Many parents are used to martial arts instructors saying that they are going to take a belt test in a certain time frame based on paying your tuition on time and taking a certain number of classes. This is not so with this martial arts program. Every student is considered an individual and is treated that way. You earn what you earn, so there are no participation medals given out. Students advance at their own pace. In ZEN DRAGON, it is not just based on movements, fighting, paid tuition, and showing up to class, rather the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the student. I would much rather have a student who can’t fight well but help an elderly lady get up if she fell than a student who would walk over a person in need of help but can fight well. The skill of a martial artist is just as important as their heart, body, soul, and moral compass. Therefore, to earn a belt, you must be growing towards the use and full understanding of the 36 laws of MIKIO SURAI Martial Arts Program, hence the motto “martial arts is more than fighting, it’s a lifestyle.”