The New Game

Dallas-Fort Worth has become known for hosting some of the hottest youth, grassroots, college, and high school basketball events in recent years. It’s a city that has become a must-stop for both watching and participating in these events.

Guess what, basketball fans? The city of Dallas just got even hotter with a new concept that is fun, competitive, and beneficial—something all basketball players will get something out of.

Jermaine Beal, a former Desoto High School 2006 graduate who went on to play college basketball at Vanderbilt University and overseas, is bringing a new game called The Dojo Games to Desoto on August 30.

This unique basketball concept will be fun and beneficial for all players involved in this exciting new event coming to the metroplex.

We went 1-on-1 with Coach Beal to talk about The Dojo Games.

Jermaine Beal

1. What is the purpose and your vision for Dojo Games?The purpose of the Dojo Games is to create a competitive, fun, and educational environment where players can push themselves to new limits. My vision is to make it the ultimate basketball skills challenge — a place where competition meets growth, where the lessons go far beyond the court. I grew up watching old, ancient kung fu movies where the student would train under intense conditions, learning discipline, focus, and mastery. That inspired me to build something similar for basketball — a “dojo” where young athletes can test their skills, sharpen their minds, and build the mental toughness needed to succeed in life.2. How did you come up with this concept?The concept came from blending my basketball training experience with my love for those old kung fu films. In those movies, the training was as epic as the battles — full of creative challenges that tested both skill and character. I wanted to bring that same energy to the gym. I thought, “What if we made training feel like a game, but still pushed players to their limits?” That’s when Dojo Games was born — a place where skill meets strategy, where every challenge is a step toward mastery.

3. What can the players and their parents expect from this event?Players can expect high-energy challenges, skill-based games, and live filming that makes them feel like they’re part of something big. Every drill and competition is designed to sharpen their skills, test their decision-making, and bring out their best under pressure — just like the intense training sequences from the movies I grew up on. Parents can expect a safe, organized, and positive environment where their kids are encouraged, challenged, and supported. By the end, they’ll walk away with improved skills, more confidence, and an unforgettable experience that’s both fun and transformative.