During the pandemic we’ve had to train with social distancing, modified class formats, extreme safety measures, and face coverings.  Based on the progress being made with vaccinations and the resulting improvements in the COVID metrics in Massachusetts we’ve been gradually relaxing these requirements and returning to normal. 
Now, after additional progress and speaking with local health officials we are happy to announce that face coverings will be optional for all youth students at ZenQuest.  This includes all children under the age of 12 and is effective Monday, July 12th.
All students are still expected to be respectful of each other’s space and follow class etiquette and protocols including sanitizing hands and feet before each class.  Students and parents with remaining concerns about COVID19 may continue wearing face coverings, and may opt out of partner drills or other parts of classes that they are uncomfortable with.  Of course, any student experiencing ‘flu like’ symptoms (or any other illness) should not attend classes until the issue has passed. 
We appreciate everyone’s patience in this unprecedented situation and, as always, thanks for your support!

Our ‘Advanced Concepts’ clinics recently restarted after over 15 months off.  The pandemic made it nearly impossible to do these special training sessions for intermediate and advanced students. After months of improvement in the COVID situation we can periodically focus on high level techniques, strategies and tips in Muay Thai, Jiu-jitsu and Karate at ZenQuest.
Our first advanced session back was for Uechi-Ryu Karate on June 12th.  After some discussion on leadership the group focused on ’Yakusoku Kumite’ or sparring drills with an emphasis on realism and speed.  Advanced promotions are done separately in this art and are not included in the advanced trainings.
Next, on June 19th we held ‘AC’ Muay Thai.  There we worked on advanced footwork and combinations.  At the end of the clinic several students were promoted including: Glen Giumarra to Blue Prajiet, Matt Moreau to 4-stripe Blue Prajiet, Tilo Jackson to 1-stripe Purple Prajiet, and Chris Bradley and Chris Kupernik to 3-stripe Purple Prajiet.
Lastly, on June 26th we conducted advanced Jiu-jitsu training.  For this we covered some No-Gi ‘De La Riva’ guard strategies.  This involves entangling an opponent's legs to improve positioning and set up submissions.  At the conclusion of the training promotions were given as follows: Todd Dort, Shawn Maschino and Sadie Giumarra to Blue Belt; Matt Moreau to 3-Stripe Blue Belt; and Matt Gerlitz to Brown Belt.
Thanks to the affected students for your patience with this and congratulations to all of those who leveled up!