Quest Martial Arts

Specialties

Our martial arts programs teach practical self-​defense techniques and offer a rigorous workout in a fun and inclusive community. Since we view martial arts as an individual’s ongoing journey for self-​perfection, students are trained and promoted based on their personal progress and skills rather than being compared to anyone else. Since our classes are age-​specific, you’ll find a martial arts program at our school to match your age, fitness level and schedule. Hapkido, the martial art we teach, is one of the original mixed martial arts and relies on knowledge and movement rather than strength to complete techniques, making it the perfect martial art for self-​defense for people of all sizes and fitness levels. Hapkido incorporates a variety of joint locking techniques, pressure point attacks, throws, take-​downs, kicks, and strikes. Training in martial arts not only teaches you the skills you need to defend yourself, it also helps you develop the confidence and knowledge to prevent dangerous situations from developing in the first place. The techniques we practice have been used and developed for over 4,000 years in combat. The friendly atmosphere of our school creates an environment where training partners become like family. Our community is fun and inclusive, and our students often get together outside of class. Through martial arts, you will also have the opportunity to meet both people in the local community and around the world through international seminars…

History

Established in 2012.

The Hapkido techniques we practice have been used and developed for over 4,000 years in combat. We are a proud member of the USKMAF, the United States Korean Martial Arts Federation, which is headed by Grandmaster J.R. West. Grandmaster West originally learned and used Hapkido while on active duty as a part of the Korean 25^th Infantry, also know as the Tiger Division of the Special Forces. After returning home from the war, he met and continued his training under Dr. He-​Young Kimm, one of the most respected martial arts experts in the world. Our students have several opportunities each year to train with Grandmaster West, Dr. Kimm and other martial arts Masters and Grandmasters from around the world.

Meet the Business Owner

Jim B.

Business Owner

Master Jim Bannister began his martial arts training in 1988 studying Tae Kwon Do, when he was only 5 years old. After 6 ½ years of training, during which he earned his 1^st Dan Black Belt, he was introduced to Hapkido and decided to seek out further instruction in the style.

Master Jim began studying Hapkido at Global Martial Arts Academy under Master Joe Borucki in 1994. He became an assistant instructor at Global Martial Arts Academy in 1996 and was promoted to 1^st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido and full instructor in 1998. On September 22, 2012, he was promoted to 5^th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido through the United States Korean Martial Arts Federation (USKMAF Certification # H-​5040). He is also certified through the Dai Han Kido Hwe, the oldest Hapkido organization on the planet (Certification # 12−11-H322). He continued to teach at Global Martial Arts Academy until he opened Quest Martial Arts in the Phoenix /​Jacksonville area on May 7, 2012.