​The following are precautions to maximize safety during the first phase of ZenQuest’s reopening.  Phase I will be the most restrictive and last a minimum of three weeks.  Each subsequent Phase will ease these safety measures, following the Massachusetts and CDC recommendations.  Thank you for your understanding and support!
 
Arrival - Students must arrive between 5 and 10 minutes early prior to the start of their class.  Late arrivals may need to wait for their next opportunity to train.  Youth students must be dropped off at the front door once arrangements have been made for their attendance.  All students will be subject to a touch-less body temperature screening upon arrival.  Face coverings must be worn while in the building during Phase I of the reopening.  Students may pick up one free ZenQuest face covering at the front desk.  Additional face coverings will be available for a nominal fee.  Students and families should make membership arrangements via phone, email, or message if possible.  Arrangements can be made at the front desks if needed.  
 
Social Distancing - Students should arrive ready for their class as locker rooms will be unavailable in Phase I.  Students must remove shoes upon entry and carry them to the shelves in the Fitness Room.  The reception area will only be available for information, transactions, and placing orders.  Families may wait for younger students in the playground area or at their vehicles.  Foot traffic will be controlled with designated directions as much as possible in the building using arrows on the floor.  Students may retrieve uniforms or gear from the locker rooms only upon their return.  If a student should need to use the bathroom, all surfaces must be cleaned immediately after their use. 
 
Classes - Classes will be limited to a ten-student maximum during Phase I and, therefore, students must designate which classes they will attend during this time.  Instructors will assist youth students in entering and exiting the classrooms.  All hands and feet must be cleaned with the sanitizer provided prior to each class.  Students will have designated training areas in their classes and must stay within their area and remain in the classroom as much as possible until their class is completed.  Water bottles should be placed in a corner of the student’s area.  Except for ‘grappling dummies’ in jiu-jitsu, use of equipment will be minimized during this phase.  Class times have been shortened and spread out more to allow for cleaning before each class.  Students must limit their attendance to one class per morning or evening session.
 
Attire - All Karate and Jiu-jitsu classes will require the Gi or uniform.  All student clothing and gear must be clean for each class.  Students are encouraged to bring sanitizing wipes to clean their own gear and area after use.  Jiu-jitsu students are encouraged to bring an extra Gi top to place on their grappling dummy for training.  Grappling dummies must be stripped and cleaned after each use.  
 
Departure - Youth students may be picked up at the fitness-room door adjacent to the playground.  At the end of each class, students must exit through the fitness-room doorway.  Students will exit in the order of students closest to the doorway first or next.  They will then retrieve their shoes and proceed to exit the building through the exterior fitness-room door.  Parents should be ready to receive youth students to avoid confusion.

