheduled to go against Aaron Hughes of Fall River, Massachusetts in the 155 pound division.  Aaron is a kickboxer with jiu-jitsu experience out of the Regiment Training Center, sporting a record of 2 wins and 3 losses.  These two experienced fighters make an incredible matchup that should give us an amazing bout.
Matt Bienia was schedule to defend his “Reality Fighting” lightweight MMA title on May 4th.  The amateur champ was to face Travis Simpson at the 10,000 seat capacity Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.  Unfortunately, Travis did not produce his medical requirements for the contest, and the bout was cancelled.
Tickets and more details on the AMMO event will be available soon, so stay tuned!

Our latest Referral Rewards program was one of our most successful ever!  17 new students enrolled as a result of referrals between February 15th and April 30th.  Each of the students who referred a student to commit to our three-month introductory special received a $50 gift certificate from ZenQuest.  In addition, both the student who did the referral, and the new student were entered into a drawing for an another $50 gift certificate.
       Congratulations to Marissa Maher for winning the drawing, which was held on May 1st.  Congratulations to all of the new students for beginning their martial arts journey at ZenQuest, and thanks to everyone who encouraged these new students to join us. 

So many great things happened at the ZenQuest 2018 spring Open House on Saturday, April 7th.  The all day event featured tours, free trials, giveaways, children’s games and prizes, and even a magician for the kids.  The event was a success on many levels for the visitors and for the host!
First, several new students took the plunge and enrolled for classes.  Both children and adults decided to begin their martial arts journey, and we’re looking forward to having them train with us for many years. 
Next, the Bake Sale held by the Bill Wright Scholarship Fund offered a boat-load of goodies to raise money for the non-profit group.  Several ZenQuest enthusiast donated a variety of cookies, brownies, cakes, etc. for the effort, which raised over $200 towards student scholarships.  Some prospective recipients also talked to  representatives about possible tuition assistance.  Special thanks to everyone who made this part of the Open House a success.
Visitors also had opportunities to speak with the “Team Z” fight team, and participate in a 50/50 raffle.  Our Karate and Jiu-jitsu parent Nick Mears won the raffle, which also raised over $100 towards fight team expenses.
Lastly, the free self-defense clinics were a big success, with about 25 kids for the children’s workshop and 15 ladies for the women’s.  Each included a brief discussion on “situational awareness” and appropriate times for action.  Next, we covered some important hands-on training in strategies for defending or escaping common attacks and bullying.  Special thanks to our instructors who helped, and to Chief Mike Wynn of the Pittsfield Police Department for assisting in the presentations. 
Based on the success of this event we are making this an annual happening, so lets all look forward to another big open house next year.  Thanks again everyone!