As a busy family, we often felt like there wasn’t enough time in the day to do all the things we needed to do, let along fit in a workout. As the years went by, I fell more and more out of shape and increasingly disappointed in myself for letting this happen. When my doctor pointed out that my health was beginning to suffer, I knew we needed to shift our family’s priorities and make a major lifestyle change. Around the same time, some friends told us about a martial arts program that their daughter was involved with called Purple Dragon Canadian Headquarters, and how happy they were with it. I checked out the website, and the next day I contacted Jessy and enrolled my daughter in the Karate program and signed myself up for Kickboxing. I was quite nervous to try something new and so intensive, but the members of this dojo were so welcoming, helpful, and supportive.
I remember Shihan Daniel telling me that soon this Dojo would be like my second home, and that the members will be my brothers and sisters—and he was right. Soon after, my husband joined the program as well, and now we are both attending the Karate and Kickboxing programs, often four days a week. Six months later, my husband and I have both gone down two clothing sizes and lost a combined 68 pounds.
Under Shihan Daniel’s expert instruction, we are challenged weekly, learning the art form of Don-Jitsu Ryu and gaining fitness. I still have a ways to go, and some days our bodies are so tired and our muscles sore, but I remember what Shihan often says, “Just get yourself here, and we will do the rest”. I know he is right.
Thank-you Shihan for all that you do!
Kirsten and Clint