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Purple Dragon Karate in Conyers. Grandmaster Jacob & Sensei Hayden
Grandmaster Jacob & Shihan Hayden

Purple Dragon ATL

Located in Conyers, GA, Purple Dragon ATL’s vision is to provide students with the highest quality martial arts instruction available, in a safe and positive learning environment that people of all ages can enjoy. Our Dojo instructor, Shihan Hayden Nurse, holds a 6th degree Black Belt, and has been a student of the Don Jitsu Ryu system for twenty-five years. He is known for engaging his students and encouraging them to constantly strive to attain their full potential. Shihan Hayden is passionate about teaching Don Jitsu Ryu and affecting positive change in people’s lives.

Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu System is one of the most practical and complete Martial Arts fighting systems in the world. Don Jitsu Ryu was developed and founded by Professor Don Jacob in 1970. Born in Trinidad, Professor Jacob now holds a 9th Degree Black Belt, and is one of the most well-known and respected Martial Artists in the world. Professor’s goal has been to consistently bring about positive change in his life, and the lives of others, through the practice of martial arts. Don Jitsu Ryu is modern in concept, yet ancient in character, and blends well with many different martial art styles such as tae kwon do, judo, aikido, jujitsu, karate, weaponry and kickboxing allowing our students to become well rounded and “complete” martial artists.  

Don Jitsu Ryu focuses on the complete personal development of each student.  Individual attention is a feature of each and every class, allowing all students to progress quickly and confidently toward their personal goals.  Shihan Hayden Nurse takes his responsibility as a role model for younger students seriously, teaching them the importance of good character, leadership and good values.

Vision

Purple Dragon is devoted to remaining among the top leaders in our industry by offering the best martial arts fitness system and services to our members. We pride ourselves in building a reputation of integrity in every community we serve around the world.

Mission

Purple Dragon Instructors encourage our students to embrace a holistic lifestyle of wellness, and encourage positive and proper use of the Don Jitsu Ryu. “Keep in mind, Don Jitsu Ryu is not just a style, but a lifestyle”. Purple Dragon is truly an international organization, shaped by its rich history, and is always improving for a brighter future.

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Our Instructors

Purple Dragon Karate in Conyers/ Grandmaster Jacob
Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob

Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob (H.B.Mg)

Founder and Chief Instructor – Purple Dragon International


Soke, creator, and founder of the international system of martial arts known as Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu. He has studied martial arts for over four decades and presently holds a 9th Degree Black Belt in Don Jitsu Ryu.

Grandmaster Jacob is one of the most sought-after martial arts professionals in the world today, and having conducted extensive research on the topic (martial arts), he is considered to be one if its most knowledgeable historians.

Grandmaster has taught and demonstrated with great success in countries such as England, Canada, USA, Hawaii, Japan, Australia, Africa, Nepal, India, China, and throughout the Caribbean, to name a few. He is considered by those who have seen and trained with him to be the most dynamic and complete martial artist that they have had the honour of witnessing and experiencing.

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Shihan Hayden Nurse

Dojo Instructor – Purple Dragon ATL


A 5th Degree Black Belt, Shihan Hayden  is a student of Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob who works to educate, motivate and inspire people through Martial Arts. He teaches Don Jitsu Ryu to ages 4 and older and specializes in encouraging all his students to bring out their greatness.

Shihan Hayden began his martial arts journey under Professor Neal Hewitt at the Combined Forces Dojos. In 2010, after being inducted in the Caribbean Martial Arts Hall of Fame, he migrated to the United States to pursue his Masters’ degree in Information and Educational Technology. While living in Florida, Shihan Hayden continued his training with Shihan Albert Andrews at the Purple Dragon South Florida Dojos.  In 2012, he traveled to Trinidad to test for his 2nd Degree Purple Dragon Black Belt, and upon his return he became an assistant instructor, supporting the Purple Dragon South Florida Dojos.

In 2013, Shihan Hayden moved to Atlanta, GA, and became an assistant instructor to Sensei Chris Coxall of the Purple Dragon Georgia Dojo.  After testing for his 4th Degree Purple Dragon Black Belt in 2016, Shihan Hayden sought permission from Professor Don Jacob to open and operate a dojo to help encourage and motivate residents in the Metro Atlanta area. 

Shihan Hayden sincerely believes that everyone has the ability to achieve success, and his mission is to help individuals of all ages realize their greatness.

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Purple Dragon Karate in Conyers. Sensei Hayden
Shihan Hayden Nurse