My son and I journeyed to Black Belt together at Quest Martial Arts Academy, starting when he was 5 years old until he left for college at age 20. His martial arts training helped shape him into the fine young man that he is today and we couldn't be more proud of him. He continues to carry the values and principles with him into his everyday life and into his future. My training began at the age of 36, receiving my first black belt at age 41, and my current rank at 3rd degree achieved in June 2016 at 51 years old, is a testament to "the never too old" excuse. My training has helped me to gain more confidence, step outside of my box, challenge myself, and prove to myself that I could do things that I normally would not have tried. Karate not only helps keep me in shape but also helps be to keep a clear focus on my personal goals. Quest Martial Arts team, Master Lynda Nelson, and all classmates are not only my treasured lifelong friends, they are also my family. Going into my 16th year of training, Quest is THE best choice we have made with top quality instruction! We highly recommend Quest for your Martial arts training! read more

I can happily recommend Quest with a "5" rating. And not just 5 stars, but 5 family members who are students at Quest and who each have our own unique experience. If you're looking for a "cheap dojo", look elsewhere. If you want a dojo that customizes instruction to each person's individual needs, I'll tell you about how great the instructors are with my autistic son. If you want a dojo that develops not just martial artists but leaders in the dojo and community, I'll tell you about my middle son and how often he brings up life skills from the dojo as he balances school, extracurriculars, and community service. Inspiring confidence? I'll tell you of my daughter who wouldn't say three words to the senseis when she started 4 years ago and is now a proud member of their demo team. Think karate is just for kids? My wife and I will tell you about all the great young adults, middle-aged, and more senior classmates we look forward to seeing every week. read more

My son has been attending Quest Martial Arts Academy since Jan of 2012, when he was 5. ~The program is extremely well run and organized. ~The Senseis are all excellent instructors, and it's obvious that they truly care about their students. ~They use a positive reinforcement technique that doesn't make students feel badly when they make a mistake, and it boosts their self confidence. ~They not only teach the concept of continuous improvement, they also run the Academy that way as well, constantly looking for ways to improve their programs. ~The icing on the cake is that they offer a wide variety of class schedules, so if you have a hectic life, balancing work, school, and after school activities, and you can't make a certain class, you can almost always find another class to make up for it. I would highly recommend Quest to anyone looking for a Martial Arts Academy, whether you are new to the Arts or not! read more

I have been a student for two years. I walked in the door with my mother by my side having recently survived a horrific sexual assault trauma where I was lucky to make it home alive. I came to learn self defense. I came so that I could learn to defend myself in any future dangerous situation. For many months every class was triggering. I would see my perpetrator in my head and my anxiety would sky rocket. The instructors welcomed a broken woman (still) suffering with PTSD. They have come to my court dates and supported me in anyway possible. They have encouraged me. They have helped me heal. They have given me a confidence I did not have two years ago. And while I still have far to go in my healing and recovery, Quest has helped me persevere through my on-going storm. For any sexual assault survivors on the Seacoast, this is the place for you to train. No judgement. No expectations. Just come as you are! -Lissa read more

I have always had a great interest in martial arts, and a great deal of respect for those that teach and learn. I have a boy that has been doing it for 4 years now, and I, unfortunately, was a spectator who didn't know how to keep his mouth shut. I realized that I had so much to learn, and when the opportunity presented itself, I began training in Ishiin Ryu. From my first day as a 2 week tryout, to the current rank of brown, the instructors have been nothing short of outstanding, catering to, not only my learning level, but people of all levels. There is no one person better than any other, here, we are all family and friends. I have come so far, my instructors continue to make me better everyday, and I cannot thank them enough.. A true family oriented dojo, with classes for children, teenagers, and adults alike... read more

Quest Martial Arts has been a valuable piece of my family's lives for the past 15 years. My son has been training at Quest for 15 years, beginning at the age of 5. Quest played an important role in his formative years and helped to form him into the man he is today, confident, strong, integrity, respect, and the list goes on. In addition, I have been training at Quest Martial Arts for over 14 years myself and can't imagine my life without karate at Quest. As I personally turned 50 this year, Quest is a part of me that will never grow old and it helps to keep me active, challenged and among the greatest people I count as my family. I can't say enough about what Quest does for its students and the community at large. read more

Quest Martial Arts Academy has been a part of my life for nearly ten years. I could not imagine not having the dojo to train in martial arts, learn self defense and practice the key points of the Black Belt Creed (Honesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control and an Indomitable Spirit) . The Sensei's and students both are there to help you be a better "you". Isshin Ryu Karate is the most well rounded experience for body, mind and soul. I wholeheartedly recommend Quest to anyone looking for better balance in their life! Whether you are two or 72 - this is the place to workout your body, expand your mind and discover your inner spirit. read more

I love this place. I started 3 1/2 years ago at the age of 62. It is the best thing I ever did for myself. Master Nelson and the staff are professional,knowledgeable and friendly.Whether you are looking for a place for yourself or a child, I suggest you start looking here. The programs not only teach Karate but life skills as well.And they not only produce Black Belt students,but Black Belt Citizens. I will be 66 years old this week , I am a Brown Belt and I will continue forever. You are never too old to start something new in your life. This is the best place to do it! I highly recommend Quest Martial Arts for any age! read more

Our son started karate at Quest this past February during an enrichment program at his school. We quickly learned that he had the passion for martial arts and Quest was the right academy for him. Sensei Linda runs a wonderful school and her instructors are top notch they really care about their students. We have seen our sons confidence grow as well as his ability to have self control and discipline at school and home. I.e. Helping around the house with chores, bringing in groceries all without being told to. He just turned 8. Overall I would highly recommend this school, it teaches more then martial arts. read more

It was nine years ago that Michael first started as a Lil' Ninja. He is now a Samurai First Degree level three. So much has changed for Michael, from both his skill to his growth spurt. We love all the confidence he has achieved. HIs father has recently joined Karate as well and now is a yellow belt himself. Mike enjoys working with the lower belt ranks, teaching them the ways of Karate. We also appreciate all the supports from the higher belt ranks that help him better himself as both a Karate student and as a young man. read more

After watching my kids attend classes at Quest for 5 years, I decided to give it a try myself. It has been such a life changer for me. I've gained self confidence, self esteem; I've lost weight and gained strength. I am able to do things I never thought possible before walking through the dojo door. Best of all, I've made many new friends through karate - Quest is more than just a karate school, it's family! read more

I enjoyed my time at Sensie Nelson's dojo and the feeling of family I had with my fellow students. The instruction was great and encouraged each student to be the best that they could be. This feeling of family continued when my youngest asked to do karate too. We have a shared experience but each have classes that are geared to us and our abilities. We love Quest and the instructors! read more

Family friendly dojo that cares. Kids learn life skills while mastering the art and history of isshin-Ryu karate. Highly recommended for all ages. read more

this is a great school it teaches all kinds of charecter traits and self defence I'm a BBC as of right now GREAT SCHOOL FIVE STARS