We hope everyone enjoyed their holidays! Now that the celebrations are over it’s a good time to recommit to your training and goals. Maybe you’re thinking of that next belt level, learning some new strategies, upping your sparring game, or simply rededicating yourself to solid attendance. Here are some tips for recommitting to your own, or your children’s training:
 · Set clear, realistic goals – focus on consistency, not perfection
· Start small – commit to a manageable schedule you can keep
· Put it on your calendar – treat training like important appointments
· Train for a purpose – fitness, stress relief, self-defense, and...personal growth!
· Notice small wins – take note of improvements in skills, focus, calmness, and overall health
· Lean on community – training partners keep you motivated, and help you with consistency and progress
· Be patient – give yourself time and allow for long term improvement
· Reconnect with why you started – remember what martial arts gives you
· Show up – follow through on commitments, mobilize when the time comes
 
In addition to whatever works best for you, we have some stuff that should motivate you. This includes our rededicating to providing the best facility, instruction, and training environment possible. We will also continue with some great Advanced Concepts clinics for senior students. We’ll also continue to host special events with notorious figures.
This starts with a seminar with Jiu-jitsu and MMA legend Demian Maia on February 28th. The three-hour seminar will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a pre-registration cost of $130. Kids may choose to participate in the first half of the clinic for $70. We will begin reserving spots for this one in January.
So, get motivated for some great training in 2026!

Sensei Connie was a guest on the ‘Off Air’ podcast with local celebrities Slater and Marjo recently. The episode focused on big-picture issues related to the martial arts. Topics for discussion included: Real Vs. Fake Martial Arts, Toxic Dojos, Being Attacked, Self-Defense, Teaching Children, and Law Enforcement Training.
The hosts asked some great questions and inserted some really funny comments. Of course, Sensei Connie presented well and provided some really great information and insight. The hour long video was taped on Tuesday, December 16th, and was published on Friday, December 19th. Check out the full podcast on YouTube and there is a link on the ZenQuest website and social media.
Congratulations to Sensei Connie for being an amazing guest on the show, and huge thanks to Slater and Marjo for a fun opportunity.

We had an amazing Advanced Concepts for Uechi-Ryu Karate on Saturday, December 6th. After discussing some issues related to teaching and advanced training, we focused on advanced strategies using the ‘Wa Uke’ or Circle Block. This fundamental strategy in the art is often used defensively in drills and forms or ‘Kata’, but it can also be used more offensively with forward motion (in defensive situations, of course.) A nice group of students with Brown Belt and above were in attendance, and everyone enjoyed the session.
The next ‘Advanced Concepts’ for Muay Thai is scheduled Saturday, January 3. Students with a 2-Stripe White Prajiet (armband) can and should attend. The session will all begin at 1:15 PM and last about 90 minutes.
ZenQuest’s Advanced Concepts clinics are a great opportunity for eligible students to learn and practice advanced techniques and strategies in their respective art. ZenQuest’s AC clinics are provided to enrolled students at no extra cost. So, join us if you can!

 For classes requiring a ‘Gi’ students must ensure their uniform is clean, fits properly, and is appropriate for class. Uniforms should be neither too small nor too large, and for younger students who are growing this requires some special attention. All strings must be tucked away and there can be no holes, tears, or stains. Patches should also represent the class being attended.
Some students wear street clothes under their uniform, which may seem harmless but can actually cause problems. Bulky clothing can restrict movement, cause chafing or rashes, and interfere with airflow that the Gi provides. Extra layers also increase the risk of overheating, which can affect performance. Street clothes showing outside the uniform also detract from appearance and undermine the purpose of a standard uniform, which helps build unity and a team atmosphere in the dojo.
If students feel the need to wear clothing under their uniform, we recommend shorts and a tucked-in t-shirt. Long sleeves, pants, collars, or hoods should not be worn. Students who repeatedly wear street clothing outside their uniform will be asked to leave class to change.
When everyone optimizes their uniform, we can focus on learning and making progress in the martial arts.

