We’re happy to announce that ZenQuest has been voted “Best Martial Arts School” in the Berkshires for the seventh year in a row!  The award was given by the Berkshire Eagle’s ‘Best of the Berkshires 2023’.  As usual, we were pleasantly surprised by the award after the voting had closed and the results were tallied. 
We believe that this is the result of years of doing everything we can to provide the best facility, instruction, and training environment possible.  Our facility is very functional and ‘user friendly’ for students, families, and visitors.  It is designed to optimize the experience for everyone.  We are constantly working to improve the gym inside and out and are excited about plans for the future. 
We take great pride in providing world-class instruction in all of the programs we offer.  With three internationally recognized parent organizations, our teaching standards and methods are guaranteed to be high quality and authentic.  Also, with a combined experience of over 70 years between Senseis Connie and Mark, as well as an experienced support staff, we’re happy to help others optimize their own martial arts journey. 
The training environment we’ve created may be our biggest accomplishment and reason why our students and families support us as they do.  ZenQuest will always be a place of mutual support and respect, where anyone who is sincere about learning can thrive.  Instructors and students know that welcoming new people is crucial in maintaining a friendly environment for all.
Another element worth a mention is that we set high standards for students to advance in their chosen arts.  Rank promotions are based on effort, progress, and personal development.  The ranks earned in each of the arts that we offer are recognized around the world.  This may seem like a matter of course, but too often in the martial arts world students are pushed through ranks based on memorization, false confidence, and monetary gain.
All of this comes somewhat against the odds. Although students are shielded from the behind the scenes challenges as much as possible, some of these have been pretty intense over the last 20-plus years.  They include a recession, a pandemic, a less than ideal ownership transition, loss of facility, and far too much drama at times.  However, a core group of dedicated students and instructors have stuck with it through it all and helped make ZenQuest the amazing place that it is today. 
We would like to thank our staff, students, and families for their continued support.  We would not receive the recognition that we have over the last seven years without them.  We will continue to do everything we can to make it all even better!  Thanks again Team ZenQuest!!!

Our painting goals for the year have now been finished!  Phase I of this project included preparing and painting all of the east and north faces of the building.  This meant repairing and replacing portions of the wood siding, removing loose paint, and applying a primer coat of paint.  The final coat of paint is a nice blue color which will be surrounded by a white trim (to be added later.) 
Phase II of the project will be prepping and painting the west (playground side) and south (front) faces of the building.  This is planned to begin in the springtime of next year and completed by the fall.  Since the building is about equal to two average sized houses this is no small task. 
 For years the property had been somewhat neglected under it’s previous owners.  However, in December of 2021 ZenQuest officially became the owner of the building, and repairs and improvements began almost immediately.     
In addition to the painting and repair efforts the old doors in the front of the building were recently replaced.  New signage will also soon be added to the main entry door. 
Students should feel good about the efforts being made to bring them the best facility possible for their training.
Special thanks to Matt Moreau, Glen Giumarra, and Russ Moody for their help with this portion of the improvements to ZenQuest.
 

Several ZenQuest students are preparing to compete in the 2023 ‘Tap Cancer Out’ tournament in November.  The annual fundraising event will be held in Danvers, Massachusetts on November 19th.  YOU can help by sponsoring one or more of them, or just contributing to the cause using the link: https://wecan.tapcancerout.org/zenquest.  Proceeds benefit cancer prevention and research.  
Boa sorte and boa luta (good luck and good fight) to all of the competitors!

Occasionally, the weather will become intense enough during the winter months to present a serious travel risk for our students and instructors.  This can result from a single, severe weather event happening at the time of classes; or from an accumulation of events leading up to the time of classes.  Other indicators can be other major organizational closings and local travel advisories.  If it appears that travel will be too risky during class times, the school will close for that time.  Students can verify these closures by checking the school’s website or Facebook page, checking their e-mail, and by checking for a message on the ZenQuest phone at 413-637-0656.