Our latest Advanced Concepts in Jiu-jitsu clinic was held on Saturday, August 4th.  This one included some great work on the Leg-Lasso, or Lasso Guard.  This is a strategy where a defender entangles his legs in the opponent’s arms, making it difficult for them to advance their position and making them vulnerable to attacks. 
      Several students earned promotions this time.  The following received promotions: Russel Moody and Glen Giumarra to Blue Belt, Karyn Bienia to 1-Stripe Blue Belt, Matt Moreau and Chris Bradley to 2-Stripe Blue Belt, Frank Scago to 3-Stripe Blue Belt, Mike Wynn to 4-Stripe Blue Belt, Matt Gerlitz to 1-Stripe Purple Belt, Neil Von Flatern to 2-Stripe Purple Belt, and Herb Gregg and Tim Somerville to 4-Stripe Purple Belt. 
Congratulations to everyone and keep up the good work!

A horde of students and friends showed up for our annual Clean-up & Repair Day on July 29.  Almost thirty people scrubbed every area of the gym, and the equipment used for training.  Some repairs and improvements were also made, too.  Among the biggest undertakings were repairs to the playground, and the installation of padding behind the cage-panels in the black room.  These were made to keep those areas functioning and as safe as possible. 
Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort.  It’s extremely important to keep everything clean and safe for everyone who comes to ZenQuest and we sincerely appreciate your help.

Martial arts schools typically teach a series of combative strategies for fitness and self-defense.  Many of them will also include (to varying degrees) some mental and ‘spiritual’ or emotional elements in their programs.  This can include things like:
 
·      Etiquette and social courtesies
·      Focus and concentration
·      Awareness and mindfulness
·      Self-control and discipline
·      Patience and perseverance
·      Discretion and de-escalation skills
·      Emotional stability and calmness
 
These elements of training are just as important...maybe more important to the student as staying physically fit and developing a solid skill set in your chosen art.  For most of us the need to defend our lives will be a rare occasion.  But, our daily lives benefit from social courtesy, focus, awareness, discipline, discretion and stability.
In the modern era, martial arts schools need to find creative ways to teach these principles to their students.  To run a dojo or gym like a Zen monastery would likely mean a financial end to the establishment.  Instructors also need to be careful not to cross over into a ‘religious’ area in teaching these principles out of respect for different students’ beliefs.
To be successful and still teach these principles to the majority of students, instructors need to make these lessons interesting and fun, and even get creative sometimes.  Many of the standard exercises in a martial art are designed to include these ideas.  Well organized schools will include a code-of-conduct or “Dojo Code” to reinforce these principles.  Certain drills or activities may not seem to have much value in martial arts training, but they typically do.   For kids, even games at the end of classes usually provide some skill building and lessons on qualities like fairness, sportsmanship, honor, self-control and attention to rules and structure.
These principles can take some time to learn, especially for children.  To truly develop as part of a student’s character these qualities usually take months or even years.  Regular training in the Dojo or “gym” under the guidance of experienced leaders and dedication to all the exercises WILL impart these qualities to those who are willing to learn.  This requires some trust and effort on the part of the student.  In the case of younger students, parental trust and support are also a key element to them learning these principles.
Students will go through many different phases and challenges as they learn the non-physical elements to martial arts training.  Sometimes they will have to define boundaries for themselves the “hard way.”  Listening carefully to their instructors and trying to absorb the lessons taught in the Dojo can help to minimize this normal part of learning. 
If a situation arises when a student has difficulty with any of the principles highlighted, it can often be turned into a “teachable moment” for them.  The student (and/ or parent) should be sure to talk to an instructor to understand better and get some perspective on the situation.  Whatever the case, the instructors will most often be able to help, and, turn a negative into a positive.  Well seasoned instructors have likely dealt with the same situation before, and are well prepared to make the best of any situation.  This is a case where trusting the experts can go a long way.  

