Traditional Martial Arts -- Adult Program
This program, exclusively taught at the Dragon Gym and uniquely developed by Grandmaster Goh, blends the best of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. Additionally, Master Sikdar has incorporated kettlebell conditioning as well as some of the realities of bare knuckle boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing into the program. This system is indeed a modern application of the ancient and traditional Martial Arts.
The system is also a philosophy of mental discipline and self control with the intent of influencing the student's behavior, encouraging participation in the community, and promoting the betterment of society.
Get our Starter Package: Video Tutorials, Beginner’s Guide, Class Schedule, Prices, and Web Specials!
All of our students start the same way, with our Quick Start Program. It's great for beginners, with no prior experience. The quick start course includes both private and group instruction so that new students can try out the program in a suitable environment. One of the great things about this program is that it gives us a chance to evaluate your progress and abilities while giving you the opportunity to observe classes, see the facility, meet the instructors, and learn about the benefits of Martial Arts and Kettlebells. Fill out the form to the right to contact us today about getting started and schedule that first lesson. Every journey starts with a single step...TAKE THAT STEP!
"Master Sikdar is truly a master of his craft and technique. His ability to translate the art of TKD and Kettlebells is tremendous. He is very passionate about what he does and wants his students to be the same. If you choose Master Sikdar as your trainer you will not be sorry. "
-Bill Webb, Glenmoore, USA
What you will learn -
Basic Blocks, Strikes, and Kicks -- This is the essential syllabus of Tae Kwon Do. You will learn to effectively create distance and counter an attack.
Fundamentals of falling, rolling, joint locks, and throws --
These are the signature moves of Hapkido. What is more important than being able to protect yourself during a fall? Additionally, you will learn useful techniques at a close range.
Boxing/Muay Thai/Sport Taekwondo -- A big part of training in the martial arts is sparring. Sparring at Dragon Gym is always conducted in a safe way and combines some of the rule sets of all these styles. It is not merely fighting, rather, a way for you to develop comfort when dealing with unknown situations and conquer fear.
Russian Kettlebells -- Russian Kettlebells and the principles of the RKC system are integrated into the Martial Arts program at Dragon Gym. You will learn the basic techniques: Swing, Turkish, Get Up, Front Squat, Clean, Press, and Snatch.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Martial Arts at the Dragon Gym
Physically you will be healthier and stronger than ever, plus you will learn valuable practical self-defense. A strong body builds a strong mind.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Increase endurance and stamina through rigorous training & Dan-Jun Breathing
- Increase balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility
- Control Weight through exercise and proper eating habits
Mentally you will build inner strength and become a more powerful and confident individual. A positive mental attitude provides the best ideas for self-improvement.
MENTAL BENEFITS:
- Increase self-confidence and self-esteem
- Attain total control of mind over body
- Improve power of concentration
- Increase self-discipline
- Awareness of better living through physical fitness
Philosophically you will create, set, and strive to achieve your personal goals. Through achieving your goals, you will increase your self-respect, and lead a more productive and peaceful life. This self-motivating program will help you get better grades in school, succeed in your career, develop better social relationships, and be happier in everyday life.
About the Head Instructor
Master Somnath Sikdar
5th Dan Black Belt, RKC, SFG, FMS
Master Somnath Sikdar is the Head Instructor at the Dragon Gym and has been training in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido for over 25 years under Grandmaster Chae Teok Goh. He is currently a Fifth degree black belt and is certified by the World Taekwondo Headquarters (Kukkiwon). His training has covered a broad spectrum of martial arts to include a variety of weapons, self-defense, traditional and sport Tae Kwon Do. He has also studied Hapkido under Grandmaster Han Jae Ji.
In conjunction with martial arts, he instructs training with the Russian Kettlebell, and holds the Level 1 RKC and Level 1 SFG Certifications. While the focus of kettlebell and barbell training is strength, the other side of the same coin is function and quality of movement. For this reason, Master Sikdar uses the functional movement screen with his students and is a Level 1 and Level 2 certified FMS expert.