We’ll be offering another 'Personal Security for Women' or PSW course in April of this year. The class draws strategies from a variety of martial arts designed to enable women to deal with serious threats effectively. This includes stance and footwork, defensive positioning, effective blocking and striking, and escapes from common holds and restraints. This is an excellent program for women of all ages, including those heading off to college or entering the workforce.
The PSW class is taught for women and by women. Head Instructor Connie Flynn of ZenQuest 

The holiday season should be a highlight of the year—filled with joyful times spent with friends and family. Unfortunately, it can also bring stress and anxiety. Shorter days, bad weather, the rush of shopping, and pressure to meet expectations can make it difficult to stay positive. Here are some ideas for keeping the holidays healthy and happy.
Treat Yourself - Although the holidays encourage us to think of others, we also need to be kind to ourselves. Beyond the occasional small gift, make sure to get plenty of rest, avoid skipping meals, and make healthy food choices. Be mindful of exposure to the cold, the risk of getting run down, and even simple things like walking on icy ground. Build downtime into your schedule. A hot cocoa and a little quiet reading can work wonders.
Create a Happy Environment - One way to reduce stress is to shape a pleasant environment. Small, intentional choices can make a big difference. Choose uplifting music and media that improve your mood rather than drag it down. Keep your living space clean, warm, well-lit, and pleasantly scented. A comfortable 

To compensate for increasing expenses, the tuition at ZenQuest will be adjusted slightly in 2026. Starting in January all tuition for adults and children will increase by 3.7%. This means an increase of $5 per month for the basic monthly adult tuition, and $4 per month for the basic monthly children’s tuition. Discounts for three, six, or twelve month commitments and Easy Pay enrollments will still apply. Discounts for families, college students and Law Enforcement Officers will also stay in place. This amounts to less than 2% annually, which is actually less than current inflation rates. These tuition rates will take affect on January 1st, 2026.
Students and parents may want to consider taking advantage of the existing rates and committing to longer enrollments 

On November 8th & 9th five members of Team ZenQuest competed in the 2025 ‘Tap Cancer Out’ grappling tournament. The annual fundraising event was held in Danvers, Massachusetts and hosted over 900 competitors. Representing Team ZenQuest this year were Michael Siktberg, Katie Lefkowitz, Shawn Chambers, Chris Boyle, and Weston Aube.
Despite a high level of competition the team turned in some amazing matches and everyone did well. Although they 

We had a great turnout for Advanced Concepts Jiu-Jitsu on Saturday, November 15. This one focused on strategies using the ‘Lockdown’ and counters. The Lockdown involves entangling an opponent’s leg from the bottom of ‘Half-Guard’ to limit their options and improve your own situation.
Eleven people earned promotions at the conclusion of the clinic, including: Philip Peligrad, Tyler Fogg, and Kelsey Koldys to Blue Belt; Robert Inesta and Andrey Norin to 1-Stripe Blue Belt; Craig Jones to 3-Stripe Blue Belt; Jennifer Sommerville to 1-Stripe Purple Belt; Dan Dufur to 3-Stripe Purple Belt; Glenn Giumarra and Russell Moody to 4-Stripe Purple Belt; and Tom Aube to Brown Belt. Congratulations to everyone promoted and thanks to all for being there!

Shop small this holiday season and choose a gift from ZenQuest for your favorite ninja. In addition to memberships for friends or family members, we have a variety of gift ideas including: custom uniforms, training shirts, shorts,     t-shirts, sweatshirts, gear bags, hats, bracelets, and more!
Students and parents can also order a wide variety of training gear and equipment including sparring gear, targets, and punching bags for home. If you’re not sure what to get, or something needs to be ordered a gift certificate is a great way to go. This can be purchased at the ZenQuest desk, or online in $25 increments at zenquestmac.com.
So, make the holidays extra happy for the martial artist in your life with some these stocking stuffers from ZenQuest!