We hope that everyone is healthy and looking forward to getting back to 'in-person' classes. All indications from Governor Baker's office are that plans are going well, and that we WILL be able to reopen for classes on Monday, July 6th.  Of course, if the official timeline changes we will make adjustments and let you know. 
We've developed intelligent strategies for making ZenQuest as safe as possible during the reopening. 
After extensive cleaning and disinfecting the gym is essentially ready to go at this time. As you may know, ZenQuest will reopen in four steps or phases. Phase I (July 6th to July 26) will utilize the most extensive safety precautions. A modified class schedule for Phase I is available at this LINK. We will also continue with our virtual classes and instructional videos until we resume in-person classes. This week's schedule is noted above.
Each phase is scheduled to last for three weeks.  The most intense social distancing measures will be utilized in the first phase, and these will gradually be relaxed with each following phase after.
Phase I social distancing measures will include one way traffic through the building as much as possible.  Parents will be required to drop off youth students and additional seating will be provided outside in it’s picnic and playground area.  Indoor waiting areas, locker rooms and fitness room will also be off limits in this initial Phase. 
Students will be subjected to temperature checks upon entry of the building.  They should also stay home if they have at-risks family members at home, or think that they may be feeling ill.  Students will be required to sanitize hands and feet before entering training rooms and on breaks.  The school will encourage online, phone-in, or automatic payments also to promote social distancing. 
Window fans placed in the training rooms, combined with open windows and doors will keep fresh air flowing through the building.  The building is also equipped with a ’fresh air exchange’ system from when the Berkshire Montessori school occupied the space, and we will  begin running that during classes as well. 
Class sizes will be limited to 10 and students will have assigned areas in the class.  Classes will initially consist of instruction and individual exercises with no partner training in Phase I.  Portions of classes will consist of presentations of drills, sparring, history and information appropriate to each martial art and age group.  Some of this will be presented by instructors while other portions will be done using video.  The school has also acquired ‘grappling dummies’ for it’s Jiu-jitsu classes in the early stages of reopening.  Children's games will be limited to those that can be performed with social distancing. 
Face coverings will be required for everyone in Phase I.  ZenQuest will supply custom ’Ninja’ masks at no charge while supplies last.  These ‘Gaiter’ style coverings are made of a Lycra material which balance protection with enabling the wearer to breathe during activity.  Class intensities will be at a level that works with face coverings while their use is in affect.  This, too, will be relaxed in succeeding phases.
Cleaning of mats, surfaces, and equipment will all be stepped up significantly.  These will be disinfected between classes and at the end of each day.  Class durations will be slightly shorter to allow for cleaning between classes.  A professional cleaning service will also be used at the end of each week to disinfect the entire facility.  
Details for Phases II and III will be issued soon.  These will include less social distancing and a gradual return to more partner training and group interaction.  The current reopening schedule is as follows:  Phase I - July 6 to July 26, Phase II - July 27 to August 16, and Phase III - August 17 to September 7.  With the end of reopening Phase III, operations would return to normal with appropriate considerations at that time.  This plan will, of course, be adjusted based on guidelines from the CDC and Massachusetts if needed.
In the preparation for reopening, the entire facility has been cleaned and disinfected from top to bottom.  This includes all surfaces in the building including floors, mats, walls, cubicles, shelves, tables, chairs, desks, lockers and fixtures.  Similarly, all equipment is being disinfected including targets, kick shields, Thai pads, focus mitts, weights, kettle bells, fitness balls, medicine balls, punching bags, etc.  All of this has made ZenQuest a very clean environment to train in going forward.
The effects of COVID19 has been difficult for everyone and even tragic for some.  But, with the threat of the virus gradually subsiding, we can begin to look forward to gradually getting back to a more normal life.  With some caution and intelligent strategies we are confident that we WILL return to normal while staying as safe as possible. 
We appreciate your continued support and hope to see you in training again soon!

 Although we haven’t been able to conduct our normal 'in-person' classes during the quarantines, we are providing virtual classes and videos online so that students can continue their training remotely.  Staying fit and continuing your practice during this time is important in many ways.  Aside from keeping your physical and mental health strong, this will reduce stress and anxiety, and allow you to make the best of the situation.  It contributes to your growth in the martial arts and your progress toward your next promotions, and will allow you to ‘hit the ground running’ once we do reopen.
At this point the majority of our online classes and videos are being provided via ZOOM.  This is an interactive video meeting app that is more like an actual class.  We also provide some classes by ’live stream’ using a special group on Facebook called ‘RTS’ or Remote Training Support.  We typically provide six classes each week for adults and kids.  Eligible students and families can go to the group via the Facebook ZenQuest page and submit a request to join in.  They can also easily get links for the ZOOM classes by request.  There are different ways to gain access to these virtual classes if you haven’t already.  For information on access please refer to the article entitled ’Enrollment Alternatives’ on page 2.  There are also many videos available on ZenQuest’s website and YouTube channel.   
Something else to consider going forward are virtual private lessons.  Some students have already taken advantage of this alternative to in-person training with great success.  This is a great way to concentrate on promotion material or customized instruction at a pace and focus that works for the individual student.
For assistance with our virtual classes or gaining access please contact us at 413-637-0656 or train@zenquestmac.com.  Thanks again for your support!
 