 Based on the crazy success of our recent Referral Rewards program...we’re doing it again!  Our latest program brought in 17 new students between February 15th and April 30th.  We’re hoping that the trend continues, and are happy to show our appreciation for those who spread the word about ZenQuest. 
As before, each student who sends a friend to us will receive a $50 gift certificate from ZenQuest.  In addition, both the student who did the referral, and the new student, were entered into a drawing for an another $50 gift certificate.  To qualify, referred students must enroll for at least three-months. 
       Congratulations to Marissa Maher for winning our last drawing, which was held on May 1st, and congratulations to all of our recent new students for beginning their martial arts journey at ZenQuest.  Let’s keep those referrals going!
 

The Bill Wright Scholarship Fund held it’s annual “Kick-a-thon” on Saturday, May 19th.  Participants were given five minutes to see how many kicks they could do in an effort to raise money for the Bill Wright Scholarship Fund.  This time around over $1,100 were raised through pledges and donations made for the kickers.  The top kicker, Matt Moreau, performed 438 kicks and won a $25 gift certificate to ZenQuest.  The top fundraiser was Troy Middleton, who raised $464 and won a $25 gift certificate to the King Kone ice cream shop.  In addition to the Kickathon, the BWSF raised over $160 through an Arizona Pizza “Dine to Donate” event held on May 6th.
      The BWSF was inspired by long-time student, Bill Wright, who began training in the martial arts while in his seventies.  Bill was an inspiration to other students, being very dedicated and working hard to achieve the rank of Sandan or 3rd degree Black Belt in Uechi-Ryu Karate.  Upon his passing, the BWSF was created to help underprivileged youngsters to better themselves through the martial arts that Bill loved so much.
      Thanks to everyone who contributed to the recent fundraisers.  Please remember that this is an ongoing effort and donations are always welcome, we appreciate your support!   

The ZenQuest fight team sponsorship program is alive and well!  Five local businesses recently stepped up to support “Team Z” in their next year of adventures.  They are:
 
  Jedd L. Hall Attorney at Law - Silver Level
  Chocolate Springs Café - Silver Level
  Victory Force Options Training - Gold Level
  Manhattan Pizza Co. - Gold Level
  A-List Luxury Car Services - Diamond Level
 
Sponsorships of the fight team cover expenses incurred by the fighters and coaching staff including training, travel, supplies and equipment.  In addition to the pride and satisfaction associated with helping Team ZenQuest in pursuing it’s goals, sponsors are recognized in several ways.  This includes mention in the ZenQuest’s newsletter, on social media platforms, and in appearances and interviews.  Sponsors are also displayed on the front page of our website with links to each businesses’ own site.  Their names or logos are also included on fight-banners, which are displayed at each event that the fight team participates in and at other special events.  Sponsors also appear on "Walkout" style T-shirts worn by the fighters, coaches, and supporters.  Lastly, for the first time, top level sponsors will also appear on the Fight Shorts worn by ZenQuest’s top fighters when they compete. 
The ZenQuest MMA team currently has amassed a record of 10-2 over the last few years.  The bulk of that record came via our fighters Matt Bienia and Neil Von Flatern.   Matt currently holds Lightweight Champion belts for two area promotions.  These are “Kaged Kombat” of Saratoga, NY, and “Reality Fighting” of New England.  Neil has challenged for a welterweight title once, and is in the process of returning to the cage to resume his MMA journey after a string of unfortunate set backs.  Both Matt and Neil have risen to a level of earning individual walk-out shirts and fight banners (example shown below.)  Matt and Neil are currently scheduled for matches on June 23rd in the AMMO Fight League’s “Battlegrounds” event. 
In addition to Matt and Neil, we have some other fighters who are “cooking” or working towards the day when they compete.  We also have some unsung heroes who are not currently preparing to fight, but participate in the team trainings and do the tough job of sparring with the fighters just to support the team.
As always, thanks to the fight team and everyone else who supports them.  Huge thanks to our sponsors for helping the ZenQuest fight team continue in their latest endeavors! 

