PITTSFIELD TWP., MI – A martial arts studio owned by a man accused of sexually abusing a student has permanently closed.
Quest Martial Arts, 540 Avis Drive, Suite N, permanently closed Nov. 8, according to an email sent to students obtained by MLive/The Ann Arbor News.
Matthew John Wheeler, the owner of the studio, is facing accusations he sexually abused a female student.
“We regret to announce that Quest Martial Arts is permanently closed,” read the letter, sent by a family member on behalf of Wheeler. “My sincerest thanks to each of you for your contribution to this community.”
Read more: Martial arts instructor near Ann Arbor arrested on allegations of grooming girl student
A sign indicating the studio was permanently closed also replaced a previous sign saying classes were suspended.
Wheeler has been charged with 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct involving a person under the age of 13, 4th degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim between 13-16 years old, 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct with multiple variables and 4th degree criminal sexual conduct with multiple factors.
Prosecutors allege Wheeler first met the girl, now 14, at age 6 and began assaulting her at age 12. The assault involved touching the girl’s vagina and breasts, officials said.
The alleged incidents occurred between February 2024 and August of 2025, according to a Pittsfield Township Police Department. Wheeler was arrested on Oct. 15, police said.
“Mr. Wheeler denies any of these sexual allegations that this young person is making,” Larry Margolis, Wheeler’s Ann Arbor-based defense attorney, said during a Nov. 6 hearing. “He has been working with children and adults for 15 years. He had been working with this individual for 8.5 years.”
Wheeler posted his $150,000 bond on Tuesday, Nov. 18, court records indicate. Margolis had previously argued the bond, which had been originally set at that amount, should be lowered. Simpson denied that motion.
Wheeler had been scheduled to appear before 14A-1 District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson that day for a preliminary examination, during which Simpson would decide whether to send the case to trial.
That hearing was adjourned to Dec. 30, Margolis confirmed. The adjournment was requested by both himself and the prosecutors’ office, he said.
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