The Family That Trains Together…
- L-R Sensei Candia, Zoe & Shihan Albert Andrews
At Purple Dragon Tequesta, we know that the journey of martial arts is not just about strength or skill—it’s about family, legacy, and the powerful bonds we create along the way. Training as a family is one of the most rewarding experiences a dojo can offer, and for me, it holds some of my most beautiful and unforgettable memories.
My Journey That Began With Family
When my family and I joined Purple Dragon in 1976, I was just 12 years old. My mom, my sister, my two brothers, and I all stepped onto the dojo floor together, nervous but excited. Those first days became the foundation of something truly special. I can still picture my mom sparring with our Sensei, giving her all with determination and happiness, or trying to crank out push-ups alongside the rest of us—her example taught me that perseverance had no age limit.
Watching my brothers and sisters advance in rank, proudly tying on their next belt, inspired me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. Seeing their success made me want to push harder, stay disciplined, and strive for more. Training with my siblings gave me teammates I could count on every day—not just in the dojo, but even to this day.
Strengthening Sibling Bonds
There is something powerful about siblings sweating through drills, cheering for one another in testing, and sharing the triumphs and struggles of training. Martial arts removes the small differences that separate brothers and sisters and replaces them with respect, teamwork, and love. Even today, the bond I built with my siblings on the mat remains unshakable.
Parents and Children: Growing Together
One of the greatest gifts martial arts offers is the chance for parents and children to share the same journey. Children get to see their parents challenged, learning, and growing—not just advising from the sidelines, but living the values of discipline and perseverance right beside them. Parents, in turn, gain the joy of watching their children rise to challenges, conquer fears, and build confidence that carries into every part of life.
Creating Lasting Memories
The dojo becomes more than a training space—it becomes the heart of family stories. I will never forget the excitement of preparing for demonstrations, the butterflies before a belt test, or the pride of standing alongside my family as we trained and grew together. These aren’t just moments—they are treasures. They are stories that get told and retold, shaping a family’s legacy of strength and unity.
Competing and Demonstrating Together
There is a unique thrill in stepping into competition or performance as a family. Whether it’s preparing at home for a kata, cheering each other on during sparring rounds, or lining up together for a demonstration, the energy is contagious. The shared victories—big or small—create excitement that fuels growth and strengthens family pride.
A Legacy of Unity Through Don Jitsu Ryu
Training as a family in Don Jitsu Ryu is about more than karate—it’s about respect, discipline, love, and togetherness. It teaches us that success is greater when shared, and that the bonds we build on the dojo floor can last a lifetime. For me, the memory of training with my mom, sister, and brothers all those years ago remains one of the greatest gifts Purple Dragon ever gave me.
And now, as families here in Tequesta step onto the mat together, I see the same magic repeating—laughter, growth, and memories being made one class at a time.
Your family’s journey can begin today.
Join us at Purple Dragon Tequesta and experience the joy of the Karate Family that Trains Together. You’ll grow in strength, spirit, and unity—creating stories you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.