Master Sikdar has competed successfully in local, state, and collegiate tournaments. In addition, he continues to study western boxing, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has attained a BSE in Electrical Engineering, along with minors in Systems Science and Economics, from the University of Pennsylvania. While completing this degree he was the President, Head Instructor, and Coach of the University of Pennsylvania WTF Tae Kwon Do Team.
Master Sikdar still coaches competitive Taekwondo athletes and is an active advisor to the UPENN WTFTKD Team and the West Chester University Taekwondo Team.
Praise for Master Sikdar's Program and Classes
You can see why Dragon Gym is so often Voted #1!
By Chris Duffy / West Chester, United States
I discovered the Dragon Gym shortly after moving to the Philly area in 2003. My son was 5 and I was looking for a fun activity that he could do to meet more people in our new city. Alexander had a great time training and I enjoyed watching him learn and develop his own sense of balance and coordination, and the sense of accomplishment that comes along with it. He also really liked being with the other kids.
Each class, I would sit in the balcony and watch him, but also couldn't help sometimes watching the adult class in the back room. It was always a large group and they looked like they were really enjoying it. Plus, the intensity was remarkable. One night, after class, I asked Alexander how it went. He said, "It's great, Dad! You should try it too." Well, why not, I thought. I'm also new to Philly and looking for my own way to meet people, but also looking for new opportunities to stay active and fit.
So the next week I signed up and have been here ever since. I started training under Master Lonnie in the lunch time classes and then added evening classes too. Today, I train almost exclusively with Master Sikdar. Between the two, you can see why the Dragon Gym is so often voted #1 in Chester County.
My time at the Dragon Gym is coming up on 10 years now and I have to say that I attribute this longevity to a combination of great things. The training is marquee and I feel as fit as ever! After recently crossing the 50 threshold, it definitely keeps me feeling young! Tae Kwon Do is such a great "all-body" activity - for flexibility, agility, strength, and endurance --And this means my everyday "quality of life' is excellent. The bonus is the community and the friends I've made here over the years.
I think I've achieved a lot of personal goals here, and they've changed over the years as I progressed in my training. Initially, I didn't think about earning my Black Belt, but rather to stay active and fit and have something in common with my son. As I progressed, I could see how much I was enjoying it and eventually the goal of Black Belt became a reality. Along the way, new physical challenges were there as well - new skills to learn -- and also new friends to make.
Excellent Instructor!
By Liz Peck / Downingtown, United States
I am new to Taekwondo and Instructor Sikdar has been instructing me since Nov 2012. I love the way he breaks down new steps and skills, continually reviews and reinforces known steps and skills, and uses these known skills to build upon the new ones. He challenges me to train at my ultimate best and I look forward to many years ahead of training under him.
Best of the Best
By Tom Porrecca / West Norriton, USA
I have trained for 24 years in five different martial arts gyms. I came back to the dragon gym after being away for 20 years bringing my grandson with me to train in what I know is the best gym. We drive an hour to get to the gym but it is worth the time. If you are going to train, train with the best of the best
Favorite Instructor
By Kevin Porrecca / Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Master Somnath is my favorite instructor. He explains what we are doing and why. I like how he demonstrates what we are doing step-by-step. He really wants to make sure you do it right and will help you modify your technique to improve it. If you are training with him already you know what I mean, and if you aren't you better start!
True Master
By Bill Webb / Glenmoore, USA
Master Sikdar is truly a master of his craft and technique. His ability to translate the art of TKD and Kettlebells is tremendous. He is very passionate about what he does and wants his students to be the same. If you choose Master Sikdar as your trainer you will not be sorry.
Practical Martial Arts Training
By Shiva Menon / West Chester, USA
If you need martial arts training that will stick with you forever, you need to train at Dragon Gym. Head Instructor Somnath Sikdar is very sincere and knowledgeable not only in the art but also the science behind it. He brings a unique ability to break down the ancient martial art techniques into today's physio-medical science. The same philosophy is taught by other instructors as well at Dragon Gym. This way, you get to learn how each technique benefits you while you are training and in your everyday life. The end result is that you become a well-informed student of martial arts. I would highly recommend training at Dragon Gym if you get a chance.
