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

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

My family has been training at dragon gym for 2 years now. I trained at other gyms prior to moving onto the area, and I have to admit I was nervous about finding quality instruction along with a great atmosphere when I moved. Fear not! Dragon gym is THE place for you and your children on the main line!

George Bannon

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

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 Exton 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