​In the martial arts there can be many challenges to deal with in order to keep our training going and reach our goals. These can range from difficulties in learning techniques, distractions, lack of motivation, family and work struggles, illnesses, injuries, burn-out, and personality conflicts to name a few.
The best way to deal with these challenges is the principle of ’just show Up.’ This is simply making a solid habit of getting to the gym/dojo on a regular basis to train. If we can make a routine of throwing our gear in the car and motivating ourselves to get there consistently we will...over time...learn, level-up, master strategies, gain insight, and grow as a person.
This was mentioned recently at ZenQuest by a student who quoted a previous martial arts teacher from many years ago. Sometimes ’just show Up’ might have a colorful word or two added for emphasis. In any case it’s worth repeating here as it is the single most important part of success in any martial arts endeavor.
As we all know things that seem like they would be easy at first can turn out to be super challenging. With busy schedules of school, work, family, and other activities, getting to the dojo a couple of times each week can be difficult at times. However, most of the challenges we will encounter can be overcome with some commitment, self-disciple, and support from those around us.
It can be easy for us to make excuses for skipping training, too. Anything from “I’m too busy” to “I’m too tired” to “I’m not 100%” to “I’ll train at home” are common mental traps to fall into. But, making a habit of excuses instead of getting to the dojo is guaranteed to ruin your martial arts experience. Prioritizing training and shaking off negative thoughts will keep you on track.
With busy schedules, sometimes things come up that cause us to miss class. Oftentimes, though, we can adjust our schedules and simply attend a different class during that week. For cases where we feel physically or mentally fatigued training will actually likely energize us and improve our state of mind.
Once we’ve successfully committed to regular and consistent training the benefits are nothing short of amazing. Attending martial arts classes regularly is essential for making progress. Here's why regular attendance is so important:
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Muscle Memory
A big part of mastering a martial art is creating a situation where it’s techniques and strategies get imprinted into our brain. This is known as ‘building muscle memory.’ The more we practice the 

The Kikai 2024 Karate camp is fast approaching! This is a training camp co-sponsored by ZenQuest and the Uechi Karate Dojo of North Attleboro featuring four Okinawan Masters including Master Tsutomu Nakahodo. Master Nakahodo is Sensei Connie’s and Mark’s head teacher and one of the most advanced Uechi-Ryu teachers in the world. The event filled up immediately with a great turnout, so it should be amazing!  
The camp will happen between July 21 and 28. In spite of the fact that several of ZenQuest’s instructors will be running and attending the camp, the vast majority of classes at ZenQuest will still be held during that time. All regularly scheduled classes will be held except the following:
 
· Uechi-Ryu Adults: 7/22 to 7/27
· Tigers: Mon. 4:15 PM - 7/22 & Sat. 9:15 AM - 7/27
· Dragons - Thurs. 4:15 PM - 7/25
· Muay Thai - Wed. 12:00 PM - 7/24, Fri. 12:00 PM - 7/26 & Sat. 12:00 PM - 7/27
· Team Sparring - Mon. 8:00 PM - 7/22 & Sat. 1:15 AM - July 27
 
Please make a note of these class cancellations and make adjustments accordingly. Most students can simply do classes at other times, move up an age group, or cross-train in another art to make-up any missed classes.
Remember that trainings like the Kikai camp go towards instructor development and tend to elevate the quality of the teaching in the dojo. Essentially this benefits everyone at ZenQuest!

The Kikai Camp is just about here! As part of preparing for the camp we have commissioned an artist to paint portraits of two of the Masters that will be visiting. Our in-house ‘artiste’, Chalice Mitchel, recently completed portraits of Grandmaster Tsutomu Nakahodo  and Master Hirokuni Yamashiro. The portrait of Nakahodo Sensei is already framed and hanging in ZenQuest’s blue room, and the Sensei Yamashiro portrait is currently being framed.
Master Nakahodo is a 10th Dan (degree Black Belt) in Uechi-Ryu Karate and one of the most senior masters of the art in the world. He is also Sensei Connie’s and Mark’s primary teacher. Master Yamashiro is a 9th Dan and also Sensei Connie’s and Mark’s teacher. He has also been instrumental in helping them on their trips to Okinawa, and has visited the Berkshires several times.
Chalice has styled the new portraits to match those already hanging at ZenQuest. Eventually she will also do portraits of Grandmasters Higa and Takamiyagi who were the Flynn’s head instructors until their passing in 2022 and 2012 respectively.
Huge thanks to Chalice for her amazing work on these incredible additions to the Berkshires’ premier martial arts school. She is a local art instructor and accomplished freelance artist. For more information on her work please contact us.