DEDICATED
By Bill Webb / Glenmoore, USA
It is a complete pleasure and honor to train the art of TKD under Master Som. He is the most dedicated individual I have ever met. Master Som provides us with the foundation to succeed and be the best martial artist we can be. I am proud to call Dragon Gym my home.
A Great Instructor
By Steve Freides, RKC-TL / Ridgewood, NJ, USA
I was very pleased to work with Som on my Team at the 2011 Philadelphia RKC. He is a supportive, attentive teacher, very strong but carries himself humbly. Anyone who gets the chance to work with Som should jump at the opportunity.
The BEST there is!!!
By Bill Webb / Glenmoore, USA
Master Som is a great instructor. He is very detail oriented and is always pushing his students to their limits and then some. He is also very concerned for our safety and reminds us of what we need to do as students to be ready for our training during the extreme heat of summer. I could not ask for a better person to learn TKD from.
Not only does he care about our martial arts life but he is always asking how we are doing in general. I recently injured my back and shoulder and he was a great person to lean on for advice on how to stretch it out so that I could continue training. Thanks Som for being the person you are.
Achievement Through Strength Conditioning
By Bruce MacNeill / West Chester, PA
I've been training in Tae Kwon Do for four years. Almost immediately Kettlebell training was incorporated into our Tae Kwon Do curriculum by Somnath Sikdar. Over the years as Master Sikdar instructed us in proper Kettlebell training my ability to perform in the rigors of Tae Kwon Do has advanced. Having the physical strength to perform the techniques required in advancement of my training is critical to success.
Master Sikdar has a well structured understanding in the theory of training and is able to translate the complex evolutions of Kettlebell techniques in simple terms that allow all of his students to safely perform. As I train under Master Sikdar I find my strength increasing to higher and higher levels. As an example when I started I felt that a 16 Kg Kettlebell was too much for me to handle. Now I am throwing around 28 Kg bells and feel that I should probably be using the next higher bell at least.
I'm really a stronger student thanks to Somnath Sikdar and Kettlebells
Best training (in 15 yrs) I've ever had.
By John Reilly / Exton, PA
I've wrestled, done weight lifting, and study martial arts for over 15 years, and I've never had such complete and through instruction from a school, program, or instructor. Master Sikdar is truly a one of a kind and I recommend him enthusiastically. If you are thinking about weight training, conditioning, or martial arts, then look no further than the best I've ever worked with in Pennsylvania.
The ability to understand what he wants
By Ashley Smith / Coatesville
Since I have start these classes with Master Somnath Sikdar I as a person has remembered that I can do anything that I want to if I put my mind to it. I really only started to get into losing weight after my kids to get my confidence back from everything. In the end I am not only getting my confidents about myself but I am getting it about everything that I do. I have not yet met my goal weight but I am on my way to it and it is all to the fact of coming to dragon gym. The way Master Sikdar teaches is good because he breaks it down as much as possible for you to understand it. Even if you don't understand it just ask, then he will explain it as much as possible. This was a great choice to come and I am glad that I have done.
Translating Kettlebells to Powerful Martial Arts
By Matt Garvic / Chester Springs, PA
Master Sikdar's ability to translate the Kettlebell techniques to powerful martial arts movements has greatly improved both my health and my training. He interweaves simple and complex Kettlebell exercises into traditional Tae Kwon Do kicks and punches to make a more powerful and confident student.
Having no Kettlebell instruction in the past, I was highly impressed by Master Sikdar's training method, helping me to quickly master the basic techniques. This did not go unnoticed by the Kettlebell instructor at my work gym, who called me out in one of his classes. Most importantly, Master Sikdar leads by example. He can out lift all of us, never to show off, but instead to inspire.
