With limitations on class sizes and several classes full or nearly full at ZenQuest, we are looking at ways to accommodate as many students as possible.  We’ve already made some adjustments to the class schedule and are planning on more of these based on current trends in enrollment.  At present, the most space available is in our younger children’s Karate classes (Tigers, Jr. Tigers and Cranes) and Teen level Karate classes (Cobras.)  There is also plenty of space in our “Martial Arts Strength’ or strength and conditioning classes. 
Depending on how class attendance plays out over the next few weeks, we will add classes and possibly temporarily convert weaker classes to accommodate the overflow from others. 
We are also considering a reconfiguration of the training space at ZenQuest for this purpose.  For some time now, we have thought about converting the space in the ‘fitness room’ to additional mat space.  Doing this now would allow us to increase the limits on some classes.
Stay tuned for these adjustments over the coming weeks. 

With our first month of training in the books we’re happy to say that things are going well and attendance at ZenQuest is good under the circumstances.  Classes have been modified and several safety measures are in place, but many students are training and learning again.  In these uncertain and challenging times having the ability to enjoy some physical and mental exercise, and continue to train can be crucial to our overall health and well being. 
As long as we follow intelligent strategies to minimize our risks, we can make that work.  Our current safety measures include social distancing, temperature checks, face coverings, limited class sizes and durations, controlled foot traffic, positive ventilation, extensive cleaning and sanitizing, and activities appropriate to the situation.  We also closely monitor the coronavirus cases in the area (which are extremely low), and require students feeling ill or returning to the area after travelling to refrain from attending classes until they are safe.
Each of our classes have been modified to fit the current situation.  Each martial art offered presents unique challenges specific to the way it’s usually practiced.  So, right now our Uechi-Ryu Karate classes consist of individual drills like calisthenics, hojo undo, kata practice, and ‘virtual’ two-person exercises.  Our Jiu-jitsu classes consist of calisthenics and conditioning, various fundamental drills, and work with ‘grappling dummies’ including throws, escapes, positioning and submissions.  For Muay Thai we are focusing on general conditioning, variations of shadow boxing, individual drills, and combinations on punching bags.  We’re mostly doing ‘bodyweight exercises in our Strength & Conditioning classes, and our MMA trainings consist of roadwork and general conditioning.
Although it is a bit more challenging to train under these conditions, many people are content to train differently rather than not train at all.  This requires a mental shift to accept a new type of training, in spite of possibly training a certain way for many years.  Staying optimistic and focusing on the positive aspects of things is also key in making that work.  Once we have a positive outlook and accept the new challenge, the rest is easy, and training and learning can continue. 
In reality, there are many good things about training differently in your chosen martial art.  Being more isolated in class provides the opportunity to focus more on the techniques and strategies of our art.  Learning to perform well in ‘virtual’ partner drills, and working with targets or dummies allows us to explore the moves without concern about any risk to a partner.  Even having to follow multiple safety measures requires us to be more mindful about how we’re doing things, which is one of the most important life skills that we can learn.  In the end, being taken out of our ‘comfort zone’ and learning to adapt is amazing mental training.
As of now, we are waiting for the Governor’s office to provide more information and guidance on the duration of this initial phase and details on what follows.  Of course, we will keep you up to date as more information becomes available.  For now, we are just happy that we can continue to provide classes and see people enjoy the training that they love. 

With the current restrictions we are required to follow, it is important that all students stay mindful of a few things to keep things running as smoothly as possible.  First, knowing and following all of the safety precautions is crucial to the safety of everyone.  This includes arriving for each class 5 to 10 minutes prior to it’s start.  After a temperature check, shoes must be carried to the ’fitness room’ and placed on one of the shoe racks.  Next, sanitizer must be applied to hands and feet at the training room entry door, then students should proceed to a ‘social distancing’ spot in the room for their class.  Water bottles and spare masks can be placed at a corner of their space.  Once the class is finished, students can gather their belongings and exit the training room in order  to pick up their shoes.  Shoes should be put on near the exit door, then the student may proceed to the playground area and walk to the front of the building.  Parents should be ready to receive their children at that time.  
Transactions for tuition or gear can be made in the front area, but making payments online or over the phone is preferred.  Since, instructors are signing students in it is VERY important that students or parents pay close attention to when their tuition payments are due.  In some cases reminders may be sent by email if needed since normal reminders are not available to students and parents at this time.    
Since classes are currently limited in size it is also very important that students and parents keep their class reservations up to date.  Many classes are at capacity at this time with waiting lists for other students to join.  If a student can no longer attend a class that they had reserved, they should notify the instructors ASAP.  Students who miss three classes in a row will be assumed to have made a schedule change and adjusted accordingly.
Please call 413-637-0656 or contact us via email at train@zenquestmac.com with any questions or adjustments.   Thanks!

With the return to our 'in-person' classes, we have adopted a routine of intense cleaning and disinfecting in the gym.  Training room mats and surfaces are disinfected after each class.  Similarly, common area floors and surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis.  Positive ventilation and the use of a dehumidifier helps keep the environment fresh and dry, too. 
  Students are also required to keep their own gear clean and follow all safety precautions.  Many of these are designed to keep the dojo as clean as possible.
In addition, a professional cleaning service is used at the beginning of each week.  Our own Stephen Tremble of ’Priority Cleaning’ uses a fogger to disinfect the entire facility on top of all of the other cleaning rituals currently in place.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts in helping with the new cleaning routines.  Please remember that bringing your own sanitizing wipes to use is very helpful, as these tend to be in short supply lately.  As always, thanks for your support!

