Reviews of the Dragon Gym Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Programs in Exton, Berwyn, and Phoenixville, PA

Great teachers and great students... Joined the BJJ class with no experience and always felt like I knew them for a long time... All students are great, they help me to learn and be better every day..   Walking into a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for the first time can feel intimidating—new environment, unfamiliar techniques, and a room full of people who seem like they know exactly what they’re doing. But that’s not the experience at Dragon Gym Main Line. From day one, what stands out is the people. The instructors set the tone immediately. They’re knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in your progress. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the very first time or building on months of training, they meet you where you are. Every class is structured, purposeful, and focused on helping you improve—not just physically, but mentally as well. What truly makes the program special, though, is the culture among the students. It’s rare to find a group that’s both skilled and welcoming, but that’s exactly what you get here. New students are not left to figure things out on their own. Instead, they’re supported from the start. Teammates take the time to guide you through techniques, offer encouragement, and help you refine your skills. There’s a strong sense that everyone wants to see each other succeed. That’s why so many people describe the experience the same way: it doesn’t feel like you’re starting from scratch with strangers—it feels like you’re joining a group you’ve known for years. That kind of environment accelerates progress. When you feel comfortable, you show up more. When you show up more, you get better. And when you’re surrounded by people who are committed to helping each other grow, improvement becomes inevitable. At Dragon Gym Main Line, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about becoming part of a community that pushes you to be better every single day.

Gautam Datta

I’ve been training for five years in taekwondo and brazilian jujitsu. Dragon Gym has both great instructors and a great program. It’s helped with my confidence and discipline in both martial arts and day to day life. I’ve been training in Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for five years, and choosing to train at Dragon Gym in Berwyn, PA has made a huge impact on my experience. From the beginning, what stood out most was the quality of the instructors and the structure of the program. The coaching is consistent, focused, and designed to help you improve over time. Whether you’re working on fundamentals or more advanced techniques, there’s always a clear sense of progression. Training in Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here isn’t just about learning moves—it’s about building habits. Over the years, I’ve seen real growth not only in my skill level but in my confidence and discipline as well. That carries over far beyond the mats and into everyday life. The environment also plays a big role. There’s a strong sense of community, and you’re surrounded by people who are committed to getting better. That kind of atmosphere keeps you motivated and makes it easier to stay consistent over the long term. What I’ve appreciated most is how well-rounded the program is. Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu complement each other, giving you both structure and adaptability in your training. Combined with great instruction, it creates a system that supports long-term development. After five years, I can confidently say that training here has been one of the most valuable things I’ve done—not just for martial arts, but for personal growth as well.

Pary

"I love this place. I’ve been training here for two months now. The professors are awesome. I’m focused on jiu-jitsu, and I fell in love with the training from the very first days. It really feels like a big family, and I’m proud to be a part of it."

Rassul Kairliyev

I’ve been training at Dragon Gym Mainline for about a year now, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by friendly and welcoming staff who make you feel at home. The students are just as inviting—everyone is respectful, supportive, and always willing to help, whether you’re a total beginner or an advanced practitioner. A huge part of what makes this gym stand out is the head instructor, Tom Palmer. His jiu-jitsu skills are top-notch, but what really sets him apart is his ability to teach students at all levels. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to refine advanced techniques, he breaks things down in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. He creates an environment where learning is both challenging and fun, making every class something to look forward to. Dragon Gym Mainline is also a great place for women to train. In a male-dominated sport, it’s not always easy to find a gym where you feel safe and supported, but this gym is truly welcoming for women. The instructors and students foster a respectful and inclusive atmosphere that makes training both fun and empowering. If you’re looking for a high-quality jiu-jitsu gym with excellent instruction, a welcoming community, and a great atmosphere, Dragon Gym Mainline is the place to be. I’m grateful to be part of such a fantastic team!

Maria Migliaccio

I can’t say enough positive things about the BJJ program and people at DG Berwyn. I’ve never trained in the martial arts or wrestled so this experience is a completely new challenge for me. The gym is very clean and coaching / training is intense. The higher belts are very tough but always teaching and really foster a safe training environment. I’m able to attend Tues nights w Prof Tom P. and Thurs AM Coach George B. The instruction is very detailed, the training very challenging and so I continue to come back to learn more. If you’ve ever thought about learning BJJ, DG Berwyn is a great place to start. Thanks DG Team!

Justin Carreon

Been training adult BJJ at DG Phoenixville since it opened as the fourth DG location lead by experts who have been in this business several decades. Training is world class, facilities are brand new and my training partners are a diverse group of men and women improving their art and staying in shape. Highly recommend.

Rich Fanelli

Professor Tom and Sa Bum Nim Kyle are masters of their art, jiujitsu and taekwondo, respectively, and expert teachers of all ages. The guidance and confidence they provide help their students excel both off and on the mat. I’ve been personally training at the Dragon Gym since 2007. It’s the best martial arts organization and community around!  

Paul Loiacono

I started Jiujitsu a year ago looking for an alternative to traditional exercise. Not wanting to zone out on a treadmill or weight room, I searched for martial schools. Of the 3 on my short list I gave dragon gym a shot and I am greatly surprised at what I found. The staff and curriculum is awesome, what we do is hard work but when you see yourself progressing bit by bit it’s a sense of accomplishment that I don’t have any other comparison for. I think about training all the time and I hate when life gets in the way and I’m unable to get after it.

Jasper Robinson

I've been at Dragon Gym for a year, mainly for their BJJ classes. It's an amazing community where everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners, shares a passion for learning and improving in BJJ. I still remember my first class, when a purple belt partner successfully introduced me to the sport. The instructors are knowledgeable and always supportive. Another perk is the option to train at other Dragon Gym locations like Exton and Berwyn, giving you the chance to roll with people of varying skill levels. I absolutely recommend Dragon Gym.

Yahia Elboukili

Instructor Kyle is a great teacher and does a great job giving the kids confidence and discipline and seeing them learn is great. The jiu-jitsu program is also amazing under Tom, who is an amazing teacher and has world-class skills and knowledge, and I love everyone is also very nice and I love going every day.

Justin Loiacono

Highly recommended! Started their adult BJJ class a few months ago and cannot wait to go to class each day  

Tyler German

Enrolling in Dragon Gym's Adult Jiu-Jitsu classes is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Tom and Kyle are fabulous instructors and everyone is super friendly and willing to help beginners learn. Pricing is reasonable and they have an awesome starter package. Look no further!

Alec Dakin