Simply the Best
By Tony Carroll / Downingtown
I've participated in sports, conditioning, weights, etc for the majority of my life and I can't remember feeling as good as I do now.
Som is a master at knowing when and how to push someone to find their limits and then help go one step beyond. He has the best technical knowledge that I've ever come across, which is coupled with a vast understanding of how the body works and reacts to different types of physical conditioning.
If you want to get into shape, be motivated doing it and feel part of a community that cares, then get your butt to the Dragon Gym and seek out Somnath Sikdar...he's simply the best!
The Man
By Bill Webb / Glenmoore
I am extremely lucky to have Master Som as my TKD instructor. After losing 160 pounds I decided to give TKD a try. This is my first time attempting any type of martial arts and I am very pleased with the Dragon Gym. Master Som is very patient with his students and is constantly providing encouragement and praise. He takes time to explain the fundamentals so that you can understand them and perform them to the best of your ability. Under his instruction my body is doing things that I never thought possible. He truly is "The Man" and he will push you to be the best student you can be. Dragon Gym and Master Som are #1 in Chester County for a reason, THEY CARE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO!!!
Thankful for Master Somnath.
By Andy Chapis / West Chester
I am truly grateful to have Master Som as my instructor in strength training and the martial arts. Not only is Som extremely knowledgeable and proficient in the arts, but also has the ability to articulate it in ways I can understand and learn from. Integrating the Kettlebell with self defense and martial arts training has given me the most complete work out of my life. At 46 years of age and having had several shoulder surgeries, I never imagined I would ever have this opportunity or meet this challenge, with many more to come. Master Som and The Dragon Gym's value system encourages me to be a better and more productive person on and off the mats.
There's brain behind the muscle
By Dilip Yarabothu / Philadelphia, PA
As a doctor, I'm unfortunately very busy with 80 hr work weeks but my goals included building about 10 lbs of lean muscle mass. I've had a VERY hard time putting on weight but Som was able to tailor a workout regimen that takes no more than 30 min a day , 3-4 times a week and I've finally seen gains again after what seems like 10 yrs of plateau at the gym. Very impressed and thankful. Thanks Som!
Absolute Master of his Craft
By Jason C. / West Chester, PA
I have only been a part of the Dragon Gym family for about 4 months now, but never have I learned more about my body, how to mold it into the best shape possible, and feel better about myself more in my life than working with Master Somnath. I have had experience with Kettlebell training prior to meeting Somnath, but he has pushed me to a limit I thought I could have never reached and seen myself move more weight than I ever thought possible. With the workouts that he creates, he is always keeping me on my toes and always there to correct a movement and make sure I advance along in my training. Not only that, he has got me involved in Tae Kwon Do and absolutely loving it. Though my schedule is quite often hectic and times are sometimes out of reach, he is always willing to take time away from class to teach me movements and techniques. Being able to train with an RKC certified instructor like Master Sikdar is something that I will always be thankful for, and never take for granted.
Patience
By CKahn / West Chester, pa
Master Sikdar has the patience that is so needed to train students of all age groups and physical abilities. Helping each reach their own potential at their own pace. I have been a TKD student for almost 2 years and when I started I was out of shape and hadn’t ever followed a regular exercise program. At 40 I struggle with moving properly but because of Master Sikdar's incorporation of kettle bells as a mandatory part of our training he has shown me how bells and TKD share movements and that by doing bells it will strengthen the same muscle groups that are essential to perform martial arts. I have seen a vast improvement in what I can do physically since then.
Superb Instructor
By Vicki / Downingtown, PA
Training with Som is the BEST, because he not only teaches you how to do something, he teaches you why you do it, which helps you do it better. He is an insightful, intelligent trainer who genuinely wants you to become your best and will help you get there. Training with Som is an awesome experience, his workouts are challenging and effective and his instruction is stellar. If you are looking for a positive change and results that last, he's the person to go to!!!
Top Notch Instructor!