After 15 weeks of quarantines, ZenQuest has resumed it’s ‘in-person’ classes as of Monday, July 6th.  As you probably know, regular classes were suspended on March 16 in compliance with orders from Massachusetts Governor Baker’s office. Since then, we’ve been in ’uncharted territory’ providing virtual classes and instructional videos online, waiting for the day when we could start to return to normal.  Now, because Massachusetts has done such a great job of getting the situation under control, we have been given the go ahead to finally reopen.
In an abundance of caution, reopening is being done with several safety measures in place.  Although the commonwealth has managed the situation well up to this point, we all must do our part in continuing the current trend.  So, our reopening will be done in four phases with the most intense safety measures in effect at first.  These will gradually be relaxed with each of the following phases.
Our Phase I safety measures include one way traffic through the building as much as possible.  Parents are required to drop off youth students and additional seating is provided outside in the playground area.  Indoor waiting areas, locker rooms and the fitness room are off limits in this initial Phase.  Students should arrive in their training attire, and are subjected to ‘no touch’ temperature checks upon entering the building.  They are also required to sanitize hands and feet before entering training rooms.  We are encouraging online, phone-in, or automatic payments as an additional precaution.  Of course, students should wait to rejoin if they have at-risks family members at home, or think that they may be feeling ill. 
Class sizes are limited to eight at this time so it is very important that students make reservations and notify us on which classes they will be attending.  To properly ‘social distance’ students are given assigned areas in their classes.  Classes are focusing on instruction and individual exercises and drills, with no partner training.  Portions of classes will consist of video presentations of drills, sparring, history and information appropriate to each martial art and age group.  We are also using ‘grappling dummies’ for Jiu-jitsu    and punching bags for Muay Thai classes in the early stages of reopening.  Some fun new children's games are being played based on social distancing. 
We have arranged for plenty of positive ventilation using a combination of window fans in the training rooms to pull air out, and other windows and doors strategically opened.  We are also using a ’fresh air exchange’ system installed in the building during class times now as well. 
Face coverings are required for everyone in Phase I.  ZenQuest is supplying 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 are at a level that works with face coverings while their use is in effect.  This, too, will be relaxed in succeeding phases. 
Mats, surfaces, and equipment are all being disinfected before each class and at the end of each day.  Class durations are slightly shorter to allow for cleaning and drying between classes.  A professional cleaning service is also be used at the end of each week to disinfect the entire facility.  
As of now, we are waiting for the Governor’s office to provide more information and guidance on the duration of this initial phase and details on what follows.  We will provide more information as it becomes available.  For now, we are just happy that we can reopen and continue providing the best facility, instruction, and training environment possible. 
The effects of COVID19 have been difficult for everyone.  But, with the threat of the virus gradually subsiding in the northeast we can begin to look forward to gradually getting back to a more normal life and the activities that we love.  With some caution and intelligent strategies we are confident that we WILL return to normal while staying as safe as possible. 
For more information on our Phase I safety measures, visit our website at www.zenquestmac.com.  We appreciate your continued support and hope to see you in training again soon!

To commemorate surviving the crazy challenges of 2020 we have created a unique version of our  ZenQuest t-shirts. These are high-quality ’cobalt’ colored t-shirts with the front the same as usual, but the back says "I helped ZenQuest survive COVID19."  These will only be offered once, so get them while you can.
The shirts are partly a fundraiser for the gym/dojo and available to everyone.  To help with recovery from the COVID19 quarantines, these are offered at $30 each.  Anyone who maintained their membership through the quarantines can pick them up at a discounted price of $15 each. They are available in sizes YS through 3XL.
We will be taking orders for these from now until August 1st.  To order, simply call, email, or message us with your sizes and arrange for payment.
Thanks for your continued support!

As we reopen and transition back to our normal 'in-person' classes following the quarantines, we will put less emphasis on providing virtual classes and videos online.  This was an amazing way to help students continue their training remotely during an unprecedented time.  However, at this point we need to focus our energies on providing six days of regular classes...PLUS all of the new safety measures and cleaning required by the commonwealth.
We will provide a limited number of virtual classes for a short time by ’live streaming’ our in-person classes.  These can be accessed via our special Facebook group called ‘RTS’ or Remote Training Support.  Please look for email announcements for the dates and times of those classes.  Eligible students can go to the group via the Facebook ZenQuest page and submit a request to join in if they don’t already have access.  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.   
An alternative to consider going forward are virtual or in-person private lessons.  Some students have already taken advantage of this alternative to in-person training with great success.  This is a great way to enjoy customized instruction at a pace and focus that works for the individual student while social distancing.
We will revisit providing virtual classes in the future shall the need arise.  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!​

​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.  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.  Due to social distancing requirements classes are temporarily modified as follows:

• More emphasis on individual exercises and drills with 'socially distant' partner drills
  
• Muay Thai strategies primarily drilled using 'Wavemaster' punching bags
  
• Jiu-jitsu techniques practiced using ‘grappling dummies’
  
• Additional equipment is used on a limited basis with 'social distancing'

 
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!