As you know ZenQuest’s ‘in-person’ classes have been suspended since the orders given by the Governor of Massachusetts on March 16. At present, the Governor's office is developing a four-phase plan for the reopening of businesses. The plan will determine when businesses will open based on societal need and risks. The details for the plan have not been determined at this time, but it’s anticipated that gyms and martial arts schools will not likely be among the first business to reopen.  
Of course, we are excited and looking forward to reopening for in-person classes as soon as we can. In the meantime, we’re providing online classes, instructional videos, and tips so that students can continue to train remotely. These have been for Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Self-defense and Strength & Conditioning. This is a great way to continue to learn and stay sharp during this challenging situation, and we strongly encourage all of our students to take advantage of this.
In the process of getting ready for reopening, the entire facility is being cleaned and disinfected from top to bottom.  This includes all surfaces in the building including floors, mats, walls, cubicles, shelves, tables, chairs, desks, lockers and fixtures.  Similarly, all equipment is being disinfected including targets, kick shields, Thai pads, focus mitts, weights, kettle bells, fitness balls, medicine balls, punching bags, etc.
We are also developing intelligent strategies for making ZenQuest as safe as possible when that happens. These will be most intense at first, and then gradually relaxed as time progresses and things return to normal. Precautionary measures will include controlled traffic through the building, limited class sizes, drop off for youth students, temperature checks, social distancing measures, alternative payment options, and negative air flow in the training rooms. Our building also has a ’fresh air exchange’ system left over from when it was occupied by the Berkshire Montessori school, and we will be begin running that during classes when we reopen.
In addition, we will modify several aspects of our classes for the time being. Classes will initially consist of instruction and individual exercises, with partner training gradually phased in over time. We will have designated places for students in the training rooms. Portions of classes will consist of video presentations and review of drills, sparring, history and information appropriate to each martial art and age group. Classes consisting of ‘Stations’ or strength & condition drills will also be more frequent initially.  We will also limit children's games to those that can be performed with social distancing.
Face masks will be required for everyone at first. ZenQuest will supply custom ’Ninja’ masks at no charge for students who’ve maintained their memberships during the quarantines, or if they re-enroll during the first phase of reopening. These will also be available at a discounted price in the following phases of returning to normal. These are ‘Gaitor’ style masks made of a Lycra material which balance protection with enabling the wearer to breathe during activity.
 Of course, all of the other precautions that were in place before the quarantines began will still be in place. Cleaning of mats, surfaces, and equipment will all be stepped up significantly. Students should stay home if sick and will be asked to leave class if there are any indicators of illness. Students should also stay home if they have at-risks family members at home. Students will be required to sanitize hands and feet before entering training rooms and on breaks.
We will reopen and get back to training together as soon as possible.  It has been difficult for many of us to deal with the quarantines and the challenges that they pose on us. However, we need to continue to deal with this in an intelligent way that minimizes risks for everyone, while also trying to keep our lives as normal as possible. With the steps outlined by the authorities, and our own safety plan we are confident that we WILL gradually return to normal while staying as safe as possible.

The COVID19 quarantines continued well past the point that was originally anticipated and affected us all in many ways.  We know that this has placed a burden on many of our students and families, and this has certainly placed a burden on ZenQuest.  We appreciate those who have continued to support the gym/dojo during this time and can’t thank you enough. 
As we transition back to normal it is important for students to indicated how they would like us to address their enrollment or any credit they may have had at the time the quarantines began.  If you are in that group and have not done so yet, please take a moment to evaluate the alternatives below and contact us.  As we see it, there are five different ways to deal with this:
 
Continued Enrollment  Several students and families have chosen to simply continue their enrollment through the quarantines. This is a very considerate way to support the gym or Dojo and help ZenQuest to survive this unprecedented challenge. Continuing enrollment in this way provides full access to all of ZenQuest’s online classes and support, and provides discounts on equipment and private online training.
 
