2024 Mid-Atlantic Taijutsu Blackbelt Conference Wrap-Up On November 9th and 10th, Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts proudly hosted the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Taijutsu Blackbelt Conference, bringing together over 40 practitioners from To-Shin Do, Bujinkan, and Discovery Martial Arts. With attendees from various dojos, the conference was a vibrant gathering of martial artists passionate about sharpening their skills, sharing knowledge, and connecting with a like-minded community. This year’s conference was particularly special due to its focus on principles-based training and randori (free-form practice) rather than simply performing set techniques. This approach allowed participants to apply their skills dynamically, adapting in real-time—an invaluable experience for any serious martial artist. Another highlight of the conference was the unique opportunity to learn from not just one, but several esteemed instructors. This year's lineup included Johanna Meitoshi Norris from Cincinnati Quest Dojo, Hakim Intoshi Isler from Elevo Dynamics, Scott Akitoshi Bragg from the Boulder Quest Dojo and the Orlando TSD Club, and our own Hardee Hakutoshi Merritt from Chapel Hill Quest. Each instructor brought their expertise, offering diverse insights that enriched the learning experience for everyone involved. Aside from the intense training sessions, the conference also celebrated several exciting demonstrations and promotions. We were thrilled to witness Sarah Reuning earn her Ni-Dan (second-degree black belt), Michael Raptis achieve his San-Dan (third-degree black belt), and Matthew Zeyn receive his Yon-Dan (fourth-degree black belt) in To-Shin Do. Congratulations to these dedicated martial artists for reaching these hard-earned milestones! This event was more than just training—it was a weekend filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and the joy of advancing together in our martial arts journey. The atmosphere was electric, with a shared sense of accomplishment and an eagerness to bring these skills back to our respective dojos. To everyone who participated, thank you for making this event unforgettable. And to those who couldn’t join us this year, we hope you’ll consider being part of our next gathering. The Mid-Atlantic Taijutsu Blackbelt Conference is growing every year, and we can’t wait to welcome even more martial artists to train, celebrate, and create lasting memories with us in 2025. Until then, keep training hard, and we look forward to seeing you on the mat!
