“Quest Martial Arts in Chapel Hill is welcoming and encouraging space to begin or continue your self defense journey. My children started in the "mighty dragons" program, learning skills in a fun and engaging way, and continued as young adults to refine their techniques. As a parent, I was inspired by my kids, and stepped onto the mat to start my own journey back in 2010 and never looked back. The instructors deliver their lessons with a focus on learning by doing. I highly recommend Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts. The culture, the camaraderie and the learning are all top notch. Give Quest a try!”
“I’ve been training at Quest for a year and a half, and can’t say enough positive things about the curriculum, instructors, and community. In that time, I have attained my blue belt, made many friends, and lost over 50 pounds in the process. If you’re looking for an inclusive and welcoming space to learn martial arts and have a lot of fun, look no further.”
“Quest Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense is hands down one of the best places ever! My son and I both train in Jiu-Jitsu here, and we absolutely love it. The energy, community, and instruction are unparalleled.
Hardee and Rachel Merritt, the dynamic duo behind Quest, are truly remarkable. Hardee is a phenomenal role model—not only is he an incredible martial artist and teacher, but he’s also someone I deeply respect and look up to. He’s kind-hearted, patient, and amazing with the kids, yet also a total badass that everyone admires. His ability to balance toughness with encouragement creates an environment where students of all ages thrive.
Rachel is equally incredible. She brings her own unique energy and expertise to the dojo, supporting every student with positivity and care. Together, Hardee and Rachel foster a community that feels like family.
The martial arts classes are fun, welcoming, and engaging for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll find yourself learning and growing in every class. My son started with To-Shin Do and Jiu-Jitsu over a year ago, and it’s been amazing to see his confidence, discipline, and skills flourish.
If you’re looking for a place to train, grow, and be inspired, Quest Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense is the place to be. I couldn’t recommend it more highly!”
“I began training Ninjutsu with Hardee back in 2005. My oldest son and I earned our Ninjutsu black belts there, and my youngest progressed up to green belt. The dojo was an integral part of our community for years. I also spent time in what we called "ground-fighting" classes, or jutaijutsu.
Hardee creates great culture. The folks who train at Chapel Hill Quest are top-notch. They work hard, and everyone seems invested in helping everyone else improve. Hardee excels at breaking down complex motor movements into digestible content, and he cares about his students. But, as my sons got older and moved to other high school activities around 2013 we stopped training. Despite this, I always felt like I was a part of the community.
Back in January 2024, I began to think about possibly training again. I was a bit overweight, and dealing with mobility issues. Obviously, I'm also older than I was, and now 57. February 1st I returned to the dojo specifically to study jujitsu. I was 221 lbs, and stiff as a board along my spine. Fast forward to November 2024, and I am a lean 184 lbs, and while I'm still working on mobility, I've experienced big improvements. I move better, and frankly I feel better than I have in a long time.
If you are looking for a good place to train, to learn real martial arts with supportive staff (Hardee, Rachel, Brett, Justin, DeeDee, and John are terrific), and to be a part of a great community, you should consider Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts.”
“Excellent place to train BJJ, self-defense and fitness. I have tried nearly every type of class offered here, and they are all fantastic. Very well-run and clean facility with great instruction and mix of training partners. There is a focus on practical skill development and acquisition which I really appreciate. They also offer some really great seminars and unique outdoor training opportunities.”
