Purple Dragon is a place to train, to learn, to grow and to meet friends. It is the one place where you can challenge yourself to continually be a little better than the time before. As much as Purple Dragon is about training and hard work it is also about time with friends and fun times too. Summer Camps, movies, trips to various places and even while we are having fun Sensei is teaching about some lesson he wants you to learn. Purple Dragon is about being a part of a family; it goes beyond just being a student on the floor. When ever a member of Purple Dragon is in trouble all of the “family” is there to support and encourage. When someone is wronged the Purple Dragon is a strong force to be reckoned with.
     Chris’ grandparents, Greg and Lynda, as well as Amber, Chris’ Mom, believe that this is a very positive part of Chris’ growth. He has made friends; he has grown as an individual and has been surrounded with very positive role models in every age group. Sensei Gary and Sensei Clara are giving and caring people who are truly concerned for the students on a personal level as well as a professional level. More than once I have stated that I truly believe that Sensei Gary was placed on this earth for the benefit of children.

Lynda & Greg (grandparents)

Since the first year at Purple Dragon, I have felt part of this big family. Throughout my five years I have gained self-confidence in myself. I feel that I also have become stronger. The stories that Professor and Sensei Gary have told have given me confidence in overcoming the toughest challenges. I have gained many friends from Purple Dragon, and hope to gain many more. Monique, a black belt at Purple Dragon, has been there for me when I needed someone to talk to. My favorite part of Purple Dragon is seeing a new student walking through the doors not knowing whom anyone is, then going up to them and introducing yourself. Then that person gets a big smile on their face now gaining confidence that everything is going to be okay. I am very happy to be apart of the Purple Dragon and thank you.

Marina(student)

Being a student of Purple Dragon has had an impact on every area of my life. Through the teachings of Professor Don Jacob and my Senseis, I have learned the value of perseverance. It is written that we should be grateful for our trials, because the testing of our faith develops perseverance. One of Professor's reminders to all of his students is that we are here to persevere and never give up. I have taken that to heart, and whether I am fighting in a sparring competition or fighting to remember the answers to my exams at school, I will not accept defeat. My success is not based on the outcome of my score in either case, but on the lessons that I learn and the attitude I maintain -- win, lose, or draw. To be a student of Purple Dragon also means to give back to others what I have received, to spend time teaching other students the lessons I have learned, and to encourage other students when they are going through some of the trials I have faced. My journey is still only beginning, but I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an awesome organization. The atmosphere of family and brotherhood is quickly apparent to anyone who spends time in a Purple Dragon dojo, and by training hard and working together, we can truly bring out each other's greatness.

Heather(student)