Tom Palmer

Tom Palmer

Head Instructor, Dragon Gym Main Line, BJJ Black Belt
  • Dragon Gym Martial Arts & Fitness
  • 812 Lancaster Ave. Berwyn, PA 19312
  • 610-647-4753

Instructor Thomas Palmer began his martial arts training at the age of 16 and has been teaching children 's martial arts for the last four years. In addition to being a certified Dragon Gym Children 's Martial Arts Instructor, Tom has a diverse background of sports, martial arts training and expertise. He has experience with Shotokan Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the tutelage of Alex Quintella and others.

As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt, Tom has been a successful competitor winning multiple gold medals in both weight class and open weight divisions.

In 2017, Tom also earned his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He holds a Bachelor 's Degree from West Chester University, has worked in the pharmaceutical industry and has now dedicated his career to teaching the martial arts and spreading their benefit to the community.

 

Get to Know DG Main Line's Head Instructor:

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Berwyn Devon Wayne pa1.      When did you first become interested in Martial Arts training?

 I first became interested in training in martial arts when I started watching the ufc back in 2009. I remember seeing a replay on TV of Forrest Griffin’s bouts against Tito Ortiz and Shogun and thinking that it was the coolest thing ever.

2.      How did you get involved with teaching/becoming an instructor?

 I first started becoming an instructor when I became a blue belt in Brazilian Jujitsu. At first my teaching was via the informal sharing of information amongst training partners. Eventually my coach asked to start showing a few positions I was strong with to the class. I loved coaching and teaching so much that soon after that I began instructing consistently.

3.      You’re also a Certified Martial Arts Instructor and BJJ Black Belt.  How did you train for that achievement?

I trained harder for martial arts then anything I had ever done. From the age of 17-20 I trained at a minimum 2 hours a day, 6 days a week. In the summer, I would train up to 4.5 hours. I simply became obsessed in a way I had never been before. Even when I went simultaneously went to college and began working in the pharmaceutical industry, I took every opportunity I could to train.

4.      What would your advice be for someone considering Martial Arts training

Don’t be afraid or intimidated to start. Everyone is a beginner at some point, so show humility and give it a shot. You will also be surprised to find that gyms are typically filled with people who are like minded, which is why you were all drawn to the same place.

Another tip would be to not give yourself excuses. A lot of people say “I need to get in shape before I try that.” Martial arts will get you in shape, and even people who are in shape get tired because martial arts is simply different then running or lifting.

5.      What about someone with ambitions of becoming a Martial Arts Instructor?

 You must dedicate yourself to the craft. If not, you run the risk of passing on uneducated information, which can lead to injury in this field.

BJJ berwyn devon wayne pa Dragon Gym Main Line Atos6.      What kind of benefits have you received from your Martial Arts training at Dragon Gym?

 Getting into great physical condition because of the plethora of different training modalities offered at the gym from martial arts training to strength and conditioning classes.

7.      What’s your next goal?

 Receive my Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Continue to help develop more confident and competent martial artists.

8.     What Fears and Reservations did you have about starting here?

Even though I have been in and out of gyms for the past 7 years of my life, I still have reservations about walking into new gyms. Dragon Gym was no different. It is the unknown which creates the reservation. However, everyone at Dragon Gym from the members, to the staff, to the owners are so welcoming that any fear or reservation quickly goes away.  

 

Berwyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion

 

Dragon Gym Main Line Head Instructor Tom Palmer

Offices You Can Find Me At

Berwyn Martial Arts School 812 Lancaster Ave Berwyn, PA 19312 Phone: (610) 647-4753 Get Directions +
Malvern Martial Arts School 235 Lancaster Ave. Malvern, PA 19355 Phone: 610-295-8775 Get Directions + Lincoln Ct Shopping Center
Phoenixville Martial Arts School 785 Starr Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 Phone: 215-870-2266 Get Directions + Starr Street Village (ACME)