Based on recent feedback from students, we are now offering a MAS or Martial Arts Strength class twice each week.  This class provides a variety of exercises to improve strength and conditioning for students aged 12 and up.  This training will benefit students of any of the programs at ZenQuest including Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts...but is also great just as a separate exercise program for anyone.
      Officially starting this month (May), the MAS strength and conditioning classes will be on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM.  Students are welcome to join in for 45 minutes of fun but intense drills that will surely improve your overall strength, fitness, and quality of life!  For more information please contact us.

More MMA action is coming up for Team Z!  Two of ZenQuest’s fighters are currently scheduled as part of the AMMO Fight League’s “Battlegrounds” event on June 23.  First, Neil “Beast Mode” Von Flatern will make his return to the cage against Jason Fransisco of Plus One Defense Systems of West Hartford, Connecticut.  Jason is a brawler and wrestler with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss.  Neil picks up with a record of 4 wins (3 finishes) and 1 loss.  The two will scrap in the welterweight division at 170 pounds in what should be a terrific fight.
Matt “Machine” Bienia is scheduled to go against Aaron Hughes of Fall River, Massachusetts in the 155 pound division.  Aaron is a kickboxer with jiu-jitsu experience out of the Regiment Training Center, sporting a record of 2 wins and 3 losses.  These two experienced fighters make an incredible matchup that should give us an amazing bout.
Matt Bienia was schedule to defend his “Reality Fighting” lightweight MMA title on May 4th.  The amateur champ was to face Travis Simpson at the 10,000 seat capacity Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.  Unfortunately, Travis did not produce his medical requirements for the contest, and the bout was cancelled.
Tickets and more details on the AMMO event will be available soon, so stay tuned!

Our latest Referral Rewards program was one of our most successful ever!  17 new students enrolled as a result of referrals between February 15th and April 30th.  Each of the students who referred a student to commit to our three-month introductory special received a $50 gift certificate from ZenQuest.  In addition, both the student who did the referral, and the new student were entered into a drawing for an another $50 gift certificate.
       Congratulations to Marissa Maher for winning the drawing, which was held on May 1st.  Congratulations to all of the new students for beginning their martial arts journey at ZenQuest, and thanks to everyone who encouraged these new students to join us. 

So many great things happened at the ZenQuest 2018 spring Open House on Saturday, April 7th.  The all day event featured tours, free trials, giveaways, children’s games and prizes, and even a magician for the kids.  The event was a success on many levels for the visitors and for the host!
First, several new students took the plunge and enrolled for classes.  Both children and adults decided to begin their martial arts journey, and we’re looking forward to having them train with us for many years. 
Next, the Bake Sale held by the Bill Wright Scholarship Fund offered a boat-load of goodies to raise money for the non-profit group.  Several ZenQuest enthusiast donated a variety of cookies, brownies, cakes, etc. for the effort, which raised over $200 towards student scholarships.  Some prospective recipients also talked to  representatives about possible tuition assistance.  Special thanks to everyone who made this part of the Open House a success.
Visitors also had opportunities to speak with the “Team Z” fight team, and participate in a 50/50 raffle.  Our Karate and Jiu-jitsu parent Nick Mears won the raffle, which also raised over $100 towards fight team expenses.
Lastly, the free self-defense clinics were a big success, with about 25 kids for the children’s workshop and 15 ladies for the women’s.  Each included a brief discussion on “situational awareness” and appropriate times for action.  Next, we covered some important hands-on training in strategies for defending or escaping common attacks and bullying.  Special thanks to our instructors who helped, and to Chief Mike Wynn of the Pittsfield Police Department for assisting in the presentations. 
Based on the success of this event we are making this an annual happening, so lets all look forward to another big open house next year.  Thanks again everyone!