The History of Our School

The Chapel Hill Quest Center (now Quest Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense) was the first To-Shin Do school to open in North Carolina, and is conveniently located to serve the Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Durham area of the North Carolina Triangle.

Founded in 1998 by Dr. Richard S. Stack, M.D., the school is a unique facility designed by award-winning architect Richard Gurlitz to pay homage the finest dojo training halls in Japan.

Dr. Stack is a seventh degree black belt and one of few Master Instructors in Ninjutsu. He is also a personal student of both Stephen K. Hayes and Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi, with whom he has trained extensively in the United States and in Japan for over 20 years. Dr. Stack eventually chose to pass the school to his own student, Hardee Merritt, and it is now known as Quest Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense.

Who We Are Today

Hardee began training soon after the school’s opening and became one of its primary instructors shortly after. Since he began training, he has introduced our school to a variety of training opportunities including jiu-jitsu, urban/wilderness survival, and security tactics. He also pioneered the school’s hugely-successful after-school enrichment and summer programs. The dojo now offers classes and summer camps to pre-school, elementary and middle schools throughout the Triangle area.
Our school offers a dynamic martial arts experience, specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and To-Shin Do. Located in a welcoming and inclusive environment, we provide comprehensive training in these two distinct disciplines. Whether you train in one or both programs, our schools mission is to train competent protectors.