KIM “THE DRAGON” YOUNG Named 2025 Jerry Briesath's PBIA Instructor of the Year By Keith Loria Kim “The Dragon”Young, a Master Certified Instructor with the Professional Billiard Instructors Association (PBIA) and the owner of Dragon Billiards Instruction – an accredited PBIA Training Academy based in Vestal, New York, was named the recipient of the BCA’s 2025 Jerry Briesath's PBIA Instructor of the Year. “This is a highlight professionally and personally for me,” Young says. “I got inspired to become a billiard instructor when I was 15 years old, before I really even knew what a billiard instructor was.” As one of the billiard world’s few full-time professional instructors,Young is known for his dynamic teaching style that helps players “Train Better and Do Better.” Young offers world-class coaching and instructor certification programs both in-person and through live online courses, reaching students worldwide. Whether training locally or online, his cutting-edge programs accelerate skill development, making him a trusted name for players who want to elevate their game quickly and effectively. “In our world, there are two basic types of pool players: the ones who think they know everything and the ones who know they don’t,” Young says. “My client is the customer who is interested in improving and doing what it takes to get better. To be able to help them achieve their dreams, whether that’s moving up a skill level in their division or they want to accomplish something great, that’s awesome.” Young’s coaching portfolio is as diverse as it is inspiring. His students include everyone from a player born without arms to a 103-yearold who learned to use Zoom on a smart42 | BCA INSIDER • FALL ISSUE 2025
phone just to take lessons. He has also guided high-level junior players, helping them overcome challenges and reach their potential. ForYoung, every student is notable and every victory – big or small – is celebrated. “A good student is one with an open mind,” he says. “When they come to me and they are willing to be honest with themselves about what they’re good at and not so good at, we can build a partnership and help them achieve their goals. It’s more fun for me if they have a good sense of humor. We’re going to work hard, but it’s going to be fun.” Most often, he notes, his students are advancing their skills faster than their skill level can keep up. “What usually ends u p happening is their skill level measured through their league might stay the same before they start skyrocketing,” Young says. “We’re able to find – based on assessment and how we are working – we’re able to see them move that needle.”