Joe Grubb started training at the Dragon Gym in 2001 at the age of three.
He got his 1st Degree Black Belt at the age of six. Since then he has
trained directly under Master Somnath Sikdar and Master Lonnie Beck in Tae
Kwon Do and Hapkido. Currently a 4th Degree Black Belt and still
training. Joe also trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Joe Grubb has competed successfully in local and state tournaments
advancing to the USA Taekwondo National Championships. He also has
received certification in the SKILLZ teaching program. Currently the Head
Children's Martial Arts Instructor at Dragon Gym Main Line in Berwyn, Pa and at Dragon Gym Malvern.
10 Questions with Instructor Joe Grubb
1. When did you first become interested in Martial Arts training?
I was 3 years old. I remember how cool it was and thinking I’m learning
how to be a ninja that was an awesome feeling for me. I quickly had a goal
after I started training and that goal was to reach black belt. At the
time I thought it would take for ever but with hard work and dedication I
got my black belt in no time.
2. Why did you decide to enroll at the Dragon Gym.
It was my parents decision. I think the main reason was the instructors
where great with the kids and helping them succeed at being the best
person possible.
3. How did you get involved with teaching/becoming an instructor?
As a kid I always liked helping people. At the gym I started out just
running the warm up and and then doing more and more until I was running
the whole class start to finish. I really enjoy teaching kids. When I was
younger I remember looking up to my Instructors and wanted to be just like
them and now knowing that the kids I teach look up to me the same way. It
is an amazing feeling!
4. You’re also a certified Martial Arts
Instructor. How did you train for that achievement?
I have done extensive training in teaching martial arts. Especially in
kids and the different stages of physical, emotional, intellectual and
social stage of development.
5. Tell me a little bit more about your training regimen, including
cross training
Besides training in Taekwondo I have been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
and have learned a lot. The training I did when I was competing in
Taekwondo sparring and training for my 3rd degree black belt was pretty
intense I was training 6 days a week every week. Alternating between
regular classes competitive sparring and teaching classes. Right now I
train two - three times week in Taekwondo, two - three times in Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu. Also I have my own work out regimen that I do every day
6. What would your advice be for someone considering Martial
Arts training
If you are considering training just do it try it out if you don’t like
it try something else there is so many options that you will find
something you truly enjoy!
7. What about someone with ambitions of becoming a Martial Arts instructor?
Start small by helping people in class and grow from there. You learn so
much from teaching and it is an amazing experience.
8. What kind of benefits have you received from your Martial
Arts training at Dragon Gym?
Dragon gym has made me a well rounded person in side and out side of the
gym. It has helped me with good discipline, courtesy, Integrity, and
perseverance in my life.
9. What’s your next goal?
I have many goals for my self some short term goals and some long term
goals. One of my bigger goals is to reach 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo
and the Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this will be one of the best
accomplishments ever, knowing I’ve trained almost my
whole life for this.
10. What Fears and Reservations did you have about starting here?
I was very young when I started and did not have much fear but I think the
Instructors did an awesome job at make me feel comfortable.
Master Joe Grubb is the Head Instructor at Dragon Gym Main Line
812 Lancaster Ave.
Berwyn, PA 19312