The Back-to-School season is here and so is the time to start planning for activities for the kids.  The fall and winter seasons have historically been the busiest time for children’s classes at ZenQuest.  During this time we do our best to organize those classes to ensure a healthy and positive environment for everyone and ask parents to do their part by designating which classes their kids will be attending.   
This year we’ll be doing our children’s ‘Fall Registration’ a little differently  For many years we have sent a packet to families via ‘snail-mail’ and, in more recent times by email, too.  Now, for the first time, we’re eliminating the snail-mail and going electronic!  This should be more efficient for everyone and reduce paperwork in the process. 
We recently sent an email to all families with students aged 14 and under.  The email included a link to our website where parents can indicate class choices for their kids during the busy season.  Forms were also included for those who prefer to simply complete hard copies or return them via email.  These forms are also available at the ZenQuest front desk for your convenience.
 Parents can visit the website or submit forms at any time now that the link is up, but early registration is encouraged due to the anticipated volume of students this year.  Classes are being filled on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, and indicating which classes are preferred in a timely manner is the best way to reserve classes for kids.  This applies to ALL youth students, whether new, returning or already attending classes.  For new or returning students, registration must be validated with tuition payment.   
A current class schedule will be included in the information provided, but we don’t expect any changes to the schedule of children’s classes at this time.  Remember that ‘Partial Participation’ discounts are reserved for students age eight years old and younger.  Kids age thirteen or older are eligible to attend unlimited Adult classes including Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Thai Kickboxing, and Strength & Conditioning. 
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of this, and look for your Fall Enrollment email soon.  We will look forward to another great season of fun and learning at the oldest and best martial arts school in the Berkshires!!

For the third year in a row, ZenQuest has been voted “Best Martial Arts Academy” in the Berkshires!  The honor came by way of the areas biggest news publication, the ‘Berkshire Eagle.’  The Eagle boast a total audience of over 200,000 between their print and online presence.  Every year they ask their readership to vote on local businesses to determine which are best in the area.  We were surprised to receive the award in 2017, partly because we weren’t fully aware that ‘Best Martial Arts Academy’ was a category. 
This is an amazing honor when one considers that there are about twenty martial arts schools and clubs in Berkshire County.  When asked about why he thinks ZenQuest is considered best, co-owner and chief instructor Mark Flynn said “We just do all we can to provide the best facility, environment and instruction possible for our students.  We especially pride ourselves on having a friendly and positive environment for everyone. It probably doesn’t hurt to have affiliations with some of the best organizations in the world for each of the martial arts we provide, too!”

We’ll be hosting another seminar with Kru Mark DellaGrotte on Saturday, September 28.  He’s considered one of the best Thai Kickboxing coaches in the world, with direct lineage under the legendary Grandmaster Senan Yodtong.   Kru Mark never fails to provide an incredible learning experience that is guaranteed to improve your striking skill set. 
The two-hour clinic will begin at 12:00 PM, consisting primarily of two-person drills.  Participants should bring a pair of boxing/ Thai style gloves, shin-guards and some water to stay hydrated.  Preregistration costs is $75 until Thursday, September 26, after which registration is $90.  To reserve your spot, stop at the front desk or call 413-637-0656.