Reviews From Our Exton and Berwyn Martial Arts Community

I wanted to start some form of martial arts for a couple of years but struggled to find the time between a busy work life and not wanting to take any time away from the family. However, with the kids training at DG, it created an opportunity for all 6 of us to train and spend time together with some common interests and goals. It started with our 3 youngest kids, followed by me and our oldest daughter, and then Sandie doing Tae Kwon Do. This was followed by 5 of us doing BJJ too. It is worth mentioning that I think we have been able to sustain and increase our interests over the past several years because of the people at DG. It is definitely a family and there is no other environment like it.

Matt Grulke

My daughter and I came to DG for one reason, and have stayed for one million reasons. It’s an awesome feeling to be able to share DG with my daughter. There is so much to help you grow on so many different levels. I started with Kickboxing when Olivia started TaeKwonDo. I was carrying five years of baby weight and in most likely the worst physical condition I have ever been in.  I spent a lot of time in the balcony watching Olivia and the instructors when I wasn’t in class. I was fascinated by the dedication of the instructors, how skills were taught and lessons were broken down, and watching Master Kim and Miss Lindsay, as well as seeing the progress Olivia made in her classes. That fascination inspired me to want to try TKD myself. I love learning and it was a new venture for me to apply that desire to learn to martial arts. So, three years later, I take/have taken kickboxing, Taekwondo, Kettlebells, and JiuJitsu. I have participated in challenges and meal plans. I am now in much better physical condition than I have been in many years as the result of of a whole lifestyle change which I would not have been able to accomplish without the knowledge and assistance of the instructors and staff of DG. What Debbie, Sandie, and Liz said is true... while starting may feel intimidating, the support from your classmates and instructors is amazing. It’s true that if you want to be successful you need to surround yourself with people who will help you get there. I can honestly say that if I didn’t have the relationships with people at DG that I do now, I would not have come as far as I have. The investment in myself and Olivia has been so worth it for the development of her character and of mine, for self-confidence, for physical conditioning, for mental toughness, and most of all for fun. Thanks DG- we love you. To the parents in the balcony- come down and take the first step- there is so much for you on the mats- don’t miss out on your chance to become the best version of yourself.

Alicia de la Torre-Yoder

I think starting to train at Dragon Gym was one of the best decisions of my life, my kids had been training for several years and I sat in the balcony, I made some friends up there watching the kids BUT the moment I stepped on the mats (black at first for kettlebells and then the gray for TKD and then BJJ) I made great friends more like family. It is extremely intimidating to step on the mats but everyone welcomes you, everyone has been there too. Besides the family I have made I am healthier, showing my children that health and exercise is important at all ages, you can achieve anything you want to but I also I train alongside my family. This fall Abbey and I are training for an all women’s jiu jitsu tournament. So to all the parents on the fence (or balcony) you will not be sorry, come on down!!!!  

Alexandra K Grulke

For me, it helps to be organized at home with meal planning and plan ahead simple meals for training nights. I typically train M/W/Fs and my two kids most often attend T/TH, all at 6:30. For me, that means I am coming right from work without going home first on those days. As a family, we are all used to eating later dinners, typically between 7:30 and 8, not only because of TKD, but also because of other after school sports and practices. So a healthy snack for us all prior to our classes helps with simple meals after on the days I train.

Liz Peck

One of the many things that we love about the DG program is that the boys and girls are together. All of the girls who are in with my boys are incredibly strong, intelligent, and capable both on and off the mat. It gives both sides the chance to integrate and appreciate the opposite sex without there ever being mention that they are doing so. Quite often we separate boys and girls not realizing that in doing so we may be implying that one is “better” than the other because of their gender. While on the mat with girls my boys are learning that each person is an individual with their own strengths and weaknesses- not that boys or girls are better just because they are boys or girls. And because of the social environment at DG the kids really recognize that my boys can be great cooks in the kitchen and a girl can rock their favorite video game- the gender stereotypes seem to be left at the door- who could ask for anything more! **Shout out to Hazel who regularly inspires my boys to try there best by constantly driving them with her natural strength and force. Our household is bummed that you are moving and will definitely be keeping in touch!**

Fran Munoz

As a relative newcomer to Dragon Gym and somebody who has been practicing martial arts on and off for 15 years in various martial arts studios, I can honestly say this is one of the best, well-rounded schools I have known. The instructors are very knowledgeable, caring and do a good job of fostering an environment that helps students grow.

Ksenija Sabic

My daughter started classes two months ago and learning so much. The instructors are dedicated, kind and engaged.  

Tim Thomas

Best instructors out there. Have had my son training at dragon gym for years. Has made a great improvement in him as a person as well as skills

Ed Goodman

Great place to challenge yourself physically and mentally, and in a welcoming environment. You’ll learn a ton and have fun along the way.    

Qaasim Ahmed

Dragon Gym is truly a family. You feel welcome from day one, and everyone is happy to help you learn and grow. The instructors are amazing, very friendly and helpful. As someone who didn't really have the drive to focus on fitness, it was great to find a place and people that made me actually want to make that an important part of my life.

Vic Charles