A Decade of Dedication

Born From Passion

Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu System was born in 1970 out of the will and determination of a 16-year-old young man, Grandmaster Professor Don Anthony Jacob, to bring about positive change in his life and the lives of thousands of other people through the practice of martial arts.

Don Jacob's Journey

Professor Don Jacob, one of the world’s highest-ranking Black Belts – a 9th-degree black belt in Don Jitsu Ryu, was born in Trinidad on October 16, 1954, from humble beginnings. He started his martial arts training at the age of nine, as a defence against neighbourhood bullies in the suburban ghetto where he went to live with his grandmother.

Background and Expertise

He studied judo under Sensei Clyde Thomas, and later, continued his training in the United States of America in the field of karate under Master Tusui Yoshitaka and jiu-jitsu under Grand Master Doctor Moses Powell. He has studied, demonstrated, and taught in many parts of the world with Grand Master Professor Wally Jay.

Global Training and Teaching

Professor Don Jacob’s martial arts career spans over four decades. He is one of the most decorated, sought-after, and respected martial arts professionals in the world to date. He has received numerous certifications and awards in many parts of the world, and won numerous World Martial Arts Championships.

Inspiring Thousands

He has taught over 35,000 students, visited more than fifty countries, and dazzled audiences with his dynamic and deadly self-defence performances. In 2010, Professor Don Jacob was awarded the Hummingbird Gold Medal, one of his country’s highest and most prestigious national awards for loyal and dedicated service to his community and country.

Publications and Honours

He is the author of several books, including The High Impact Jiu-Jitsu, The Official Manual for Rape Prevention, The Fighting Man’s Bible, The Marketing Warfare of Don Jitsu Ryu, What is Don Jitsu Ryu, This is Don Jitsu Ryu, Act Like a Lady Fight Like a Man, and Don Jitsu Ryu Flesh & Bone.

Martial Arts as a Lifestyle

"Excellence is an art won by training and habit"

Professor Jacob has been very vocal about the inappropriate use of martial arts. He developed the Don Jitsu Ryu system, one of the all-inclusive fighting systems in the world today, to be not just a style but a lifestyle. All the lessons learned in the “dojos” have practical applications in everyday life.

Empowering Lives

He is a great motivational speaker. His message, “You Have Greatness Within You” has been the motivating force for many of his students. He has worked tirelessly to improve the image people have of martial arts and strives to help bring peace, healthy living, and goodwill to all people involved in martial arts. He believes in discipline, integrity, and hard work as a means to a successful life.

Expanding Horizons

This dedicated teacher has been motivated throughout his martial arts career to assist and help others. With its World Headquarters in Trinidad, today there are over 45 branches of Purple Dragon Dojos in 12 countries, including Canada, the United States, and Great Britain.