Mountain Quest 2025
Registration is now open! We have limited the number of tickets to ensure adequate space for training, camping and parking. Don’t wait to grab your ticket!
Escape the everyday and step into a weekend of next-level martial arts training in a breathtaking natural setting.
An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes – Teaching Shi-Ho-Dori methods with the rokushaku bo, Japanese sword, & unarmed applications
Hardee Hakutoshi Merritt – Leading the Shadow Boxing Striking System, a fluid & adaptive approach to striking under pressure
Yamabushi Spirit Training – Optional meditation session Friday with An-Shu Hayes to sharpen mind & spirit
Rank Promotions & Advanced Degree Ordeals – The annual proving ground for dedicated students of Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
This is more than a seminar—it’s a chance to train hard, connect with your tribe, and push your limits. Don’t miss it!
Dates: July 31- August 3, 2025
Thursday July 31st: If you are attending the Yamabushi training on Friday, you can arrive Thursday evening to set up camp and prepare for Friday's training experience. There are no official activities scheduled for Thursday night.
Friday August 1:
At this year’s Mountain Quest event, Kasumi-An Shugendo’s An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes will be leading a special Yamabushi training. This training is geared to ages 16+
If you have an interest in traditional Shugendo practices, nature-based adventure, personal development opportunities, and Unleashing Your Potential, this experience is for you.
If you are not attending the Yamabushi training, you should plan to arrive Friday evening. We will spend the evening setting up camp, learning about our training space, and warming up with some special training.
Saturday August 2nd:
We will spend the first part of our day training with An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes and Hardee Merritt. In the evening, we will head down to the testing grounds where black belt candidates will showcase their demonstrations and randori. After the testing, we will return to the campsite for a catered BBQ dinner.
Sunday August 3rd:
We will conclude our weekend with training in the morning, followed by a journey down to the mountain pool for the black belt ceremony.
Mountain Quest is hosted at a private estate on Grandfather Mountain. We have a camping area, but this is not a campground area equipped with showers. We have water and portable toilets on site. For those who do not wish to camp, the closest hotels are located in Blowing Rock, about a 20 minute drive from the site. **Candidates for Black Belt are STRONGLY encouraged to camp, this is part of your test!**
If you have any questions about the seminar please call us at (919) 489-8893 or email us at rmartin@ncquestcenter.com.