PDATL Student Spotlight – Sherman Chestnut
// STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
HE ALMOST QUIT MARTIAL ARTS.
THEN HE EARNED HIS BLACK BELT.
Sherman Chestnut’s journey is still being written.
→ every belt from white to black →
Teen Leader & Still Training
Before Purple Dragon, Sherman had already tried martial arts at another school. He earned a belt there — but he didn’t feel challenged. He didn’t feel connected. He was ready to walk away from the art entirely.
Then one day, riding past a shopping center with his dad, he spotted the Purple Dragon sign. He asked if they could check it out. His mom agreed to let him try. That was November 2020.
Over the next four years, Sherman earned every belt from white to black — not by purchasing rank, but by showing up, grinding through the hard days, and refusing to stop. His Black Belt in Don Jitsu Ryu was earned under the direct evaluation of Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob — a belt that demands relentless discipline, physical preparation, and mental toughness.
And he’s not done. Not even close.
Nov 2020
2025
What made you stay when it got hard?
How did you balance martial arts with school and everything else?
What prepared you most for black belt grading?
What kept you going during grading itself?
// WE ASKED SHERMAN ONE MORE THING
What would you say to someone who stopped training and is thinking about coming back?
“Pauses are excuses to get out. But now pauses are no longer a thing and you must finish what you started.”
— SHERMAN CHESTNUT, BLACK BELT
Sherman didn’t have any special advantage. He had parents who valued the commitment they made to him. He had parents who valued the community they made when they signed up at the Dojo. And he came to a Dojo that refused to let the standard drop.
The only difference between Sherman’s story and perhaps your child’s story is that Sherman stayed on the mat.
SHERMAN'S CHAPTER ISN'T OVER — IT'S JUST BEGINNING
Earning a Black Belt wasn’t the finish line. It was the starting line for what comes next.
Today, Sherman is becoming one of Purple Dragon ATL’s active teen leaders — stepping up in class, guiding younger students, and growing into a role that goes far beyond his own belt. When we asked what he’s most looking forward to, he didn’t talk about himself:
“To start being able to help others who are just starting and beginning, and to help those who are still here continue their path to their black belt.”
That’s who Sherman is becoming. Not just a martial artist — a leader who builds other leaders. And he’s doing it right here, on this mat, every week.
A LOT HAS CHANGED AT THE DOJO
MORE MAT TIME, SAME PRICE
Every membership tier now includes bonus training sessions beyond the base class pack. Your child gets more development at no extra cost.
SMALL GROUP TRAINING (NEW)
Personalized coaching in groups of 4–6 students, twice per week. Students in SGT are showing measurable improvement in technique and grading readiness. $50/month add-on.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Families now receive formal written progress reports after designated class dates — so you always know where your child stands.
GRADING THIS MONTH
Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob is personally officiating grading March 27–29. Qualified candidates are being selected now.
TRINIDAD PILGRIMAGE — SUMMER 2026
A structured training immersion at the birthplace of Don Jitsu Ryu. Open to serious practitioners and families who want their children to experience the full depth of the system.
YOUR CHILD’S STORY
ISN’T OVER.
Sherman walked through our door as a curious kid in a car. Today he’s becoming a leader — and he’s still just getting started. The only question is whether your child will look back and wish they’d kept going.
RETURNING FAMILIES
Schedule a free Return Assessment with Shihan Hayden. We’ll evaluate where your child is now and place them in the right class — no pressure, no commitment.
NEW FAMILIES
Book a Private Assessment ($50) — a personal 1-on-1 introduction to our system. If you enroll within 7 days, the $50 is credited to your first month.
Purple Dragon Don-Jitsu Ryu System · 1775 Parker Road SE, C-130 · Conyers, GA 30094
Real Training · Real Growth · Real Results
