Adult Martial Arts Testimonials From Real Chester County Students

2013 Sept. 180Lbs 36"waist. 5'7" At this point in my life (Age 48) & with the advice of the Doc I decided to loose weight on my own. As a Business owner I worked irregular hours ate & drank what ever I wanted. I worked all the time and had no hobbies, as who has time for them. I decided to loose some weight using MY Fitness Pal & doing some irregular exercise (just cardio). I got down 165lbs. 33" Waist, However that did not last, more irregular work hours and a lack of focus on my self I was soon found myself getting back into those old suits.   By 2015 Feb, I was back up 175lbs & by April up another 4lbs to 179lbs. Not good. In October 2015, Master Somnath Sikdar with the Dragon Gym Martial Arts & Fitness, Exton, who was also attending David Frees's Mastermind group in Phoenix AZ., asked me to look into Tae Kwon Do. I told him I did not have time for that. I'm busy & have to much work to do. All I knew was I had to change something as what I had been doing up to now was not working. So I went to check out the Gym. He ask that I make a small commitment of working out 2 a week for 1-hr at the gym, except for when I was traveling for work or on vacation. I agreed. I had no other plans that that. Train twice a week. Wow. I look back now and wonder why it took me so long to see that I was on the wrong path. Since joining the gym, I have found myself more focused at work, I get things done faster and I feel Great & Happier at home and with myself. I am currently a 30" waist 159lbs. and who would have known, that my small commitment of training 2 times a week, is just a portion of my workout schedule now. I have completed a version of Tyson Franklin's 365 Day Mental & Physical Challenge (Workout 1Hr a day for 365 days) & I find my self a TKD Black Belt plus my personal best for a dead lift is 356lbs. Not bad for a "over weight, over worked, stressed out business owner with no time." Brian Slater 53   P.s. You get a free 1 on 1 orientation and consultation at the start. If you want to make it happen, click HERE to schedule that orientation and consultation.

I too was a parent who sat up in the balcony watching my daughter train for almost a year when my husband signed me up for TKD classes. Putting on that white uniform and stepping on to those mats for the first time, yep, I was a ball of nerves mixed with a ton of excitement...and since that first class, I have never looked back. We have made some amazing friendships that have turned in to being part of an amazing family. Dragon Gym has done so much for both myself and my daughter in helping us to lead healthier lives, build a higher level of self confidence, create goals and strive to achieve them, and to become a better person. It has also given myself and my daughter a much stronger bond through our training together. Was I intimidated, absolutely, this was something that was so out of my comfort zone...was I worried about not being able to do it, you bet I was,...was I even afraid that people might laugh at me, yes ....but after the most amazing welcome in my first class, receiving all the encouragement and support from everyone on those mats and truly finding out what Dragon Gym is all about, those fears faded away. I've been training for over a year now and the support and encouragement from everyone on the mats today is still as strong as it was that very first day. I am so grateful to have this amazing Dragon Gym family in my life and I encourage everyone to take that next step and join us on the mats!

Debbie Felker 

I echo the comments of the parents above, and of course I would as we all became fast friends on the mat and now, off the mat as well! I was in the balcony for only a few months (over 3 years ago!) watching how much fun my son was having and realized I belonged down there with him. The first class was tough for me, heck the first month was tough! I had to stop and breathe several times throughout the class and each time, everyone encouraged me to work at my own pace and get right back in there when I was ready! Every single person in class introduced themselves to me and made me feel welcomed from Day 1. We help each other, we watch out for each other. We train each other. Now, on Saturday mornings, several of us even train together to practice the curriculum outside of the class schedule while our kids take the make up class or serve as junior instructors. That is how much we love being students and parents at DG! As for me and my son, we teach each other forms and practice at home. We review stances, kicks and punches. He makes up crazy combinations to see if Mom can keep up (most of the time I CAN!). We are bonding over this and it's just one more way for us to spend quality time. Although he's on another mat at the same time I'm in class, I look back every so often and smile at him or give a thumbs up and he does the same. There is literally not one negative thing I could say about our experiences as a family at DG. So, come on down and join us on the mat! You won't be sorry! The more feet on the mat, the better!

Dina Hoegen Perreault

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

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

I have been coming to Dragon Gym for just over a year and its been enlightening, educational, fun, tough, motivational, calming..etc. I could go on and on but the most incredible aspect that always comes to mind about this place is commitment. The level of commitment demonstrated day in and day out by Master Som and staff is just amazing. My kids are learning so much as am I and I hope this journey continues well into the future! Many thanks!

Ken Sliwka

Hi, my name is Michelle, and I decided to finally take the jump and start Tae Kwan Do. My son, Michael, has been coming for about five years, and it's about time to head out of the balcony and onto the mats. It was a great time. I really enjoyed my first class.

Michelle W, DG Mom & Taekwondo Student

Dragon Gym (DG) is unlike any other gym, martial arts, and/or fitness center. There is an amazing variety of classes for adults to join. All fitness and age levels are welcome! Whether you want to get in shape, lose a few or many pounds, study a specific art, or enjoy a combination of all DG has to offer, you will find what you are looking for here. I have only been a member of the DG family for a few months, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the Taekwondo classes. The passion and depth of knowledge of the instructors are rarely seen in similar facilities. They have embraced the mind, body, and spiritual aspects of martial arts and fitness and yearn to share that knowledge with others. Learning is not just limited to the physical component of the art or fitness. Students will have opportunities to attend seminars about a variety of topics. Informative communication is received via email about muscle recovery, stretching, how to motivate yourself, applications of martial arts in your life, and a host of other topics. For the ladies looking for Taekwondo inspiration, Master Kim, a 4th degree black belt, will continually help you discover that your limit is always just a tad bit further than you thought. Overall, there is nothing I could write that would be more valuable than if you just stop by for a visit to verify for yourself all the positive reviews about Dragon Gym—which is exactly how I ended up 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.

Nikki Mace

Five months ago, I joined the Dragon Gym's Adult Taekwondo program. I loved watching my son train and decided I also wanted to be part of this community. I trained in Taekwondo over 25 years ago and have always regretted giving it up. The first few months were tough as my mind thinks I'm in my early 20s, but my body likes to remind me that I'm not! Through this whole process, Master Som Sikdar has been truly amazing. He explains and demonstrates techniques, offers examples for how and why we'd use different techniques, helps us modify movements based upon our physical abilities, and then holds us to higher standards as we progress. He celebrates our wins and helps us work through areas where we struggle. I have recently started training with kettlebells with Master Som and Pat Flynn to improve my strength and endurance, and that has been truly amazing! I'm stronger and more focused now than I was even one month ago. The staff and instructors at Dragon Gym are truly amazing and simply among the best of the best when it comes to providing fitness programs the whole family will love.   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.

Dina Perrault