Reviews From Our Exton and Berwyn Martial Arts Community

Hi, everyone. My name is Dina. I am a student at Dragon Gym. I've been here a little more than two years, and I started after watching my son, Michael, who's in the Extreme class, on the mat for a few months. I was in the balcony and decided that I wanted to join him because it would be much more fun if we did this together. So we've both been here a little more than two years, and we just love it. We tried so many different sports, and he just didn't like any of them. None of them stuck, and we got here and he just said, I love this. So sorta funny story on the way into work this morning. I was dropping Michael off at daycare, and he went to CCD last night, and he said, are you gonna sign me up again [for CCD] next year? And I said yes, why? And he said, well, it's kind of boring and they make me focus and read boring stuff, and they make me do what they're telling me to do. And I said, well, at Dragon Gym, they make you focus and you have to do what they tell you to do. And he said, yeah, but they're a lot more fun and I can make friends and I can laugh. And he said, and they really like kids. So I really love it here. Dragon Gym has just been wonderful for us, and we're so happy to be part of this family.

Dina P., DG Black Belt & DG Mom

What does becoming a Master level Martial Arts Instructor mean to me? By: Kim Mukalian My Journey in Martial Arts training began over 20 years ago at the Dragon Gym. Why here, why then? Well basically I needed to find some inner courage and strength to rebuild my own being and find self worth. This was a realization to me after years of being suppressed and controlled both physically and mentally by a person whom I thought “loved me”. After several failed attempts to leave the situation and having my self esteem and confidence taken from me, I prayed and asked for guidance and had had enough! There had to be more for me, more that I could believe in instead of fear? So I stumbled across Dragon Gym Martial Arts in the yellow pages in the phone book, took a ride down, had a one on one training session, and felt at home and excited about beginning a future here. I remember meeting Grand Master Chae T. Goh and he helping me through some knee issues, allowing me to train in a training shoe so that I could wear my orthotics. Also, one hot summer night playing dragon tail and hearing him say how elusive I was as the others tried to capture my tail. Kimmie, Dragon Gym Kim was what Grand Master Goh called me and wrote on a magazine spread that I was featured in, proudly displaying it on the now green walls. Again, this was a place I knew I felt safe and at peace, regaining that self confidence I had so sadly let slip away. I have learned so much here that has shaped me, from that once shy person filled with so much self doubt that many of my closest peers here may not have even known. I’ve been pushed beyond my physical and mental breaking points but not broken, made stronger and more resilient. I’ve been humbled by former Masters Instructors to teach me that not only being a good athlete is needed one must also be mentally sharp. One must rely on not only speed, high kicks and power but also on craftiness, precision, technique, skill and calm judgment not haste. I’ve learned to set those goals reach them reassess then set new ones, in the process helping others through my experiences. My journey here at the gym and in my life outside the gym has taken me out of some places I care not go again, but having gone through that adversity has shown me how strong of a person I really am. Had I become a statistic if I had not opened those yellow pages 18 years ago? My answer to that is that through faith God gave me the strength. And the Dragon Gym and my commitment to training my mind, body and soul gave me the place to bring it all together. I have a beautiful family a caring and supportive husband routing me on through this goal of becoming the Dragon Gym’s first female 4th Dan Martial Arts Master Instructor. So my wonderful journey has led me to now stay humble to my beginnings; respect and honor myself to be that inspiration, friend, teacher, supporter and role model to all those I come in contact directly and indirectly. That to me is what this journey to becoming a Master Level Martial Arts Instructor is a full circle a cycle to give back.

Kim Mukalian

My family has been training at Dragon Gym and Master Som for many years. Master Som'a teachings go way beyond Tae Kwon Do. He is constantly pushing us physically, to show us what we are capable of. He pushes us mentally, for example, when I get to an exercise I dislike I hear his voice in my head "it is because I am not good at this exercise and therefore I need to spend more time on it than others that I like or am better at." He shows how to use the techniques we are learning in real life situations. It is obvious that teaching is not his job but his passion. Fill out the form to the left to find out how martial arts could be the best choice you make for your health and fitness.

Sandie Grulke

Dragon Gym is so diverse that there is something for everyone. We started here years ago, with my daughter taking karate, while my husband continued his training. We had to stop for a few years, but my husband is now back to training with Rob Akers who makes it possible by adapting the workouts to keep my husband motivated! I joined after hearing all about "kettlebells," and since I wasn't getting any younger, I decided to give it a try. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—I actually call it fun! Every class is different, and the people are all encouraging and motivating. I'm happy to say going to the "gym" is now enjoyable. Thank you Master Som, Chris, Lonnie, and all the instructors that make this place amazing.   Fill out the form to the left to find out how Russian kettlebells and primal fitness could be the best choice you make for your health and fitness.