By Pat Flynn RKC / West Chester, PA
Working with Master Somnath Sikdar at Dragon gym has been an absolute life changing experience. I first met Som when he began coaching my university Tae Kwon Do Team. He quickly introduced me to Kettlebells and the RKC School of strength. I have worked with many different instructors and trainers in the past, yet none have inspired me or helped me reach my full potential like training with Som has. He has an incredibly deep understanding of martial arts, fitness, and self discipline, but the most important, which truly makes him one of the most outstanding professionals I have ever worked with, is his patience. Som takes the extra time, and goes out of his way to make sure you understand and that you succeed. It was by training under Som, that I was able to obtain my RKC, and without his help, I really doubt I would have ever done that. I cannot recommend his services enough, if you ever have the chance to work with Master Sikdar, take it immediately!
A Master at his craft...
By Gail Hughes / Exton, PA USA
Training with Master Somnath Sikdar has been a truly enlightening experience these past six years. He is always there for you, even when you think you can not accomplish something. He will show you another way to look at it, and it will all come together. Incorporating Kettlebells into our TKD training has helped everyone gain strength and endurance, making the cross over amazing. Anyone who trains with Som will benefit from his wisdom, and he will help them reach their full potential!
All That And More...
By Christopher Duffy / West Chester, PA
I've had the very good fortune of training under Master Somnath Sikdar for the past seven years and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had absolutely no martial arts training beforehand and personally credit him with the martial artist I am today.
I can't possibly convey here the wisdom I've gained from being his student, though I'm 20 years his senior. Through him, I've achieved goals I had never considered or thought possible. My time with Som has allowed me to carry his teachings into other parts of my life, and I'm a better person for it -- in and out of our dojang.
Som is an excellent motivator, knowing just when to push and went to back off (but only just a bit!). He practices what he teaches and is the ideal role model for any martial artist, always leading by example. His teaches with authority, reinforces with intensity, and supports with empathy.
Train with the Best!
By Jennifer Braccia / Exton, PA
I have had the pleasure of training under Master Somnath Sikdar for the past seven years in Tae Kwon Do and now, Kettlebells. He is smart, clear and focused on results. He is patient with his students, pushing them to reach their full potential. Som's integration of Kettlebells into the Tae Kwon Do program has truly improved my overall performance. He has helped me to realize a level of strength that I did not think I could achieve. I have never left one of Som's classes without learning something new and that is a mark of a truly great instructor. I am very lucky to train under Master and RKC Somnath Sikdar!
Works perfect for me
By Hong Mu / Exton, PA
I have been working with Somnath for 3 years on both TKD and Russian Kettlebell. He is the kind of instructor with not only superior physical skills set, but also the captivating ways of training. He keeps challenging us but never repeats same patterns. So I never felt mentally bored or tired even I am physically beaten. After 3 month, I find an improved me. And that's the whole point, right.
A master-Instructor every martial artist should strive to be
By Monte Rummer / Exton, PA
The first martial art I started at Dragon Gym Exton, PA was kickboxing. While training, I would watch Master Somnath train others in TKD. I was amazed at his skill and also how much he motivates his students. So I told myself, I want to be a part of that and train under him. He is extremely intelligent and is constantly researching every aspect of multiple martial arts which are constantly changing. This also goes along with conditioning. He stays on the cutting edge of modern martial arts conditioning.
He is a Master in every aspect.
Best Instructor You Could Ask For!
By Kat / Exton, PA, USA
Before I trained with Som, everything I did with Kettlebells just seemed a little off. After working with him before Tae Kwon Do classes I became much more aware of the different body parts used in workouts.
Som will definitely push you to do your best, but he helps you through it step by step. Be prepared to get a real workout from him and to feel amazing afterwards. He WILL push you, but because of Som I was finally able to move up a bell weight.
Som is an even better instructor if you do Tae Kwon Do, because its way of thinking transfers over so easily into Kettlebells. However, anyone wanting to power through a tough workout should train with Som. He's the best!
