Reviews

Great school but I'm curious what happened to master heath chaddford dragon gym?

Master Somnath Sikdar has been an excellent instructor. He facilitates an environment that is focused on physical fitness, strong technique, and respect. I am amazed at how much I have learned. I strongly recommend him as a teacher.

Since joining the Dragon Gym, I have improved with coordination and flexibility. I am also more confident because I have set personal goals for myself and have achieved them all with the help of Master Somnath Sikdar. I look forward to attending classes, every time I acquire a new skill. It's a great workout too!

I meet Somnath over a year ago now and have had the pleasure of being able to work with him pretty frequently. All that I can say about him is that he is a gifted instructor that can take the worst wretch and help them move better, burn fat and become stronger than ever. If you are fortunate enough to be close enough to work with him do it! You will not regret the time or money spent with/ on him training you!

Master Somn is one of the most amazing people I know. From the first time I set foot in the Dragon Gym he has never ceased to teach me something new in his classes. His knowledge of the martial arts and fitness in general is profoundly deep and astounding. I look forward to learning many things from him through my training with him.

I think that Master Som is a great teacher. He is very patient but makes you want to push yourself to do your best. I am 14, and even though I haven't been training at Dragon Gym for long, I think it has been a great experience already. I have learned a lot over the months that I have been there, and I know I will be there for more time to come. It has helped to start learning kettlebells, and I want to keep adding them to my training. I wasn't sure if I would like Tae Kwon Do, but now I know I can do more than I thought I could, and I want to keep learning from Master Som and the other instructors and students who have helped me to get started.

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.

I have trained for 24 years in five different marital 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

Master Somnath is my favorite instructor. He explains what we are doing and why. I like how he demonstrates what 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 allows 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

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 enthusiasticly. 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.

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 confidense back from everything. In the end I am not only getting my confidents about my self 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.

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 outlift all of us, never to show off, but instead to inspire.

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!

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!!!

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.

As a doctor, I'm unfortunately very busy with 80 hr work weeks but my goals included buidling 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!

I have only been apart 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 Doe 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.

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 heir own pace. I have been a TKD student for almost 2 years and when I started I was out of shape and had'nt ever followed a regular excercise program. at 40 I struggle with moveing properly but because of Master Sikdar's incorperation of kettle bells as a mandantory part of our training he Has shown me how bells and TKD share movements and that by doing bells it will stregnthen the same muscle groups that are essential to perform martial arts. I have seen a vast improvement in what I can do physicaly since then.

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!!!

Working with Master Somnath Sikdar at Dragongym 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 can not recommend his services enough, if you ever have the chance to work with Master Sikdar, take it immediately!

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!

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.

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!

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 phisical skills set, but also the captivating ways of training. He keeps challenging us but never repeats same pattens. So I never felt mentally bored or tired even I am physically beaten. After 3 month, I find a improved me. And that's the whole point, right.

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.

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!

I have been very fortunate to be able to train under Somnath Sikdars' tuteledge 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 yourself. 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 Somnaths' guidance, Kettlebells, and Tae Kwon Do will get me there.

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

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 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"