Welcome to Warrior Quest, the official training division of Rocky Mountain Stunts. Here, we honor the rich traditions of the majestic Samurai and the elusive Ninja, blending their ancient arts with modern stunt and acting skills. Unlike our historical forerunners who fought on battlefields and in the shadows, our practitioners evolve into a new breed of warrior, focused on excelling in the worlds of film, television, and video games as action performers. This is our Quest—to forge the hearts and minds of talented action performers who embody discipline, honor, and unparalleled skill. Join us and become part of a legacy that transforms passion into mastery and dreams into reality.
At Warrior Quest our foundation is based on the classical arts of Ninjutsu 忍術 and Kenjutsu 剣術. These two fighting systems have been re-envisioned into modern incarnations and adapted to become a method of theatrical combat similar to the Japanese Jidaigeki 時代劇 films known as Chambara チャンバラ.
This system is a testament to its founder, Mark Steven Grove, who studied the Japanese fighting arts since 1972. Less than a decade after opening his first dojo he realized there was no outlet for his skills other than teaching. There are no sport competitions for practitioners of these arts, and unless you work in the military, law enforcement, or security, there are very few practical uses for Ninja skills in the modern world. To be clear, he didn't underestimate the value or martial training in terms of confidence, discipline, self-defense, mental focus, spiritual refinement, and so on, but he wanted a true application for his Ninja and Samurai training.
He decided to turn to the entertainment industry and was soon embarking on a new path that would lead him to interact with many talented stunt coordinators, fight choreographers, practical effects personnel, firearms specialists, and pyrotechnicians who imparted the knowledge he now shares with his own students. This has been his Warrior Quest.
"Always the Quest"
Many people practice martial arts, honing their skills and mastering techniques passed down through generations. However, most martial artists lack a practical outlet to apply their training in real-world scenarios. At "Warrior Quest," this gap is bridged with a unified goal: every student trains not just for personal development but to utilize the authentic skills of the Samurai and Ninja as tools for working in the film industry. Here, martial arts are not just about self-defense or discipline; they are about crafting a career. Students learn to adapt their techniques for the camera, transforming traditional combat skills into cinematic action. At "Warrior Quest," the journey is about more than physical mastery—it's about bringing the art of the warrior to life on screen, blending ancient practices with modern storytelling.
Acrobatics training is essential for a Ninja Actor, involving a variety of physical skills that enhance agility, balance, and overall fitness. These skills ensure that a Ninja can move swiftly, silently, and efficiently in any environment, whether in combat or stealth missions. Mastery of acrobatics enables a Ninja to perform complex maneuvers, escape tight situations, and maintain physical superiority over adversaries. Key skills include strength and flexibility, speed and agility, balancing, jumping, rolling, flipping, tumbling, climbing, and escape and evasion techniques. These abilities allow a Ninja to navigate any scenario with precision, control, and unmatched physical prowess, ensuring they remain an unstoppable force in any situation.
Taijutsu, meaning "body art," is a comprehensive form of fighting that encompasses everything that can be done with the body. It includes postures, body movement, using the body as a weapon, targeting vital points, striking, kicking, immobilization, throwing, joint locks, finger locks, chokes, reversals, bone attacks, muscle attacks, and nerve attacks. This versatile approach allows actors and stunt performers to adapt their movements to different characters and storylines, offering a wide range of physical expressions. Taijutsu's adaptability is essential for portraying various fighting styles and scenarios, from intense hand-to-hand combat to intricate weapon work, ensuring realism and intensity in every scene.
Swordsmanship is the most important skill in a Ninja actor's arsenal. Comprehensive training involves mastering various techniques, each contributing to the practitioner's overall proficiency. Key skills include understanding the sword's design, proper gripping techniques, body positioning, movement, fundamental attacks, fencing skills, fast drawing, and dual wielding. The highest level of swordsmanship transcends these individual skills. Through relentless practice and refinement, a practitioner develops a body that instinctively adapts to danger, an unshakable strategic mind, and an immovable spirit that emanates from within, ensuring both physical and mental mastery in any situation.
Modern stunt skills encompass extensive training in high falls, wire work, body burns, and theatrical firearms handling, each demanding precision, courage, and technical mastery. When built upon the solid foundation of classical Ninja skills, these advanced techniques elevate the Ninja Actor to the level of a uniquely compelling action specialist. The combination of traditional combat expertise with modern stunt capabilities allows the Ninja Actor to execute the most challenging and exhilarating stunts. Whether in cinematic blockbusters, digital productions, or motion capture for video games, this blend of ancient skills and contemporary techniques enables the Ninja Actor to excel in diverse roles.
Sunday mornings 11:00am to 1:00pm
Wednesday nights 7:00pm to 9:00pm
DOJO SOURCE
8031 Wadsworth Blvd A-4
Arvada, Colorado 80003
Saturday nights 4:00pm to 6:00pm
APEX DENVER
700 West Mississippi Ave
Building A, #5
Denver, Colorado 80223
TRAINING COST
(approx. 24-26 hours a month)
$200.00 monthly tuition
SPECIAL TRAINING EVENTS
(one or two-day workshops)
Variable costs
Download and e-sign this waiver prior to training and return it via our "Contact Us" link on this page, email to RockyMountainStunts@gmail.com , or print it out and sign it and bring it with you to your first training session or class audit. No waiver, no training.