Being the Best You Can Be
By Bruce MacNeill / West Chester, PA
I have been very fortunate to be able to train under Somnath Sikdar’s' tutelage for the last three years in Tae Kwon Do and Kettlebells. I have been "working out" pretty much my whole life (of 59 years). Most of my training had been on my own, learning on my own. Somnath has provided me with a much better understanding of the complex issues related to really training well and getting the best out of you. He is patient, clear, and concise when teaching Tae Kwon Do and Kettlebells. His knowledge is encyclopedic. Somnath has the great gift of inspiring one to push one's envelope and go far beyond your comfort zone, to be better than your best! This type of training is where giant strides in physical, mental, and spiritual fitness are achieved.
Kettlebell Training was instituted almost immediately as an integral part of my Tae Kwon Do training when I started training. I have experienced increases in strength and cardiovascular fitness that allow me to perform very well in Tae Kwon Do. I will be testing for my first degree Black Belt soon and have the confidence that I will meet the rigorous demands of this pursuit. I feel so good about what I've accomplished. I could not have gotten to the level that I am at without the help that Somnath has given me so that I could remain fit, focused, and motivated.
I've told Somnath that I plan to continue training into my 70's. I believe that the combination of Somnath' guidance, Kettlebells, and Tae Kwon Do will get me there.
Greatest Trainer/Instructor I worked with in years.
By Linwood Smith / Exton Pa, USA
Master Somnath Sikdar is one of the Best trainers in the Philadelphia. He makes a commitment to all of his students to pour as much knowledge into them as he can. I have known Somnath for over a decade, and a year ago he introduced me to Kettlebells. Ever since I started training with Kettlebells my life changed dramatically. I now have my HKC, lost nearly 100 lbs and have become a more explosive martial artist, as well as a more balanced family man and friend. I owe this to my master in martial arts and RKC Instructor, Master Somnath Sikdar
Pound for pound one of the best
By Lonnie / Exton, Pa
I have been training with Somnath for nearly 20 years in the martial arts. Since incorporating Kettlebells into his personal workouts and class curriculum I have seen the immense improvements the RKC system has made. Not many people come close the knowledge of strength training or dedication to it than Som. I highly recommend him to anyone who is ready to make the conscious transition to the "next level"
Taekwondo
Taekwondo (also spelled tae kwon do or taekwon-do) is a martial art originating in Korea. An amalgamation of Chinese, Japanese, and traditional Korean fighting styles, taekwondo has become the world's most commonly practiced martial art, and is the national sport of Korea as well as an Olympic sporting event.
In Korean, derived from hanja, tae means "to strike or smash with the foot"; kwon means "to strike or smash with the hand"; and do means "art of" or "way of". Hence, taekwondo is loosely translated as "the art of hand and foot" or "the way of the foot and the fist". Taekwondo's popularity has resulted in the divergent evolution of the art. As with many other martial arts, taekwondo is a combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment, and philosophy.
Although there are great doctrinal and technical differences among private taekwondo organizations, the art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg's greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance. In sparring, turning (roundhouse), 45 degree, front, axe, and side kicks are most often used; advanced kicks include jump, spin, skip, and drop kicks, often in combination. Taekwondo training also includes a comprehensive system of hand strikes and blocks, but generally does not emphasize grappling.
Hapkido
Hapkido (also spelled hap ki do or hapki-do) is a dynamic and somewhat eclectic Korean martial art. In the Korean language, hap means "harmony", "coordinated", or "joining"; ki describes internal energy, spirit, strength, or power; and do means "way" or "art". Thus, hapkido translates literally as "joining-energy-way", but it is most often rendered as "the way of coordinating energy" or "the art of coordinated power."
Hapkido prides itself on effective self-defense and as such employs joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks, and other strikes. Hapkido is an authentic Asian martial art of total self-defense; it deals with countering the techniques of other martial arts as well as common "unskilled" attacks.
Although hapkido contains both long range fighting and infighting techniques, the end of most situations is to get near for a close strike, lock, or throw. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength.
