VOTED BEST!
ZenQuest has been voted the 'Best Martial Arts Studio' in the Berkshire Eagle's 'Best of the Berkshires 2024.' This makes it eight years in a row for us! We work hard to provide the best facility, instruction, and training environment possible, and it's a huge honor to be recognized in this way by the community. Thanks to our students and families, support staff, and parent organizations for making this possible.
To see the Eagle's page on this click HERE
SPEAKING OF ZENQUEST
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"The environment at ZenQuest is great for all ages and abilities. My son and I have both attend classes at ZenQuest for years now. The instruction is outstanding and spans a number of disciplines (Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling, Muay Thai). There are no restrictions on the number of classes taken, so you can enjoy as many classes as you want every week." |
"It has been a great influence in our son’s life! We have been noticing a change in his concentration levels. When we talk to him about it he lights up and grins from ear to ear. He thinks the world of his instructors. I am absolutely speechless to know that he was learning such skills as discipline, structure, stretching…and another language! I am so happy we signed him up for this." "The atmosphere at ZenQuest is excellent! Sensei Connie and Mark teach solid technique while manitaining a positive and safe environment for learning. They've created a wonderful place everyone respects, supports, and looks out for one another, as we all work on improving. I have some prior neck issues so I'm grateful that everyone accommodates for each person's needs when training. I've moved around a lot in my life and have trained at many great schools so I knew exactly what I was looking for when I moved to the area. The emphasis on the learning process, quality instruction, and positive attitude at ZenQuest fit all of my priorities in finding a new place to train. Every class I learn a ton, get a killer workout, and have so much fun at the same time." |
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"It helps me have a positive attitude towards myself and others." "This is my favorite place to release stress, work out and meet great people. I've been going to Zen-quest for more then a year by now. I feel way more confident about defending my self. I've learn a lot of interesting tricks in Jiujitsu, Boxing and met few world champions. This is very friendly team, where everybody supports each other and will always guide you through, when you start training." |
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"As someone who has a 2nd degree Black Belt in Karate I found that the Zen Quest Jiu-Jitsu training was intellectually stimulating, fun and certainly extremely useful. But as a physician and a senior citizen I can not stress enough the need for both intellectual stimulation and physical fitness as we age. Your training is something that can keep all of us younger. Having had a number of different martial arts instructors over the 22 years that I have studied with, I was impressed with not only your execution of the techniques, but your ability to teach them. I look forward to another 3 months of learning from a professional."
Paul A. Brown, M.D.
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"As a young woman it was often difficult to find a gym or physical activity where I could feel comfortable, respected and capable. ZenQuest is exactly that place for me. I continue to be impressed by the mutual respect and support from other students, the warm and friendly environment and the dedication of the husband and wife team, Sensei Mark and Sensei Connie. The Martial Arts are male dominated sports - but not for long!" "I LOVE Jiu-jitsu!" |
"When I was younger I was afraid of confrontation, physical confrontation above all else. I had to be coaxed into playing a sport. On top of the fear of physical confrontation, I lacked a mental “fighting spirit.” Even something I cared about as much as music, I never seemed to have the drive to really practice and hone my skills. Upon moving out to Pittsfield I found ZenQuest. This was in September 2011, and this is when a change started to happen. I wanted to outdo myself and others around me, and truly excel. I wanted to be the best. All of a sudden I was attending 10+ classes a week. You can call it an obsession, sure. I call it desire. I call it motivation. ZenQuest has given me something that I needed in my life but couldn’t find on my own. Thank you so much Sensei Connie, Sensei Mark, and everyone else who’s helped me thus far and will continue to help me down whatever road I travel."
Neil Von Flatern
"Incredible and authentic instructors, top-notch training, and a real sense of community. I couldn't ask for anything more in a martial arts school. This place has changed my life and I'm positive it'll change yours too. Stop on by and join today!" "We have noticed his self-esteem skyrocket since starting karate . . . thank you for all that he has accomplished." |
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"I was participating in the Law Enforcement Jiu-jitsu (LEJJ) program at ZenQuest for about 3 weeks before finding myself in an altercation with a suspect. The strategies and techniques I learned in my short time at ZenQuest, enabled me to effectively and safely gain control of, and restrain the subject until back up arrived. The incident also resulted in no injuries to either of us. I believe that prior to starting LEJJ, most of the strategies and techniques I would have used to resolve that encounter, would have posed a higher risk of injury to myself and to the subject. 5/5 stars."
~ LEJJ Participant
"My wake-up call came last December when I was diagnosed with cancer. After spending a year receiving radiation and rounds of chemotherapy, then major surgery…I am a survivor. I had been under the care of four different doctors. All four doctors told me that I dodged most of the major side effects and bounced back from surgery quickly because of my physical and mental fitness levels. At 62 years old, if I can do it, anyone can. Now, if self-doubt ever begins to set in again I will recall a quote form Mark Twain, “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated!” Thanks to Senseis Mark and Connie, and all of my karate friends for being so supportive throughout this challenging ordeal."
Rick Nichols
"It is so much more than learning physical motions. Our kids have achieved a self-confidence, individuality, and poise that has beautifully complimented what we stress at home. This is unique in the world of children’s activities I have explored!"
Karate Parents
"Our son has been a longstanding member at ZenQuest. His years in Karate not only improved his physical well-being and self-confidence, but it also helped him develop social skills, follow directions, and improve his concentration. We think the world of Senseis Connie and Mark Flynn! They are talented and well-qualified instructors who embrace diversity, and very "matter-of-factly" accept and navigate challenges faced by their students."
Beverly Gilbert
"ZenQuest has managed to create a culture at where everyone is just plain nice! Every student I meet, including the younger ones who have graduated up to adult classes, seems to be a genuinely good person. Nice, respectful, thoughtful, and mature. Congratulations on creating a school with zero toxic people - it’s hard to do, rare to find, and a real pleasure to be part of. I am really enjoying training there as a result. Thank you."
Matt Winter
Matt Winter