Partial Enrollment  This is for students who’s normal membership has lapsed, but want access to online classes.  These students can arrange for a monthly payment of $25 to have full access to all online classes and videos. ZenQuest has amassed a library of online classes  via Facebook live and ZOOM, and these are available on our special Facebook ‘Remote Training Support’ group.  New classes will continue to be live streamed for a limited time.  Students may also choose to arrange for private online trainings.  
 
Enrollment Conversion  Students who had a balance of enrollment time when in-person classes were suspended may convert that time into access to online classes. For example, if a student had a month of time remaining as of March 16th, they can use the monetary value of that time towards access to online class time at $25 per month.  Once this time has expired, they can decide how to proceed from there.  Students can also convert a balance of enrollment to online private trainings.
 
Enrollment Donation  Students who had a balance of enrollment time when in-person classes were suspended may simply donate part or all of that time to the gym and then restart their enrollment upon their return. This will also contribute to insuring the survival of the Dojo during and following the quarantines.
 
Enrollment Pause  This is for students who want to pause their membership going back to the date of start of class suspensions.  Any balance of enrollment on the books at that time would be preserved and be restarted upon their return.  This would mean no access to exclusive online classes or videos, and the student will be considered to be out of training during this time.  Students who’ve utilized the online content should expect an appropriate adjustment to remaining enrollment time.
 
Please call 413-637-0656 or contact us via email at train@zenquestmac.com to let us know what you decide.  Again, we sincerely appreciate the kindness and generosity shown by the students and families continuing their enrollments and supporting us through this challenging time.  If you would like to arrange for payment or contribution in this way please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Although we haven’t been able to conduct our normal 'in-person' classes during the COVID-19 quarantines, we are providing videos and classes online so that students can continue their training remotely.  Staying fit and continuing your practice during this time is important in many ways.  Aside from keeping your physical and mental health strong, this will also contribute to your progress toward your next promotions.
Currently, the majority of our online classes and videos are being provided via a special group on Facebook called ‘RTS’ or Remote Training Support.  We typically provide six classes each week for adults and kids, and may add more classes to this in the future.  Eligible students and families can go to the group via the Facebook ZenQuest page and submit a request to join in.  There are different ways to gain access to these virtual classes if you haven’t already.  For information on access please refer to the article entitled ’Enrollment Alternatives’ on page 2.
We are also looking into developing an exclusive page on the ZenQuest website soon for an alternative to using Facebook to access these classes.  Also, some classes may be offered using the meeting room app ‘Zoom” in the future.  We initially avoided this choice due to security concerns, but they seem to have been corrected at this time.  Like our Facebook live classes and videos, access to the exclusive website support can easily be arranged by contacting us. 
Something else to consider going forward are virtual private lessons.  Some students have already taken advantage of this alternative to in-person training with great success.  This is a great way to especially concentrate on promotion material at a pace and focus that works for the individual student.
For assistance with our virtual classes or gaining access please contact us at 413-637-0656 or train@zenquestmac.com.  We will  continue providing a limited amount of additional support material on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram periodically.  Thanks again for your support!

 For many people, learning a martial art is partly for the purpose of becoming more prepared for self-defense.  Whatever style you study there’s a good chance that you feel a little better prepared to deal with physical confrontations in the real world if you ever needed to.  As you gain experience, you reach a point where physical confrontation seems silly, and you become much better at de-escalating conflicts and avoidance.  As the saying goes, “We train so that we don’t have to fight.”
If we’re lucky, the day will never come where we have to engage in a really serious physical confrontation.  Statistically, the odds of that happening are slim.  Also, if we can use some common sense, tolerance and even empathy, we can usually steer clear of letting situations escalate into a life and death struggle.   
More than likely, the kind of situations we end-up using our training for have little to do with actually fighting other people.  Rather than defend a mugging or assault we learn to use our training to stay calm in traffic.  Instead of losing our temper with our kids, we get focused and solve a problem.  We push back harder when we feel fatigue and are tempted to give up in our day-to-day tasks.  Often times, we end up using the skills we’ve learned in ways we never expected.
With the COVID-19 outbreak, we can see that there’s another kind of self-defense that martial arts prepares us for.  As you probably are aware, the people who are most vulnerable to the affects of the Coronavirus are folks with compromised immune systems and previous health issues like:
 
