Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Pillars of Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts At Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts, we stand tall today because of the visionaries and leaders who have shaped our journey. For over 26 years, our dojo has been more than just a training ground—it has been a sanctuary of learning, discipline, and community, thanks to the profound influence of a few remarkable individuals. Their legacies continue to inspire our students and guide our practices, ensuring that our academy remains a cornerstone of martial arts excellence in Chapel Hill. Dr. Richard Shuntoshi Stack: The Visionary Founder Dr. Richard Shuntoshi Stack was the driving force behind the creation of Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts. When the dojo first opened its doors as the “N.C. Quest Center,” it was one of the earliest Quest Centers in the United States. Dr. Stack’s vision was not only to build one of the most beautiful dojos but also to set it on a path of continuous growth and evolution. A highly respected taijutsu practitioner, Dr. Stack held advanced ranks from both Stephen K. Hayes and Masaaki Hatsumi when he founded the N.C. Quest Center. His dedication to martial arts led him to earn his fifth-degree black belt (Go-Dan) in To-Shin Do under An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes. Dr. Stack’s commitment to expanding his knowledge drove him to explore other martial arts, including Jiu-Jitsu—a decision that laid the foundation for the diverse training we offer today. William Ontoshi Johnson: The First Head Instructor William Ontoshi Johnson, our dojo’s first Head Instructor, played a pivotal role in establishing the culture that defines Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts. His philosophy of “progress through intentional hard effort” remains a core value that motivates our students. Many of the traditions we hold dear were initiated by Mr. Johnson over two decades ago, and his influence continues to resonate throughout our dojo. An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes: The Innovator An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes revolutionized the martial arts world in the 1980s, sparking what became known as the Ninja Boom. His books and teachings were ubiquitous in martial arts circles, and he was a frequent cover figure on martial arts magazines for over a decade. In the mid-1990s, he developed his own curriculum for teaching taijutsu, known as To-Shin Do, and pioneered the concept of Quest Centers to spread this groundbreaking curriculum. Our dojo, founded in 1997, was among the first to bring his vision to life. Learn more about An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes Professor Roy Dean: The Jiu-Jitsu Pioneer Professor Roy Dean is a towering figure in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. As one of the earliest American practitioners to attain high-level skill, he was also a trailblazer in creating quality instructional material that has profoundly influenced the art’s development. As the head of our Jiu-Jitsu organization, Professor Dean ensures that our program remains balanced between the timeless combat-focused techniques that have solidified Jiu-Jitsu’s place in the martial arts hierarchy and the innovative approaches of today’s most advanced practitioners.