Barbara Brennan

I joined Dragon Gym almost a year and a half ago at the encouragement of a friend to try kettlebells. Since that time, through the phenomenal guidance of the instructors here, I have seen steady increases in my strength while simultaneously experiencing a loss of 30 pounds of body weight. The team at Dragon Gym is dedicated to the improvement of all the students and takes great pains to provide individual attention and encouragement. The other students are also extremely supportive and friendly. I highly recommend you stop by and give them a try.   Fill out the form to the left to find out how Russian kettlebells could be the best choice you make for your health and fitness.

Michael Groff

I could not recommend the Dragon Gym and its expert staff any more highly! Everyone I've been so lucky to meet and/or train with has been fabulous, and they really care about their students. They offer convenient class schedules that work great for my busy schedule. (I train at night, during the week, and on the weekend.) Also, they will teach you THE REAL DEAL, and you will see results. Case in point: Two years ago, I walked into the Dragon Gym for my first Russian kettlebells lesson. I had always heard how fabulous kettlebells were for conditioning and weight loss, and after being at my heaviest point at 162 pounds, 31% BMI, and by "the charts" borderline obese since I'm 5'3," I was sick of myself and ready for a change. I had my first orientation session on 10/26/10 and loved it. I was sore for a week, but I came right back and started in the class for beginners. I kept up with classes, going at least twice per week and slowly adding on more classes as they were available. I trained hard, stayed focused, and started seeing results right away.  So, six years later, I haven't missed more than a week at the gym. I am generally there 4-5 days a week—3 at minimum. I love it. I have made so many new friends and really "found" myself by training at the Dragon Gym. I've also made major body composition changes. As of last week, I'm now down to 129.6 pounds—the first time the scale has been below 130 since college. I am also now down to 24% BMI and am starting to really see some nice muscular definition. (The 6-pack is starting to peek out!) I also got pretty darn strong, too. And besides all of that, my issues with my knees, wrists, and lower back pain are gone due to increased joint mobility and the muscles I've strengthened training with kettlebells.   I completely attribute my success to the super encouraging and knowledgeable staff at the Dragon Gym. I am forever thankful and indebted to all of my family at the gym for supporting me along my journey. (And, yes, I do consider them my extended family. I've made so many friends there that I know I will have for life.) This gym has absolutely changed my life.  I would say that almost all the students at the gym have a similar story as far as seeing results and/or exceeding their training goals, no matter what their discipline—taekwondo, kettlebells, Muay Thai, etc. All of the instructors are great, and even if you don't train with them, they’re all more than willing to answer a question or assist you. It really is a family atmosphere, and I recommend training at the Dragon Gym to anyone who takes health and wellness seriously.   Fill out the form to the left to find out how our Russian kettlebell classes could be the best choice you make for your health and fitness.

Kristin Dankanich

I started going to Dragon Gym last April for Muay Thai classes, and it's one of the best decisions I've made. I get an hour break from life, and I get to hit the pads to release stress. I feel great afterwards and look forward to each class. I've even started my six-year-old daughter in the taekwondo class for kids. Her instructors are terrific. Good people here!   Fill out the form to the left to find out how martial arts could be the best choice you make for your health and fitness.

Stephanie Falcone

I have been coming to the Dragon Gym Muay Thai kickboxing program for over seven years now, and I’ve never regretted my decision to give this gym a try! This place has become like a second family. I’ve grown close to so many people, and you can tell everyone really cares and is looking out for each other. I’ve also learned so many awesome skills! Before training here, I never thought I could do the things that I do now, and I continue to learn more every day.  I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone of any age or skill level. It’s a great place to train.   Fill out the form to the left to find out how martial arts could be the best choice you make for your health and fitness.

Erica Gonzales

Our son has been taking classes at the Dragon Gym for a year and a half now, and we are thrilled with the changes we have seen in him in that short time. In raising our son, we have found that challenges come and go so quickly, and the Dragon Gym has been there to help in so many ways. Not only has it provided him with physical training and control, it also works on his character and values. We are so happy to see the lessons he has learned in class being applied to his life at home and school, as well. The instructors work so well with the students and truly care about their work and relationships with the families. The Dragon Gym has become such an important part of our son's life and ours, too. His last birthday party was also held here, and he was so proud to get up and teach his friends all that he has learned! We recommend this gym to all of our friends in the area.   Fill out the form to the left to find out how martial arts could be the best choice in activity you make for your child.

My son has been going to Dragon Gym since he was four years old. He's always been extremely active, but we just couldn't find any sport he would stick with. At Dragon Gym, they really worked with him (especially the incredible Master Lonnie)! They work with my son's personality, his insecurities, his lack of focus—making it such a personal experience. He is now eight and calls himself a ninja, and I believe I have Dragon Gym to thank for that! His confidence level, self-discipline, and respect for himself and others are noticeably so much better. He is now known as someone who defends his friends and even strangers who are being bullied. Dragon Gym is so much more than a fitness program. It affects your physical, mental, and emotional body and your way of life.   Fill out the form to the left to find out how martial arts could be the best choice in activity you make for your child.

Peggy Carroll-Henry