INSTRUCTORS & BLACK BELT PROFILES
One On One With The World's Best
"We Live What We Teach"
Our instructors are hand picked by Professor Don Jacob himself. Before earning the rank of Purple Dragon Teacher, each must complete years of rigorous training, and a tough three-day black belt test, dedicating themselves to preserving the high ideals of the school.
To keep their instructors certification, Purple Dragon Teachers train directly under Professor Jacob every week at the Purple Dragon World Headquarters in Trinidad. There, they continue to perfect skills and acquire knowledge that they take back to their students. Foreign-based Purple Dragon Teachers participate in refresher courses several times a year either by travelling to join Professor wherever he may be, visiting the World Headquarters, or training under him or other Purple Dragon Instructors visiting their branch.
We take teaching martial arts very seriously. We expect the maximum quality from our instructors, whether it is in teaching any martial arts, yoga or other fitness.
Professor Don Jacob Founder and Creator of the Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu System
Who is he? He was born in Trinidad and Tobago of humble parentage.
Who is he? He has studied Martial Arts for four decades. He holds a NINTH Degree Black Belt .
Who is he? He has fought in many parts of the world and is a recognized international champion in various fighting forms - e.g. emphatic weaponry and multiple demonstrations.
Who is he? His work in the Martial Arts arena has stunned his competitors and fascinated his friends and fans. Those who find reason to frown against him without cause, find reason to admire skills and ability all his own....
Who is he? He has appeared both on National and International television on several of the world's most influential Channels, including ABC's Wide World of Sports (US) and Trans World Sports (UK).
Who is he? He has enjoyed being featured in many sports Martial Arts and Cultural magazines, such as NBL Sport Karate International, and Black Diaspora magazine (US). His presence on the cover of the British magazine 'Oriental Arts - Karate' of August 1980 was an achievement that will long be remembered.
Who is he? He has done videos and starred in leading roles. Some of these are: 'Enter the Purple Dragon,' Battle of the Pro Am Champions,' Australian Tour 1,2 &3' and 'Don Jacob's Fighting Techniques' among many others.
Who is he? He has authored several books - the most outstanding 'High Impact Jiu Jitsu,' 'Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu System,' 'Fighting Man's Bible,' 'Purple Dragon Franchise Marketing Warfare' and 'Rape Prevention For Women”. 'He has had the benefit of being featured in 'The Official History of Karate in America' (The Golden Age 1968-1986) and Black Heroes of the Martial Arts; as well as in thousands of newspaper articles, talk shows and live appearances across the globe. Yet for all this, they still insist they don't know who he is.
Who he is? His travels around the world have brought him into contact with some of the leading and legendary personalities of his time; Dr. Moses Powell, Grand master Clyde Thomas, Master Tusui Yoshitaker, Billy Blanks, and Professor Wally Jay of the United States come to mind. Pride filled him when he was one of the first three Caribbean men to be made an Honorary Citizen of Alameda, California, USA in 1984, the others being his students Anthony Thompson and Herbert Norville.
Who he is? He was given the keys to the city of Honolulu, Hawaii and again of Melbourne, Australia. He was honored as 'The Unsung Hero' by the U.N.C. Government who came into power in 1995.
Who do the foreigners say he is? Over two hundred standing ovations for his work have not spoiled him. He has not been overshadowed by all his acclaim even though he truly relished the ones at Madison Square Gardens, the Canadian National Exhibition and in the Middle East. Would it not astound anyone that they still don't know who he is.
Who he is? The testimonials he has received and the commendations that have come are witness to the fact that he is indisputably the Caribbean's most decorated athlete, and is ranked among the top performers and lecturers in the world. He was indoctrinated into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio USA in 1991.
Who is he? The Founder and CEO of the world famous Don Jitsu Ryu System, he operates and teaches one of the largest Martial Arts institutions in the world.
Who is he? He is Professor Don Jacob, Trinidad and Tobago's finest Martial Arts practitioner and therapist. He is an Author, Instructor, Teacher, Motivator, Counselor and Father. He has taught over 30 thousand students in the Martial Arts. He belongs to the rich institution of Mother Purple Dragon, the Secret Order of the Oriental, and African Arts and Science. He is Martial Arts Extraordinaire and an inspiration to us all. He is the one and only Professor Don Jacob. He is happy through God almighty to have done it his way. Amen.
Written by the late Aldwyn Primus
Sensei Floyd Baptiste, 4th Dan Black Belt
Sensei Floyd Baptiste started his training at Purple Dragon World Headquarters in Trinidad in 1989 under Shihan Anthony Thompson at the Arima Branch. He was sent to the Cayman Islands to teach in 1996 and since than has helped the dojo grow from strength to strength. He is an active competitor winning world championships at prestigious tournaments in Trinidad, Australia, Tortola, Antigua and the US. He is well rounded in the Martial Arts discipline striving for mastery in forms, sparring, weapons, breakfalls and self defense. He follows in the footsteps of his head teacher Professor Don Jacob and endeavors to be an excellent beginner. His warm smile and characteristics make him very easy to approach for any reason. For more on Sensei Floyd please email us at purple@candw.ky.
Sensei Cindy Moore, 3rd Dan Black Belt
Caymanian Cindy Moore started Purple Dragon with her family in ?. As a team, Cindy and her sister ? went through the different belts together and achieved their black belts at the same time in 2002. Now a 2nd Degree Black Belt, Instructor Cindy enjoys going to church, dancing, reading, and music. Instructor Cindy is known for her honesty, patience, and friendliness. Her students love the confidence she instills in all of them and her personality to always “make classes fun”.
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Benjamin Rivers, 2nd Dan Black Belt
As a young Caymanian Benjie Rivers is known for his shyness, patience, and strength. Mr. Rivers joined Purple Dragon in 2002 and achieved his Black Belt in 2005. He enjoys music, nature, drawing, and working on his computer.
Senpai Euclides Pitta, 3rd Dan Black Belt
Mr. Pitta, a native of Brazil who has now made Cayman his home joined Purple Dragon after sitting in classes for endless hours waiting for his wife and son to finish training. In 2003, he decided to change that and joined Purple Dragon. Now a 1st Dan Black Belt Euclides enjoy spending time with his family and watching movies. He is affectionately known for his warm humour, openness, and approachability. Mr. Pitta has competed in the 2004, 2005 and 2009 US Open karate championships and well as many other regional and international competitions winning top awards in the divisions he enters. Mr. Pitta now operates his won branch of the Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu system out of the Triple C school in the Cayman Islands for more info contact us on purple@candw.ky
Sensei Geddes Hislop, 5th Dan Black Belt
Sensei Karen Baptiste, 3rd Dan Black Belt
