Phoenix Quest Center for Martial Arts

Specialties

We offer To-​Shin Do Ninjutsu and Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu in a fun, safe atmosphere while getting a great workout.

To-​Shin Do is a thorough system of personal preparation for winning conflicts and overcoming opposition that can surprise us in everyday living.

Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu transcends the application of chokes, joint locks, immobilizations, throws, and strikes. Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu is a way of life. Beyond the mat, members of the Gracie family live balanced, healthy lives based on the same philosophy that governs their unique self-​defense system. Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie believed that the principles of efficiency, patience, and control held the key to success in all aspects of life.

Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-​hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-​defense technique.

You will find our school an up-​lifting place to spend time with friends who share your commitment to personal advancement!

History

Established in 2002.

To-​Shin Do was founded by world-​renowned Black Belt Hall of Fame member Stephen K. Hayes. He and his wife Rumiko have taken the samurai and ninja secrets they studied in Japan and adapted them for success in 21^st century society.

To-​Shin Do is our contemporary evolution of ninjutsu — what ninja hand-​to-​hand combat training from 1500s Japan looks like in 21^st Century America.

Michael formally approached Mr. Hayes concerning the opening of a Phoenix Quest Center while at the Dayton Festival in 2001. This was a very powerful and meaningful festival as Mr. Stinson arrived at Festival in one of the very first planes to leave the ground after the tragedy of ⁹⁄₁₁.

After almost a year of hard work and determination, the doors to the Phoenix Quest Center were opened on July 20, 2002.

In July of 2014 the Phoenix Quest Center also became one of the few schools in Arizona to become a Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu Certified Training Center.

Meet the Business Owner

Michael S.

Business Owner

Michael Akitoshi Stinson has been training in the martial arts for over 20 years and has studied with many notable martial arts masters including Anshu Stephen K. Hayes, Masaaki Hatsumi, Rorion Gracie, Relson Gracie and many others.

During that time he has earned a 4^th degree black in To-​Shin Do, a blue belt in Nova Uniao Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu and a blue belt in the Gracie Combatives self defense Jiu-​Jitsu program.

He has a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential and for seeking out truth in all things. He was awarded the Warrior name Akitoshi (bearer of the Truth Revealing Blade) by To-​Shin Do founder Stephen K. Hayes and works every day to live up to it.

In July of 2014 Michael officially became a Certified Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu Instructor under the guidance of Ryron and Rener Gracie from the Torrance Gracie Academy.