John Poliquin
The Quest Center is under the direction of internationally recognized instructor John Gentoshi Poliquin. Mr Poliquin has been a personal student of Stephen K. Hayes (founder and Grandmaster of To-Shin Do) and Ninjutsu Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi since the early 1980's. Mr. Poliquin holds the title of Hombu Shihan Master Instructor, official representative of To-Shin Do. His extensive martial arts background dates back to 1977 and includes a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo, and a 10th dan in the Bujinkan in 2003. He received his 8th dan, the highest ranking held by a To-Shin Do Master instructor, in 2011.
Mr. Poliquin teaches private clients and regularly conducts seminars on self-protection and personal development worldwide. He has trained military, emergency response and law enforcement personnel and continues to provide corporate leadership training programs throughout the US. His teaching specialties include ground-fighting, practical taijutsu, and coaching To-Shin Do instructors in their skill development.
Mr. Poliquin is the primary instructor of a variety of other senior practitioners and school owners. Some of his long-time students include Brett Dotoshi Varnum, 6th dan and owner of the Presque Isle Quest Center, Tori Myotoshi Eldridge, 5th dan and auther of Empowered Living, and the owners of the Warrior Quest Society; Jay Mantoshi Adler, Simon Botoshi Clifford, Kris Gakutoshi Hurdle, and Paul Hantoshi Molinsky. He encourages senior practitioners at shodan and above to supplement their regular training by studying with different instructors to gain a broader understanding of the art.
"We have many skilled practitioners in this art. I would like to provide those practitioners with information and experience that will help them bring their training to a new and exciting level."
For information on private classes or seminars, contact the Portland Quest Center at 207-772-7763 or email quest@maine.rr.com.
Joe Poliquin
Joe and his wife Martha live in Lisbon Falls. They are the parents of three grown children. Joe is a manager and part owner of The Pizza Joint, a family owned business, where he has worked since 1976. He enjoys working on his old farmhouse and big barn, skiing, golfing, camping, and beating his two brothers at horseshoes. Joe received his third degree black belt in 2011.
My first exposure to martial arts was in 1989 when my brother John took me outside to "play". At that time I figured it would be a good way to stay in shape and also to be able to defend myself if needed. I did not imagine where the training would lead and the impact it would have on me. Discipline is the first word most people think of when someone mentions martial arts. But at the Quest Center the first word I would use is discovery. In the dojo, we explore our physical and emotional potentials. I train to become more efficient, creative, sensitive, successful, and ultimately, more empowered. I strive to be more "connected" with what is around me and what is within me.
As an instructor, it is satisfying to help others training at the Quest Center as they discover what the art has to offer them.
Bill Carey
Mr. Bill Carey began training in martial arts in New York in 1980 when he studied Shotokan Karate and later Goju Ryu Karate. After moving to Maine in 1989, he was introduced to Taekwondo. After earning a 2nd degree black belt in that art, he went on to study Kyusho-jitsu and Qigong.
Bill came to the Quest Center in 1997, and was recently promoted to 3rd dan by Stephen K. Hayes and inducted into the To-Shi Order of senior practitioners. At that time he was given his warrior name, Jintoshi.
In addition to regular classes Bill teaches a weekly sword class and has taught seminars on pressure point mechanics and applications. Bill is also available to teach private lessons by appointment.
Jeff Witkavitch
Mr Jeff Witkavitch first became interested in Ninjutsu in highschool after reading several books by Stephen K Hayes. At Boston University, he studied sport and classical fencing and continues to maintain an interest in western, as well as eastern, martial arts.
Jeff began training at the Portland Quest Center in 1999 - receiving the rank of Nidan in October 2008. He also designs and manages the Portland Quest Center website.
He is available for private lessons by appointment.
Matthew Hodges
Matt Hodges alternates his time between teaching at the Quest Center and working as a merchant marine. His love of the outdoors encompasses martial arts training outside, gardening, scuba diving and salt-water aquariums. He started his exploration of martial arts by studying kenpo/five animal kung fu at the age of 21, and moved on to aikido and boxing before deciding to focus on To-Shin Do.
Over his thirteen years of experience in martial arts, he has worked with troubled youth, taught seminars at Bowdoin, USM Orono, and is available for private lessons.
"Martial arts is not something that comes naturally to me, so I am often able to explain things to people in a way that helps them better understand a technique."
Mark White
Mr. White is a Maine native and started training in To-Shin Do during the summer of 2001 under the instruction of Mr. Poliquin. He holds a 2nd degree black belt in To-Shin Do.
"My training now is focused on developing that artistic nature and spirit that resides in To-Shin Do."
In addition to teaching at Quest, Mr. White is a father of two and CPA working in downtown Portland.
Rick Pola
Mr. Rick Pola directs the Fudo Shin Martial Arts Training Group under the direction of John Poliquin. He holds a 2nd degree black belt in To-Shin Do.
Training with Mr. Pola in Bowdoin, ME
Located at the F.H.C. Building (formerly the old Bowdoin Elementary school) on Route 125, Bowdoin, ME.
Children's martial arts classes (ages 6-9) on Saturday morning from 10:30am to 11:15am.
Multi-level martial arts classes (ages 10 - adult) on Saturday morning from 11:15am - noon.
For more information email ninwarrior52@gmail.com or call the Portland Quest Center at 207-772-7763.
Zach Labbay
Zach began training in Martial Arts at age 16, starting with Okinawan Kenpo and boxing. He has continued his martial arts education at the Quest Center since 2006. Zach has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and specializes in sports conditioning and competitive martial arts.
In addition to his experience in To-Shin Do, Zach has worked with professional fighters through American Top Team, and he enjoys competitive ground-fighting styles. He is currently preparing for competition and enjoys the many benefits of To-Shin Do in his style of movement.
Zach is available for private instruction and offers his services as a professional strength and conditioning coach.
Heather Kahn
Ms Heather Kahn has been the business manager of the Portland Quest Center for the past two years. She coordinates advertising and marketing, student enrollment, product sales, and is a photographer and editor for the website.
Much of her business experience was acquired as she grew up working for her parent's retail store and import business: Caravan Beads. She also works as a small business and web design consultant for several local artisans.
She is the primary instructor for the Little Dragons and Youth classes. She finds it particularly inspiring to watch children gain confidence and respect for their own potential.
"Learning to find the perfect moment, the perfect timing and movement, helps me find balance in my own life. When I am training or teaching I have to relax and forget about other problems I confront daily, and think only about what is happening here and now."
Contact her to book a seminar at your school or workplace, or for private self-defense instruction for women and children: heatherk@questmartialarts.com
