If you live in Exton, Lionville, Downingtown, or West Chester and have been searching for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that actually fits a Chester County schedule, this is the flagship academy. Dragon Gym HQ sits on S. Whitford Road off Lincoln Highway — a short drive from Main Street at Exton — and it is the home base of the DGBJJ program that now spans four open schools plus a fifth in Elverson.
Exton is where the BJJ program started as a small evening group and grew into a full weekly calendar: 5:00 a.m. classes for people who work in King of Prussia or Center City, noon classes for remote workers and parents, evening classes after the school run, Saturday fundamentals, and a Sunday women’s-only session.
Exton Location Instructors
Professor Kevin L. Barr — 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt, Head BJJ Instructor
Exton native. Bishop Shanahan High School. U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant (honorably discharged). West Chester University (BA Business Administration, BS Finance). Certified Financial Planner.
Kevin began training in 2002 under 5th Degree Alexandre Britto, competed to national rankings, and received his black belt in 2014 under Britto on the Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team. After two decades in finance he brought that same structured, adult-friendly teaching style onto the Exton mats. He coaches across the DG network and is the professor most Exton beginners meet first.
Professor Chris Taylor — BJJ Black Belt; 4th Dan Taekwondo & Hapkido
Trained directly under DG founder Grandmaster Chae T. Goh. Teaching in Chester County for 20+ years. Kukkiwon commendation (2008). Full-time Downingtown police officer. Gracie Survival Tactics certified instructor. Provides tactical training to law enforcement
Professor Thomas Palmer — 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt; COO
West Chester University graduate. Black belt 2017. Competition golds in weight and open divisions. Teaches adults and kids across Exton, Berwyn, Malvern, and Phoenixville.
Anthony Petrucci - BJJ Black Belt
Allen Krakowiak - 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt
John Lauber - BJJ Black Belt
Sandy Grulke - BJJ Black Belt
Programs Offered (Exton-specific)
Exton is the only DG location with the full BJJ week: early morning, midday, evening, weekend, kids, open mat, and women-only.
- Adult beginner / all-levels BJJ
- Advanced rolling and open mat (members)
- Kids BJJ (typically ages 8+)
- Sunday women-only BJJ
- Cross-training with Muay Thai, Taekwondo/Hapkido, and the 2,000 sq ft strength floor (barbells, kettlebells, Olympic weights)
- Network membership: train at Berwyn, Malvern, and Phoenixville on the same membership
This is not a competition factory. Competitors are welcome; most Exton students are adults who want practical self-defense, a serious workout, and a community that stays for years.
Adult BJJ — Exton HQ (published schedule; confirm at booking)
| Day | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon / Wed / Fri | 5:30 AM | Early class for commuters |
| Mon–Fri | 12:00 PM | Midday class |
| Mon–Thu | 7:30 PM | Evening class |
| Friday | 5:30 PM | Member open mat |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM | Class, then open mat at 12:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | Member open mat |
| Sunday | 12:15 PM | Women-only |
Kids BJJ — Exton
Tue & Thu 5:45 PM · Sunday 11:00 AM
New students start in the Quick Start course, then drop into the regular calendar.
Member Testimonials
“A beginner-friendly BJJ program where great instructors and supportive teammates help you feel welcomed and improve every day.”
— Gautam Datta
“This place is one of a kind. The second you walk in the door they make you part of their family—and to be honest, it makes you never want to leave… helping me lose weight, and just being a better person.”
— Tyler, longtime student
“I’m focused on jiu-jitsu, and I fell in love with the training from the very first days.”
— Pary
Address & Embedded Map
Dragon Gym Exton (Headquarters)
267 S. Whitford Rd
Exton, PA 19341
Phone: (610) 363-7575
Directions: Google Maps
Nearest major roads: S. Whitford Road and Lincoln Highway (Bus. Route 30). Minutes from Exton Square Mall, Downingtown, West Chester, and Malvern.
Parking & Arrival Instructions
- Parking: Private lot on site (Yelp/Maps: private lot + bike parking). Park in the Dragon Gym lot facing the building; do not block neighboring businesses.
- Entrance: Main entrance off the lot on S. Whitford Rd. Front desk greets you; staff will point you to the viewing loft or changing rooms.
- First-class kit: Athletic clothes are fine for the intro. With the Quick Start you receive an official DG gi.
- Showers: Men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers — useful after the 5:00 a.m. or noon class if you are heading to work in Exton or KOP.
- Parents: Viewing loft has sightlines into class.
Nearby Neighborhoods Served
Exton · Lionville · Whiteland Crest · Downingtown · West Chester · Malvern · Thorndale · Uwchlan · Chester Springs (south/central) · Glenloch
Google Business Profile
Search and review: Dragon Gym Martial Arts & Fitness — 267 S Whitford Rd, Exton, PA 19341
Open in Google Maps / GBP
Exton Location-Specific FAQs
Is there an early-morning BJJ class in Exton?
Yes. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:00 a.m. — the only DG location that runs a consistent dawn BJJ class.
Can I train at other Dragon Gyms on an Exton membership?
Yes. DGBJJ members can attend BJJ at Berwyn, Malvern, and Phoenixville.
Is there a women’s class?
Sunday 12:15 p.m. women-only at Exton, plus mixed classes all week.
Where do I park, and are there showers?
Private lot on S. Whitford. Locker rooms with showers on site.
I’m over 40 and have never done martial arts. Is Exton too intense?
No. The program is built as a beginner on-ramp (Quick Start + Foundations videos). Technique and leverage matter more than athleticism.