We have found the perfect fit for our entire family at Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts. We are a family of four and when our oldest turned seven we began our search for a martial arts school for him. For several months we tried, but found it difficult to find a school that felt sincere and true to their martial art. Then, we were introduced to the Quest Center when friends held a birthday party there. Right away, we enrolled our 8 year old in the Youth Ninjitsu program and our 5 year old in the Mighty Dragons program. Classes at the Quest Center quickly became a highlight of the week.
The Mighty Dragons program is something that I wish every kid could experience. The instructors are all- around incredible and are so clearly adored and respected by these youngest students. The kids love these classes because it feels like 30 minutes of different imaginative games each lesson. The best part is that, at the same time, they are learning and developing skills with very real benefits. They are learning to show confidence in their body and their voice. They are learning to focus and to be respectful to others. They are even learning history and Japanese vocabulary.
We then can see with our oldest, how the Youth Ninjistsu program expands on the same core lessons in this traditional belt progression program. Again, the instructors are outstanding. One of the things I appreciate most about all of the instructors at Chapel Hill Quest is that they are closely connected to the founder of the martial art that they teach and are continuously in pursuit of gaining more knowledge and skill themselves. In this way, students are inspired to see that there is no end to one’s potential; that there will always be more opportunities to learn and grow. Students also see that, no matter your belt color or skill level, this is a community of people who all play an important role in helping each other to advance and succeed.
The boys enjoy their classes so much and I (Mom) enjoy this community of people so much that I decided to try one of the Quest fitness classes. Now Quest Kick is my very favorite thing. The workout is awesome but no matter how exhausted I am, I end every single class already looking forward to the next one.
My husband started out just watching each class and soon decided that this is the time and the place to work toward a longtime goal of his: to train in martial arts. Now, he is enrolled as an Adult Ninjitsu student. He is enthusiastic about the training for himself, but it is even more meaningful and rewarding for him to be training together with our boys.
So, that means that all four of us are now enrolled in classes at the Quest Center. We are so thankful to be part of such a supportive community and a positive experience.
…and they also host the best birthday parties in town!
I'm in my 20s and started at the Quest center on a whim when I wanted to try kickboxing. I was quickly sucked into the rest of the martial arts classes they offer and fell in love. Quest really is a community, full of people of all ages and many families. Everyone is nice and supportive. The martial arts instruction is excellent. Every instructor is wonderful in their own way and each bring something different to the table. The martial art Quest practices - To-Shin Do - will teach you practical real-world self-defense skills. These skills of course focus on physical defenses, but also extend into things like situational awareness and how to deescalate conflicts before they get to the point of physical confrontation. They also teach a women's self-defense class once a week that I really like. Quest is a fantastic place and I can't recommend it enough.
At 4 years old my daughter was the “I can’t do it” kid. I signed her up for the Mighty Dragons class at the Chapel Hill Quest Center and talked to the instructors about her lack of confidence. They worked with her and shortly after I began hearing things from her like, “I can’t do it, but Mr. Justin (one of the instructors) would say I should try”. Pretty soon that turned into “I don’t think I can do it, but I will try anyway” and then “I can’t do it” disappeared from her vocabulary all together.
Similarly, she was very shy. She would hide behind my leg whenever meeting someone new. I, again, spoke with the instructors who told me to encourage her to stand in the ninjutsu strong stance whenever she felt shy. When I told her the idea she dismissed it, but the next time we met someone new I looked down to see her beside me, instead of behind me, and standing in her strong stance.
The Chapel Hill Quest Center has done wonders for improving my daughter’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Now, at 6 years old, she doesn’t hesitate to try new things and easily goes up to new people to introduce herself. I tell her she’s awesome all the time but, coming from her parent, that only goes so far. The Quest Center makes her feel awesome and that has made all the difference.
I've been here for 8 years (half my life) and the Quest Center continues to be a place of learning, humor, and motivation for me. The supportive community found in the Quest Center is unmatched by any other martial arts school in the area. Regardless of age, everyone receives incredible instruction. The fact that a 16 year old is actually leaving a review for something should tell you how special this place is. Try it out and see.
I have been training at Chapel Hill Quest Center for over 2 years now and have really enjoyed my experience. Aside from getting excellent exercise and body awareness, I have gained a strong support network of fantastic people. I have trained at a lot of other dojos and I have never been with a group that so thoroughly supports one another in their training and in life. That is what sets this place apart, really connected community.
WOW! My daughter and I have studied here for 6 years, earning black belts. It has been a great experience to share with her and with all the families that make this more than a gym, a fun and caring community. The martial arts programs are highly challenging and tough but paced so that I was always comfortable that I would succeed- the upper levels are fierce! And I love studying about how martial arts have shaped historical times and how the principles apply in business and current politics.
Highly recommend giving this center a long deep tryout!