“Mark Grove is one of the most innovative filmmakers that I have ever worked with in my career. His writing and directing skills make him an incredible storyteller. But Mark's talents go way beyond that to being a superb stunt coordinator, a gifted actor and stunt performer, a top notch special effects coordinator, and he is even a master at post production...he is virtually limitless! It is my honor to be associated with his Rocky Mountain Stunts and Warrior Quest team.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Big Trouble in Little China, Showdown in Little Tokyo, Hot Shots! Part Deux, Tropic Thunder, Inception, Rush Hour 1-3, Lethal Weapon 4, Get Smart, Marvel’s Luke Cage
“Mark Grove is the very best. His skills as a martial artist and fight arranger are inspirational. He is well versed in all forms of stunt work and special fx, which makes him the perfect mentor for up and coming action performers. He is also a writer and director who specializes in action genre filmmaking, which makes him a great resource for breaking into this highly competitive field. My advice...if you get an opportunity to train with him...Don’t pass it up.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - China O’Brien I-II, Martial Law I-II, Tiger Claws I-III, Rage and Honor I-II, Honor and Glory, Sci-Fighter, Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark Grove in various capacities. As a Producer he has always taken care of his actors on every level. As a Writer/Director his creativity and collaborative energy is electrifying. As a Stunt Coordinator and Fight Director he is dedicated to creating powerful safe action for all his projects. All of these skills and qualities make him the perfect guide to those interested in pursuing a career in the film and television industry.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid I-III, Rambo, Steele Justice, Death Race 2000, Shootfighter, Wyatt Earp, Gathering of Heroes
“As a Martial Artist of over 50 years I can tell when someone is the real deal. Mark Grove is such a man. I had the honor and pleasure of working with him and his Rocky Mountain Stunt Team. His team was expertly trained, efficient, and professional in every respect. Mark Grove’s style of action direction was very innovative with the flavor of classical martial arts combined with modern gritty realism.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Black Dragon, Bamboo Trap, The Black Dragon’s Revenge, Way of the Black Dragon, Fist of Fear Touch of Death, The Last Dragon, Hot Lead Hard Fury
"Mark Grove is an amazing filmmaker and an incredible story teller. He's one of the few I've known who can do it all. As a Director, he has tremendous vision and as a stunt coordinator he knows what he wants and how get it from his team. I am inspired by not only his work but by his spirit. He is one of the most respected and innovative Indie filmmakers around. I look forward to working with him on a Mark Grove / Art Camacho team up!"
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Half Past Dead, Half Past Dead 2, Sci-Fighter, Confessions of a Pit Fighter
“Mark Grove is a gracious, giving, and highly professional filmmaker. He is a rare find in the entertainment industry, because his word is his bond, and as proven by his resume, he delivers on all levels. He has run a successful production company for years and knows every aspect of filmmaking, from script development to sales. In a word, Mark Grove delivers.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Captain America, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Batman Begins, Kiss Terminator 3, Men in Black 2, Spiderman, Star Trek Insurrection, Titanic
"I have had the privilege to travel around the globe working for the largest stage performance corporations in the world, training and performing with the top athletes, coaches and directors. In all of my professional career I have never met a better leader and coach than Mark Grove. The moment I walked into his space I could see the lifetime of high level martial arts knowledge that flows through every aspect of his being. He is the best martial arts and stunt educator I have ever worked with because he effectively, and with passion, passes down his endless knowledge to his students in an encouraging and technical manner. I can not recommend learning under his direction more!"
CREDITS INCLUDE - Credits: Marvel Universe Live, Royal Caribbean Productions, Cirque Dreams, Dragone Entertainment, Bill Brown Entertainment, Cirque Mechanics
"Mark Grove is a talented movie industry resource who can be trusted – something that can be a rare quality in this industry. His broad experience in all aspects of filmmaking make him invaluable – whether as a leader of his own cutting edge film projects or a hard working member of a production team. Mark Grove is of one of our industry’s top talents and I am proud to be a part of this very worthwhile group."
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE
Total Recall, Robocop 2, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Green Hornet, The Book of Eli, Far and Away, Casino, Shoot 'Em Up, Mission Impossible III,
“I've known Mark for a long time and not only is he a talented stuntman, he has evolved over the years into one of the most admirable writer/producer/directors I’ve ever met. Mark is a natural leader who will go out of his way to help almost anyone, a quality I admire and respect. He is someone every person in this industry should have on their team. I am honored to call him a work colleague and most importantly a friend”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE
Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Constantine, Castle.
“I have had the privilege of working with Mark Grove on several occasions. I've always found him thoroughly professional, completely competent and dedicated to his craft. Mark's knowledge and grasp of the film industry is exemplary and his skills in martial arts and stunt coordinating are extraordinary. Always a smile, frequently a well timed joke. Great fun… but still getting the job done with alacrity and professionalism.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE
The Long Riders, Footloose, 48 Hours, Red Dawn, Cobra, Marked for Death, Rapid Fire, On Deadly Ground
“Mark Grove is a great director, a superlative martial artist, a very creative choreographer of movie fights, and well versed in the entire process of filmmaking. In this day and age of extreme specialists, it is nice to work with someone who not only can wear so many hats, but wear them so well! I highly recommend him to anyone looking to study stunt work and action filmmaking.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE
The Three Musketeers, Hook, Hidalgo, Master and Commander, Army of Darkness
“Life is ever changing and so is Mark Grove. He has the ability to explain the same fighting technique to ten different people in a way each one of them can understand it and apply it. He ultimately teaches you to adapt to anything that comes your way. His lessons are always unique and they always leave you wanting more."