I used to train in the Bujinkan during the latter years of the ’90s. The school I attended in Maryland was outstanding. There was a solid curriculum and an instructing staff that not only knew what they were doing, but were patient enough to explain the technique/principle/concept until it was understood. Due to an injury, it was almost ten years before I considered training again. Spoiled by my last experience, I wanted a martial arts school that provided the same things my previous school provided me. Equally important was my desire to continue Taijutsu training. On a whim, I was looking through the yellow pages when I saw that there was a Quest Center in town. Those of us who have trained in any kind of Taijutsu know that this is Stephen K. Hayes’ system of teaching this wonderful art. I immediately decided to come in and try the school out. I knew the first day that I had found what I was looking for. The curriculum flows well, and the instructors are every bit as patient (if not more) as my first instructors. There is also the Life Skills element to the training that has helped me to focus on the things that were already important to me and has helped me cleave a path to securing them. Everyone at the dojo is unpretentious and we all share a desire to cultivate a climate of learning, personal growth, and comradery. The friendships I have gained are profound and lifelong. My confidence in being able to protect myself and others has increased exponentially and more importantly, I have more confidence in my ability to de-escalate a situation before it comes to using the skills I am being taught. This to me is the most important lesson learned – the easiest punch to block is the one that isn’t thrown.