Martial Arts Classes

We make it easy to start learning martial arts. All you have to do is walk through the door, we take care of the rest. The best way to start is to send an email to let us know when you will be stopping by, or call after 3pm to speak with an instructor.

 

Once you are here, our friendly staff will have you fill out a simple form, help you choose the right size uniform and welcome you to your first class. At the Quest Center we believe that you are the best judge of whether To-Shin Do is the martial arts experience you are looking for.

We encourage all perspective students to try our 2-week trial program for $25, and to come to as many classes as possible during those two weeks. That way you will be sure that our school is the right fit for you. Email or call today with any questions or to start your training.

 

Little Dragons 


The Little Dragons program is intended for children between the ages of 4 and 7. Little Dragons features a unique and specially designed curriculum that emphasizes "the three qualities of a black belt": self discipline, focus and respect. A variety of exercises, physical activities, games and guided discussions cultivate and promote:

  • Gross and fine motor skills
  • Self protection
  • Danger avoidance
  • Positive social interaction
  • Decision making
  • Health and fitness
  • Awareness of their environment
  • Positive life choices
  • Self-discipline, focus, respect, and (of course) Fun!!!


Youth

The Youth program at The Quest Center provides young people with safe, high quality instruction to help them avoid danger and protect themselves from harm.



In addition to teaching valuable self-defense techniques, our curriculum emphasizes scholastic achievement and healthy living while cultivating personal resourcefulness, confidence and compassion toward others. In a challenging, ever-changing world, our students know how to learn, how to lead, and how to make decisions independently.



All of our classes are conducted in a safe, supportive, and non-competitive atmosphere. The instruction is not intended to teach young people how to "score points" within a system of contest rules. It is designed to teach your child how to best deal with real situations and provide them with techniques and methods that will be practical and useful in their everyday lives.
 

Adults
 
Classes at the Quest Center provide an opportunity to exercise, improve flexibility and gain comprehensive self-defense skills. From the very first lesson, students learn techniques that they can use right away, regardless of their physical condition or any prior martial arts experience.


 
Our training consists of practical and effective methods for overcoming any challenge. These techniques are based on an ancient system of warrior disciplines descended from nine historical Japanese lineages.

To-Shin Do

TO - the sword

From the ninpo combat methods of the Japan's famous ninja warriors, born of Mt. Togakure and cultivated in the mountains and marshes of south central Japan, comes the core of our physical protection techniques and strategies. To-Shin Do martial arts practice is a great way to reduce stress and increase strength, endurance, and flexibility, while fostering a sense of peace, security, and control in life.

SHIN - the focused spirit of intention

From the rigorous kuji intention-channeling training of the shugenja (mountain warrior priests) comes the essence of our program for the discovery and development of the key qualities that characterize a fully actualized human being. We can effect dynamics that lead to success and fulfillment in life.

DO - the path to mastery

From the esoteric mikkyo mind and spirit sciences comes the technique of cultivating our unlimited physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual potentials. We can learn skillful ways to transform the inner and outer challenges of life, and ultimately come to grips with the very question of how to experience directly the significance of life itself.

Ninjutsu- Origins of To-Shin Do 


Ninjutsu, also known as ninpo, has its roots in the martial, political and cultural histories of ancient Japan. It was conceived during a time of intense political turmoil and total civil chaos, when day to day survival of one's family depended on personal skill and resourcefullness. A timeless method for succeeding against overwhelming odds, the ways of Japan's legendary ninja warriors blended devastating fighting skills, finely tuned powers of intuition and observations, and the practiced abilities to transform intention into reality.

The To-Shin Do techniques and methods taught at the Quest Center have been handed down through the ages by the following nine historical traditions:

  1. Togakure Ryu Ninpo
  2. Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu
  3. Kuki Shinden Ryu Happo-Biken
  4. Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
  5. Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu
  6. Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu
  7. Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo
  8. Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu
  9. Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu

Today, these once secret martial, meditative and survival arts of the ninja shine as a beacon of light in a world all too often perceived as fogged in the dimness of mediocrity, confused motives and lack of significance.

 

Bringing the ancient warrior traditions into modern times, Stephen K. Hayes now refers to his practice as To-Shin Do. However, behind the martial techniques taught by Mr. Hayes and Mr. Poliquin is the depth and richness of the original Togakure tradition of Japan's legendary ninja.

While To-Shin Do encompasses virtually every type of self protection skill that can be imagined, our training extends beyond physical self defense skills to methods which foster emotional and spiritual well being. Indeed, it is a thorough system of personal preparation for facing the conflicts and confrontations that can arise in the course of daily living.

Unlike many other martial arts, which are often little more than sports competitions or rote memorization, To-Shin Do is a living personal art that forms one of the most effective and comprehensive methods of self protection, danger prevention and dynamic living available in the world today.

Historical Roots and Traditions of To-Shin Do

Nin, the symbolism behind To Shin Do The Japanese written character for nin (pronounced "neen"), of Japan's legendary ninja warriors and their martial art of ninjutsu, indicates endurance, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

The top portion of the Japanese character for nin is pronounced "toh" and means "sword". This represents the martial arts technology we study to perfect. The bottom portion of the character is shin, pronounced "sheen", and means "heart". This represents the resolute spirit needed to prevail over negative forces attempting to drive us to failure.

We know what we need in our lives and we take positive action to bring it into being. Nin communicates the kind of inner strength that is required to keep our eyes on the grander goal. We are not diverted, even when tempted by those persons or events that would try to pull us from our noble quest of personal improvement.

 

Sword Class 

 

The goal of the Sword Class is to help intermediate and advanced students improve their Taijutsu by using a longer weapon to fine tune timing, angular relationships, body movement, and to prepare for black belt level sword work with basic sword knowledge and technique.

The Sword Class, which is offered on Wednesday evenings, is open to students at Blue Belt/White Stripe and above, and is taught by Bill "Jintoshi" Carey.

Required training tools include a wooden training sword, a foam practice sword, an unsharpened carbon-steel practice sword and saya, The Mystic Arts of the Ninja by S.K. Hayes - and occasionally headgear or a mouthguard.

If you are interested in joining this class, please speak to Heather about a two-week free trial, and adding the class to your monthly billing.