About the BJJ Instructors
Professor Thomas Palmer began his martial arts training at the age of 16 and has been teaching children's martial arts for the last four years. In addition to being a certified Dragon Gym Children 's Martial Arts Instructor, Tom has a diverse background of sports, martial arts training and expertise. He has experience with Shotokan Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the tutelage of Alex Quintella and others.
As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt, Tom has been a successful competitor winning multiple gold medals in both weight class and open weight divisions.
In 2017, Tom also earned his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He holds a Bachelor 's Degree from West Chester University, has worked in the pharmaceutical industry and has now dedicated his career to teaching the martial arts and spreading their benefit to the community.
Professor Chris Taylor has been a part of the Dragon Gym family since and has been involved in teaching for two decades. He has had the opportunity to train and learn directly from Grandmaster Goh and in turn has adopted his effective teaching style. In 2008 he received a commendation from Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) for his efforts on teaching and spreading Tae Kwon Do in the United States. Instructor Chris is the head instructor for the Dragon Gym Junior Program.
He also works with students in the Junior-Elite program specializing in Jiu-Jitsu. With the Martial Arts Curriculum, Chris emphasizes Self-Control and Responsibility and the value of these virtues to build a better life and a better society.
In addition to his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Chris holds 4th Degree Black Belts in Taekwondo & Hapkido. He continues to study various martial arts including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the world-renowned team ATOS. He is also a Gracie Survival Tactics Certified Instructor and consults on defensive tactics to various law enforcement and private security outfits.
Professor Kevin L Barr joins the Dragon Gym family as a born and raised Exton native. With Bishop Shanahan High School behind him, Kevin took a bold leap into the United States Marine Corp. He returned to Pennsylvania honorably discharged as a Seargent.
After finishing his education at West Chester University, Kevin pursued a 20 year career in finance. His employment ranged from an equity day trader, pension consultant and private financial management. It was during this time, he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Beginning in 2002, Kevin began his martial arts career under the guidance of 5th degree Alexandre Britto. It was during these years that Kevin pursued competition training that resulted with national rankings. Kevin was awarded his Black Belt in 2014 with Britto under the world renowned Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team.
He never stopped and now over 20 years later, he continues to love training and teaching jiu jitsu. If you speak with him, you will recognize how much jiu jitsu has changed his life for the better. His passion as an instructor is to share the positive mental and physical benefits of training that he continues to enjoy to this day.
In additional to his Black Belt, Kevin holds a BA in Business Administration, a BS in Finance and is a registered Certified Financial Planner.
You'll find Professor Barr coaching at all of our Dragon Gym BJJ locations in Exton, Berwyn, Phoenixville, and Malvern, PA.