Don Jitsu Ryu Flesh and Bone: The Soul of a Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belt Warrior

By Professor Don Jacob

This Purple Dragon® book presents documented procedures, rules and policies which are intended to define acceptable behavior and preserve higher morals, personal values and integrity. For the perspective Black Belt candidate, this book should serve as an instructive guide as to what the Grading Examination Committee considers to be a disciplined students.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9780983642374

Book preview

Congratulations! If you are reading this book, chances are you are about to embark on one of the most memorable, life-changing experiences that you will ever go through. As such, this book has been developed to assist and guide you as you attain and maintain the standards of the Don Jitsu Ryu System as expressed by Soke Professor Don Jacob. Obtaining your Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belt will be seen by you as your rebirth. The Purple Dragon Black Belt Examination has been designed to test your level of physical fitness, your martial arts skills, but even more importantly, the discipline of your character, mental toughness, courage and integrity.

The Purple Dragon Black Belt Grading Examination is normally held three times each year and is administered by the Grading Examination Committee of Don Jitsu Ryu. This Committee is headed by the Soke, who may be assisted by a panel of selected officials. A Committee member may be required to allocate scores, vote on issues, assist at during the examination, and co-sign certificates.

A Purple Dragon Black Belt Examination normally lasts for a period of three days, during which candidates are tested mentally and physically. Some will encounter spiritual enlightenment. Candidates are also educated through a series of seminars/lectures intended to prepare them for their life’s journey ahead as a Black Belt within the Don Jitsu Ryu System.

This Purple Dragon book presents documented procedures, rules and policies which are intended to define acceptable behavior and preserve higher morals, personal values and integrity. For the prospective Black Belt candidate, this book should serve as an instructive guide as to what the Grading Examination Committee considers to be a disciplined student.

It is also envisaged that this book will be used by all Black Belt students within the Purple Dragon International Don Jitsu Ryu System to govern their conduct and that of their students, students’ parents/guardians, invited guests or well-wishers, especially during a Purple Dragon Black Belt Grading Examination.

Whereas, a prospective candidate may be recommended for Dan certification by his/her Instructor, it is still necessary for final approval to be provided by the Grading Examination Committee. In some instances students may be invited directly by Professor Don Jacob.

True warriors of excellence will have a desire to become a Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belt. This book seeks to answer the following question: How does a prospective candidate become eligible for Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belt certification? This is a very interesting question. How do you gauge the level of commitment, or how is it possible to measure one’s spiritual toughness? The answer to this question is just one of the many reasons why students must be recommended to be tested for the rank of Black Belt by a senior Black Belt who has either taught or observed the prospective candidate.

Other criteria governing eligibility are provided below:

Candidates must have attained at least the minimum rank of 1st Kyu Brown Belt at a previous grading administered by Professor Don Jacob or a Certified Official assigned and designated by Professor Don Jacob.

Professor Don Jacob must have assessed the candidate, or a Certified Official assigned and designated by Professor Don Jacob, during the most recent grading exercise held for the students of the Dojo where he or she trains. Such assessment should have confirmed that the candidate is on track for Black Belt grading. If the prospective candidate failed to present him/herself for assessment at that grading or any associated training sessions and seminars, then the details of the extenuating circumstances causing his/her absence must be presented in writing to Soke Professor Don Jacob. A copy of this document should accompany the student’s application form for Dan certification.

When a student attains the rank of Blue Belt it is envisioned that through this belt rank to the rank of Brown Belt 1stKyu, the prospective candidate should possess the confidence and knowledge needed to correct students of lower rank in disciplinary matters and provide training instruction to novice students.

Prospective candidates should be in good health, possess a sound character, and the physical and mental fitness needed to complete the Black Belt Grading Examination.

A medical practitioner must certify the health of the prospective candidate. This is to be detailed in the application forms that will accompany a prospective candidate’s application package.

Students who may be pregnant should not take this exam. Any student who feels she may be pregnant must disclose this information to the Grading Examination Committee before applying for this exam.

Prospective candidates suffering from ailments that can be transmitted through body fluids (AIDS, hepatitis, etc.) should inform the Grading Examination Committee so that first aid responders could institute appropriate procedures if they are required.

It is expected that prospective candidates will have supportive parents or guardians, a spouse or prospective spouse.

Prospective candidates will be required to sit in a lotus position for long periods; hence, it is important for the Grading Examination Committee to be notified if this will be a problem due to some physical impediment.

The Black Belt candidate should have the ability to:

Teach and manage the Dojo in the absence of his/her senior instructor with the minimum of problems.

A Black Belt candidate should be liked and respected by their peers, their superiors, under ranks and in his/her community.

He/she should be the first to take care of the Dojo and its members in the absence of the senior instructors. If within the Dojo there is more than one Black Belt available, they should all vote on what responsibilities they will assume to contribute to looking after the Dojo in a harmonious and efficient manner.

The Black Belt should be friendly to the lower ranks, but should always maintain his/her professionalism. This is essential to maintaining a high standard of respect between students and instructors. Familiarity breeds contempt, and whenever respect is replaced by casual friendship, a breakdown of the system occurs. Therefore, the duty of each and every Black Belt must be to protect our system at all times – even when the odds are against you, off or on the Dojo.

Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belts must maintain a level of high esteem among Kyu ranks, and this can be achieved by maintaining a respectful and humble distance from the Kyu ranks and lower ranks. Care must be taken not to give the impression of being elitist or arrogant. Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belts must embody the morals, values and ethics that inspire the lower ranks to want to be a Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belt. The ego must be subdued. The ego depends solely on your ability to tolerate it. Don Jitsu Ryu Black Belts must be enforcers of the code of conduct establishing the lifestyle by being an example to

Reviews for Don Jitsu Ryu Flesh and Bone

[Daniel Verkoey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My wife and I signed up our daughters, 4 & 5 yr old, for martial arts and this was a reading requirement. I have read this book in two days, which is very unusual for me. After reading it, I am so glad that we chose Purple Dragon for our girls and I'm excited to see what the future had in store for them in this practice!