Traditional Martial Arts
for Children -- The Dragon Gym Instructors recognize
the importance of young individuals acquiring the confidence to become strong
leaders in their homes, schools and communities. This must be demonstrated by
their ability to make choices that create a positive influence on their family
and friends. A strong Mind-Body-Spirit relationship is the key for such
confidence. We believe the Dragon Moo Do system provides the essential tools for
personal growth and achievement. The Dragon Gym uses age specific classes to
ensure that each child gets the most out of their Martial Arts Training.
i.Improve Concentration, focus, and Listening
Skills
Tae Kwon
Do / Hapkido -- Traditional Martial Arts -- Adult Program
This program, exclusively
taught at the Dragon Gym and uniquely developed by Grandmaster Goh, blends the
best of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. Additionally, Master Sikdar has
incorporated kettlebell conditioning as well as some of the realities of bare
knuckle boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing into the program. This system is
indeed a modem application of the ancient and traditional Martial Arts.
The system is founded on two major principles first—UM/YANG and second KI or
Internal Spirit, which has the effect of transforming the practitioners.
The system is also a philosophy of mental discipline and self control which will
influence the student’s behavior and therefore encourage participation and pride
in their community.
In this way the Art is
used for the betterment of society.
Taekwondo (also
spelled tae kwon do or taekwon-do) is a martial art originating in
Korea. An amalgamation of Chinese, Japanese, and traditional Korean fighting
styles, taekwondo has become the world's most commonly practiced martial art,
and is the national sport of Korea as well as an Olympic sporting event.
In Korean, derived from
hanja, tae means "to strike or smash with the foot"; kwon
means "to strike or smash with the hand"; and do means "art of" or "way
of". Hence, taekwondo is loosely translated as "the art of hand and foot" or
"the way of the foot and the fist". Taekwondo's popularity has resulted in the
divergent evolution of the art. As with many other martial arts, taekwondo is a
combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment,
and philosophy.
Although there are great
doctrinal and technical differences among private taekwondo organizations, the
art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg's
greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance. In sparring,
turning (roundhouse), 45 degree, front, axe, and side kicks are most often used;
advanced kicks include jump, spin, skip, and drop kicks, often in combination.
Taekwondo training also includes a comprehensive system of hand strikes and
blocks, but generally does not emphasize grappling.
Hapkido (also
spelled hap ki do or hapki-do) is a dynamic and somewhat eclectic
Korean martial art. In the Korean language, hap means "harmony",
"coordinated", or "joining"; ki describes internal energy, spirit,
strength, or power; and do means "way" or "art". Thus, hapkido
translates literally as "joining-energy-way", but it is most often rendered as
"the way of coordinating energy" or "the art of coordinated power."
Hapkido prides itself on effective self-defense and as such
employs joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks, and other strikes. Hapkido
is an authentic Asian martial art of total self-defense; it deals with
countering the techniques of other martial arts as well as common "unskilled"
attacks.
Although hapkido contains both long range fighting and
infighting techniques, the end of most situations is to get near for a close
strike, lock, or throw. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting
movements, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage
through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of
strength against strength.
Dragon
Gym Kickboxing is a straight up, no-nonsense, REAL kickboxing program in West
Chester and Exton
PA. We train
full contact fighters, beginners and everyone in between. Students can expect to
get a great workout, understanding of striking fundamentals and knowledgeable
instruction from certified and field tested instructors. Classes are held on
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-8:30.
Style-
There are many different styles of kickboxing available; however, the most
effective and devastating of them all is Muay Thai or Thai Boxing. Dragon Gym
offers a Muay Thai style program under the auspices of Angel Cartagena and Body
Arts Muay Thai in Philadelphia.
What
you will learn-
Footwork- This is the most basic and important part of Kickboxing. Learning how
to properly move, close distance and create distance is the essence of all
martial arts
Punches- Whether it is a jab, cross, hook or uppercut you will learn the proper
way to throw effective hand strikes with pinpoint accuracy
Kicks-
High kicks, low kicks and teeps (push kicks) are an effective way to create
distance from an attacker and to easily dismantle them at the same time
Knees
and Elbows- This is what separates Muay Thai from everything else. No other
Martial Art uses Knees and elbows as effectively as Thai Boxing.
Clinch-
When it too close to kick or punch is when we use the world famous “Thai
Clinch”. Pulling in your opponent and controlling their head, neck and shoulders
allows you to in turn control their whole body.
There
are many more aspects of Thai Boxing that students will experience that cannot
be expressed in words. You will learn more about yourself than you ever knew
possible. Build friendships and experience true teamwork. It is often said that
when a student discovers Muay Thai the also discover themselves at the same
time.
Instructor- Lonnie Beck is the Head Instructor of the Dragon Gym Kickboxing
program. His teaching experience spans the Chester County community, including
martial arts schools and centers in Exton, Downingtown, and West Chester, PA. Over the last six years he has been taught by the best in the field of
kickboxing including Dennis Brumfield (USKBA Heavyweight Champ), Brian Petty (R.K.C.)
and Angel Cartagena (Body Arts Muay Thai). Over the last 18 years Lonnie has
dedicated his life to the Martial Arts earning a 3rd Degree Black
Belt in Taekwondo, a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Alliance BJJ).
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a
synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is
often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy"[1] or as "the Way
of harmonious spirit."[2] Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners
could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.
Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting
the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very
little physical energy, as the aikidōka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the
attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are
completed with various throws or joint locks.[3] Aikido can be categorized under
the general umbrella of grappling arts.
Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but began
to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with
the Ōmoto-kyō religion. Ueshiba's early students' documents bear the term
aiki-jūjutsu.[4] Many of Ueshiba's senior students have different approaches to
aikido, depending on when they studied with him. Today aikido is found all over
the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and
emphasis. However, they all share techniques learned from Ueshiba and most have
concern for the well-being of the attacker. This attitude has been at the core
of criticisms of aikido and related arts.
Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art
and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with
the goal of gaining a dominant position from which to force an attacker to
submit. The system is based a modified version of traditional Japanese Jujutsu
called "Jiu-do" which is based on the idea of soft overcoming the hard. In other
words, smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique to defend
themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant. BJJ can be trained for self
defense, sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA)
competition. Sparring and live drilling play a major role in training, and a
premium is placed on performance, especially in competition.
The
Dragon Gym offers several Kettlebell classes per week, all taught by certified
Russian Kettlebell instructors. In addition, Dragon Gym hosts three to four
Kettlebell meets per year. For more information about the Kettlebell Program at
Dragon Gym, please visit
www.extonkettlebells.com
The
kettlebell or girya (Russian) is a traditional Russian cast iron weight looking
somewhat like a cannonball with a handle. A favorite tool of the strongmen of
old, the kettlebell has enjoyed a revival of late. Many companies have begun to
produce their own brands of kettlebells and kettlebell exercise programs.
Proponents of the kettlebell consider it to be the ultimate tool for all-around
fitness and cross-training benefit. Kettlebell workouts increase strength,
endurance, agility and balance, challenging both the muscular and cardiovascular
system with dynamic, total-body movements.
The sport of
kettlebell lifting or girevoy has been nationally recognized and
played in Russia for decades, and its competitive exercises are the 'Two
Kettlebell Jerk' and 'One Kettlebell Snatch'; performed in that order for ten
minutes each. The competitor with the highest overall score wins.
What is meant by Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and No Holds Barred (NHB)?
Mixed
Martial Arts (MMA) generally refers to training or competition in a
developing sport. MMA is a relatively new term used to describe combat
sports which variously blend elements of striking and grappling with fewer
restrictions than historically legal. MMA-style training is probably the safest
form of physical preparation for a real-life NHB attack. A simple principle of
MMA training is to allow the most options while preserving safety. Certain eye
and joint attacks, for example, are prohibited in practice.
No Holds
Barred (NHB) refers to ‘any fight that occurs between two or more people
in an unregulated setting’. The name probably comes from catch wrestling in
which all techniques were allowed, thus no holds were barred from
use in the match. In practice this means self-defense or ‘street fighting’ and
has no rules or referee, at least while the fight is occurring. All true
fighting arts as well as newer systems such as JKD and Krav Maga have been
designed to address unrestricted NHB situations.
MMA as a
sport is evolving. The various fight leagues (Pride, K1, UFC, IFL, etc.) can be
thought of as testing grounds for various combative techniques and styles.
Conditioning methods will also continually undergo natural selection. It has
rapidly become obvious that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the world’s most advanced
ground fighting style. Striking has been influenced by western boxing and Muay
Thai kickboxing especially. The RKC™ system of kettlebell training is
revolutionizing conditioning for all athletes.
The
Dragon Gym MMA Class is held in a dojang, a training hall for the
traditional Korean martial arts. Please show proper respect for the Dragon Gym
and its’ members by removing your shoes, bowing before entering and leaving the
training area, and refraining from loud or profane language.
The safety
of all participants is our chief concern. Do not hesitate at any point to
stop if you perceive it to be unsafe to continue. Observe all warnings and
take all precautions to ensure your own safety and that of your training
partners. Please bring appropriate protective gear based on the amount of
contact you are willing to participate in. At a minimum, please bring and wear
a mouthpiece as needed.
Class will
focus on developing combative skills, primarily striking and techniques that
blend grappling and striking such as stand-up clinch fighting.
Physically you will be healthier and stronger than ever, plus you will
learn valuable practical self-defense. A strong body builds a strong mind.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
Increase endurance and stamina through Dan-Jun Breathing
Increase balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility
Control Weight through exercise and proper eating habits
Mentally you will build your inner strength and become a more powerful
and confident individual. A positive mental attitude provides the best ideas for
self-improvement.
MENTAL BENEFITS:
Increase self-confidence and self-esteem
Attain Total control of mind over body
Improve power of concentration
Increase self-discipline
Awareness of better living through physical fitness
Philosophically you will create, set, and strive to achieve your
personal goals. Through achieving your goals, you will increase your
self-respect, and lead a more productive and peaceful life. This self-motivating
program will help you get better grades in school, succeed in your career,
develop better social relationships, and be happier in everyday life.
The Tai
Chi Classes at the Dragon Gym in Exton, PA are held Mondays and Thursdays at
9:30 AM, Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, and Saturday at 9 AM.
- Low
impact, but yields aerobic and weight bearing benefits
- Relieve
Stress
- Improve
Balance
- Enhance
Focus
- Attain
Overall Mental and Physical Health
Tai Chi
is an ancient system of slowly flowing movements and shifts of balance that
strengthens the legs while conditioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankles,
knees, and hips, increasing their range of motion and making them more
resilient, less prone to injury. The constant weight shifts train balance and
body awareness, leading to confident ease of movement within the form and in
everyday life. Tai Chi is a physical exercise that focuses the mind, while
conditioning the body. Practicing twenty minutes a day dissipates stress and
reduces stress-related debilities, increases stamina, and strengthens the body
and will.
Western Science recognizes the following benefits of practicing Tai Chi:
increased oxygen uptake and utilization (more efficient breathing), reduced
blood pressure, slower declines in cardiovascular power, increased bone density,
increased strength and range of motion of joints, greater leg strength, knee
strength, and flexibility, reduced levels of stress hormones during and after
practice, improved immune function, and heightened mood states.