· Immunodeficiency diseases
· Chronic respiratory or heart diseases
· Cancer and corresponding treatments
· Obesity and corresponding health complications
· Asthma
· Smoking or vaping
· Advanced age
· Immune system weakening medications
 
Conversely, a high level of overall health and fitness will likely help us fight an infection like the Coronavirus. Being physically strong with a healthy cardio-pulmonary system will help minimize the effects of an infection and increase our chances of survival.  If we’ve been training on a regular basis with some intensity, the fitness and health we get from that will protect us to some degree. 
Also important when dealing with an infection is mental focus and emotional stability.  Being strong-willed and having the ‘will to live’ is crucial in fighting serious illness.  Staying calm and allowing your body to do what it needs in a situation like this is invaluable for a quick and strong recovery.
Lastly, having the clarity, wisdom, and self-discipline to follow the advice of medical experts can not only minimize our own risks, but also the risks of our loved ones and friends.  The ability to adapt to new realities like self-quarantining  without falling apart at the seams is invaluable.  Adjusting to ’social distancing’ and limiting our activities is challenging, but do-able with the right attitude.  Some of us will also have the strength to support others in these measures and provide leadership. 
At this point it’s clear that the COVID-19 epidemic is real and poses some risks for all of us.  Let’s be smart and stay safe during this challenging time.  Have the strength to follow the advice of the medical experts.  Stay at home as much as possible and minimize your exposure, for you sake and the sake of those close to you.  Avoid large gatherings for now.  Practice ‘social distancing’ when out and wear a protective mask or face covering, if possible.  Be strong enough to defend yourself intelligently in this unprecedented situation in modern times.

As you know, our ‘in-person’ classes have been suspended since March 16 in compliance with the quarantine and social distancing orders given by the Massachusetts Governor. We will continue with this until the 'all clear' signal is given and we're able to resume our normal mode of operations. Right now, we’re scheduled to re-open on May 4th, based on the latest information from the Commonwealth.  We should all see this as the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ that we can all look forward to.  Even if this gets adjusted again, we can take comfort that this WILL end eventually.
In the meantime, we are doing our best to provide online classes, instructional videos, and tips so that you can continue your training remotely. We're posting videos on the ZenQuest YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. These include Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Self-defense and Strength & Conditioning.  Please join us for those and feel free to share them with your friends.
At this time it's necessary to touch on an important aspect of this situation.  This presents some new challenges for us and we will do everything we can to navigate this storm as it plays out.  However, one of the secondary effects of this crisis is an unprecedented financial strain on the gym/dojo.  Thankfully, many students and families are continuing their memberships and finding other ways to contribute to ZenQuest’s survival during this situation.
​We sincerely appreciate the understanding and kindness of students and parents who are helping us get through this difficult time.  If you would like to pay tuition or contribute, OR give the gift of training to a friend, consider purchasing Gift Certificates via our website. You can also message, call us, or use 'snail mail' to send tuition or contributions to: ZenQuest MAC, 55 Pittsfield Road #10, Lenox, MA 01240. 
We will also continue to stay calm and focused, and persevere through this challenge and encourage you to do the same.  This WILL all end at some point and, when it does, ZenQuest will be there for you...better than ever.  We look forward to seeing you all again SOON!  In the meantime stay safe, follow the guidelines provided by the medical experts, and hang in there.