Chapel Hill Jiu Jitsu Blog - Quest Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense

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Quest Summer Camps!

Camps registration is now live! We offer camps at our dojo (half days), Camp Shelanu (full day), and Duke School (full day). You can register online at the links below. We are looking forward to an amazing summer of 2025! June 16 - 20, 2025: Mighty Dragons Camp @ Quest (half day, 8:45am-12pm) Ages 4-7 Register Here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/ChapelHillQuestMartialArtsLLC?season=3602738 June 23 - 27: Wilderness Survival Skills and Japanese Sword Camp (full day, 8am-4pm) Ages 8-15 Register Here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/DukeSchoolSummerCamps?orglink=camps-registration#/selectSessions/3568446 July 7 - 11, 2025: Ninjutsu Camp at Camp Shelanu - Waitlist only! ....
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Mountain Quest 2025: Celebrating 25 Years of Tradition, Training, and Transformation

Mountain Quest 2025: Celebrating 25 Years of Tradition, Training, and Transformation This year marked a historic milestone—the 25th Mountain Quest, hosted by Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense. Mountain Quest has always been more than just a martial arts event; it’s a gathering of dedicated practitioners, teachers, and seekers who come together to train hard, embrace the elements, and deepen their connection to the martial path. Incredible Presenters and Teachers The 25th anniversary featured an inspiring lineup of instructors who brought decades of wisdom, skill, and experience to the mountain: An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes – founder of To-Shin Do and pioneering ....
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Why More Parents Are Choosing Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense

Why More Parents Are Choosing Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense At Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense, our mission goes beyond teaching martial arts techniques. We’re here to help kids grow into capable, confident, and resilient individuals—both on and off the mats. More and more parents are discovering that our approach to training builds character, discipline, and life skills that last well beyond childhood. Because life won’t always be easy. Our classes are designed to challenge students in ways that prepare them for the real world. They learn that success is earned through effort, persistence, and problem-solving—not shortcuts. When life presents ....
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Proper Partner Pairing: The Key To Progress On The Mats

🥋 Proper Partner Pairing: The Key to Progress on the Mats At Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense, we believe that one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—parts of a successful martial arts journey is something deceptively simple: who you train with. Whether you're stepping onto the mat for your first fundamentals class or you're a seasoned practitioner sharpening your skills, the right training partners can make all the difference in your experience. The importance of proper partner pairing cannot be overstated—for your safety, your progress, and even your enjoyment of the journey. 🤝 Why Partner Pairing Matters 1. Safety First Training in Jiu-Jitsu and ....
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One is None, Two is One, Three is Better

One is None, Two is One, and Three is Better Building Resilient, Adaptive Systems for Self-Defense and Jiu-Jitsu In martial arts—especially self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu—having just one answer to a problem is like having a single spare tire when you blow out two wheels. You’re still stuck. When your opponent counters your one and only move, your whole plan falls apart. That’s why, at Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense, we say: “One is none, two is one, and three is better.” This principle applies not just to tactics, but to your whole approach to learning. Let’s explore how building multiple, layered solutions gives you a deeper, more ....
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Dress for Success Look Good. Feel Good. Train Even Better.

Dress for Success Look Good. Feel Good. Train Even Better. At Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense, we believe that how you show up—literally—matters. Whether you're prepping for your first Mighty Dragons class or your 100th sparring round, what you wear helps set the tone for your training. Around here, we don’t just train for the job—we dress for the job we want … and that job is to be unstoppable. Here’s everything you need to know to show up sharp, safe, and repping A Team Called Quest with pride. 🥋 Jiu-Jitsu & Taijutsu Students Black gi? Always a win. Whether you’re rolling in Jiu-Jitsu or striking and flowing ....
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Self-Defense, Combat Sports, and Martial Arts: What’s the Difference—and Why You Might Want All Three

Self-Defense, Combat Sports, and Martial Arts: What’s the Difference—and Why You Might Want All Three In the martial arts world, it’s easy to get caught in silos. Some people train purely for competition. Others only want to learn how to stay safe in a dangerous situation. Still others pursue martial arts as a lifelong discipline and path of personal growth. At Quest, we train and teach at the intersection of all three: Self-Defense, Combat Sports, and Martial Arts. Each one offers something unique. Each one brings something to the table. And when you understand their differences—and where they overlap—you can train in a way that’s truly complete. ....
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You Can’t Win Practice – Embracing the True Path to Mastery

You Can’t Win Practice – Embracing the True Path to Mastery In both Jiu-Jitsu and Taijutsu, there’s a fundamental truth that separates the practitioners who steadily improve from those who plateau: you can’t win practice. Training isn’t about proving dominance, flexing your A-game, or stacking up imaginary wins – it’s about developing the skills and strategies that will serve you in real-world situations and future challenges. This mindset shift is essential for anyone looking to become a more complete martial artist. Prioritize Skill Development Over Performance When you step onto the mats, the primary goal should be to expand your game, not ....
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Fight in Cursive: The 5-Step Drilling Method We Use at Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense

Fight in Cursive: The 5-Step Drilling Method We Use at Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense At Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense, we believe how you drill is just as important as what you drill. A few years ago, I had the privilege of learning a game-changing drilling progression from Professor Roy Harris during a Roy Dean affiliate retreat. Since then, I’ve shared it with our students across all ranks, and it’s become a foundational part of how we train at our school. This method isn’t flashy, but it’s incredibly effective—it helps students develop smooth, efficient, and truly functional techniques they can rely on in live rolls and real-life ....
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Why Continued Training—and Learning from Experts—Matters

Why Continued Training—and Learning from Experts—Matters At Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense, we believe in training that never stops. Whether you're a beginner learning to breakfall or a black belt refining your timing, the path forward is always paved with growth. But growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it happens when we actively seek out high-level guidance to help us through our sticking points. Martial arts is a unique fusion of timeless wisdom and modern innovation. The fundamentals may be eternal, but how we apply them evolves constantly. That’s why continued education—especially from subject matter experts—is essential to staying sharp, ....
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Quest Summer Camps!

Mountain Quest 2025: Celebrating 25 Years of Tradition, Training, and Transformation

Why More Parents Are Choosing Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense

Proper Partner Pairing: The Key To Progress On The Mats

One is None, Two is One, Three is Better

Dress for Success Look Good. Feel Good. Train Even Better.

Self-Defense, Combat Sports, and Martial Arts: What’s the Difference—and Why You Might Want All Three

You Can’t Win Practice – Embracing the True Path to Mastery

Fight in Cursive: The 5-Step Drilling Method We Use at Quest Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense

Why Continued Training—and Learning from Experts—Matters

Unleash Your Potential

Discovery Martial Arts

Tom Pack

Fisseha Kammerman

Request Information Now!